Mars Travel May Entail Kidney Dialysis: Research Puts Barrier on Mars Settlement Due to Severe Health Concerns
In a groundbreaking study, researchers from NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), Baylor College of Medicine, and other institutions have shed light on a potential challenge for astronauts' kidney health during space travel, particularly for long-duration missions like a trip to Mars.
The comprehensive study, published in Nature Communications by University College London (UCL), has revealed significant kidney deformities in space, as well as the impact of microgravity and cosmic radiation on renal function. Mice in the study experienced significant loss of kidney function due to radiation exposure, and even mice exposed to simulated radiation for over two years suffered permanent kidney damage.
The findings of the study suggest that without developing new ways to protect astronauts' kidneys, dialysis might be necessary during the journey back to Earth for long-duration missions. This not only challenges the practicality of Mars colonization but also opens new avenues for research and innovation to make such ambitious goals achievable.
One of the study's key findings is that microgravity may alter how kidneys process salts. Researchers discovered that renal tubules showed signs of shrinkage after less than a month in space. These changes could have far-reaching implications for astronauts' health and the feasibility of future space missions.
The study's lead author, Keith Siew, emphasized the need for technologies or pharmaceutical treatments to mitigate the harmful effects on kidneys during space travel. As projects like Puratos in Brussels investigate the future of food production in space as part of efforts to ensure sustainable living conditions on Mars, the development of such protective measures is crucial for the success of these ambitious endeavours.
This study is one of the most comprehensive to date on the impact of space travel on kidney health, underscoring the importance of continued research in this area. The findings cast doubt on the feasibility of future Mars missions and potential colonization plans due to the concerning effects on kidney health. However, they also provide a clear call to action for researchers and space agencies to address this issue and make space travel safer for all astronauts.
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