Radiation from a trip to Mars could dull astronauts

In general, when thinking about traveling to Mars, hardly anyone remembers the radiation involved in the process. A study of mice released by the Quartz Web site showed that the long exposure to chemical components of an alleged trip to the red planet affected the neurons of the animals, causing them to have cognitive problems.

In space, there are particles with high levels of energy that are generated from black holes and stars. On Earth and in space stations near the planet's surface, people are protected from radiation thanks to the magnetic field. An astronaut sent to Mars - a trip that could take many years - would be exposed to unprecedented radiation.

The rat test

Concerned about the situation, NASA itself partnered with researchers at the University of California Irvine and set up an experiment using mice to simulate the human brain. During the tests, the animals were irradiated with oxygen and proton ions using a particle accelerator.

The specimens were bombarded with radiation similar to the amount they would receive if they were on a spacecraft without any kind of shield during a long trip to Mars. After six weeks of analysis, the guinea pigs had trouble remembering some familiar objects and showed no interest in new items.

In addition, his prefrontal cortex neurons, which are linked to first-order reasoning, began to form fewer connections. The symptoms presented by the guinea pigs were similar to those of human Alzheimer's. Compared to mice that were not exposed, the result was even more alarming.

Space radiation is very dangerous because high energy particles leave traces of damage to cells and tissue that are very difficult to repair through the body's repair system. This is because the ionized components are like bullets inside bullets: once one of them gets into the cell, it causes new attacks by releasing smaller ammunition.

A dumb trip to Mars

It is noteworthy that just six weeks of exposure would not be enough to affect a human, since our brain is larger than that of a mouse. However, after a few months in space - something necessary on a visit to Mars - one could suffer the same consequences.

Staying healthy to face unexpected situations during a space mission can define the outcome of a trip off Earth, especially as communication with the planet becomes increasingly scarce as the surface distances itself.

Via TecMundo