Using the Colorado neutron facility, we used this simulated space radiation exposure to measure its effect on the brains of mice.Įarth’s magnetic field protects the planet from cosmic radiation from solar flares and the Big Bang. Physicists at Colorado State University have now developed a facility that allows researchers to deliver a very slow and much more realistic deep space radiation exposure - 1 milliGray of radiation every day. That doesn’t accurately simulate what an astronaut would experience on a mission to Mars. In those previous studies, radiation exposures were delivered to rodents in a matter of minutes. That was an element of space travel for which we did not have any data until recently. In deep space, radiation exposures happen little by little over the course of the entire trip. Present findings will promote researchers’ understanding of the hazards of space radiation exposure on brain function and will allow us to develop strategies to prevent these problems and facilitate safe human space exploration. Many investigators funded by NASA have been studying the impact of radiation exposure on astronauts and evidence suggests that the brain will be damaged by exposure to space radiation. These include regions of the dendrites, thread-like projections that connect to other brain cells, myelin and synapses that are all vital for forming networks and communicating. In the brain, my co-investigators and I believe, they damage the microscopic structures of the brain’s cells, or neurons. As the neutrons interact with other nuclei in the body they produce free radicals, reactive molecules that can damage cell membranes, DNA and other fine structures in organs. These fragmentation products still have the energy to pass through the human body. The cosmic radiation particles traveling near the speed of light collide with the spacecraft and generate fragmentation products including neutrons. We along with other radiation biologists, are specifically concerned about astronauts because, with our current technology, there is no way to protect or shield them from space radiation. This outcome could jeopardize astronaut safety and mission success. According to the results of our new study in mice, exposure to cosmic rays impairs brain function causing problems with learning, memory and mood that may, if the results hold true for humans, influence a person’s ability to adapt and respond in unexpected or stressful situations. The most worrisome consequence of these radiation exposures are the adverse effects on the astronauts’ brains. Our group studies how exposure to radiation affects human health. Galactic cosmic rays are thought to be the remnants of supernovae and contribute to the space radiation environment along with protons and helium nuclei ejected from our Sun. When astronauts travel beyond that protective bubble, energetic particles called galactic cosmic rays bombard their bodies. The Earth’s atmosphere and magnetic field, largely protect life on the planet from cosmic radiation. While these might all be possible concerns, remote or otherwise, the greatest real danger to astronauts may in fact be one that cannot be seen: space radiation. Depending on which Hollywood sci-fi thrillers you choose, these intrepid explorers are at the mercy of malicious aliens, psychotic computers, or collisions with asteroids or space debris. During the course of a deep space mission, astronauts are routinely in various degrees of peril.
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