Experts recommend that astronauts undergo periodic blood tests to prevent malfunctions in the body.
A number of American researchers during a 20-year experiment found that space flights cause DNA mutations, thereby increasing the risk of developing cardiovascular and oncology diseases. The results of the scientists’ work were published on the Nature.com website.
In the study, 14 astronauts who flew into space between 1998 and 2001 on shuttles and the flights lasted an average of 12 days had DNA mutations in their hematopoietic stem cells.
At the same time, it was noted that although the mutations became very high for the age of the astronauts, they were still below the acceptable threshold.
“We took samples of the astronaut’s whole blood twice, exactly 10 days before the space flight and on the day of landing. Leukocytes were collected once, three days after landing. Then the blood samples was left untouched in a freezer for 20 years, cooled to a temperature of minus 80 degrees Celsius. The presence of these mutations does not mean that the astronauts will develop cardiovascular disease or cancer, but there is a risk that it could happen over time due to constant and prolonged exposure to the extreme conditions of deep space.” research, professor of cardiology David Ghukasyan.
Based on this, scientists recommend that astronauts undergo periodic blood tests to watch for possible mutations. This is especially true in the aspect of the upcoming missions to the Moon and Mars.
Let us remind you, it has been known for a while what will happen to the human body while living on Mars.
Find out which areas of Mars are covered by water
News from Correspondent.net on Telegram. Subscribe to our channel Athletistic
Source: korrespondent
