The effects of radiation on long-duration astronauts
MAY 04, 2015
DOI: 10.1063/PT.5.028846
Los Angeles Times : Cosmic rays could pose a serious threat to the health of astronauts making long trips, such as to Mars. To simulate the potential damage, Charles Limoli of the University of California, Irvine, and colleagues exposed mice to radiation similar to that in space. After just six weeks, the animals’ memory and ability to learn were significantly affected. “Over the course of a two- to three-year mission, the damage would accumulate,” said Limoli. Possible solutions could be helmets with advanced shielding or drug therapies. Limoli has already been exploring such drug therapies for cancer patients who have undergone radiation therapy.
© 2015. American Institute of Physics