Space travel might be worse for human health than scientists thought

New research by a British non-profit suggests that the health consequences of being in space may be more serious than originally believed.

As far as suitable environments go, space in pretty uninhabitable.

Not only does it lack oxygen, but the atmosphere is either far too hot or far too cold for humans to survive in without help from special suits and space stations. Even when provided these forms of protection, astronauts are known to return to Earth exhibiting signs of reduced health.

While stationed at the International Space Station, astronauts work on their fitness using zero-gravity weights and cardio machines in order to maintain their strength and health.

Despite their daily efforts, the most well-documented health issues that space-travellers face are weakened bones, diminished muscle size and function, decreased production of red blood cells (space anemia), eye and balance disorders, and even weakened hearts.

A new report published on October 22^nd points to additional health concerns for astronauts.

Compiling a number of research projects, the Guy Foundation, a British non-profit interested in the links between physics and biology, argues that time spent in space could be more dangerous than once thought, due to its effect on mitochondria.

For some reason, mitochodria’s role as the powerhouse of the cell is one of the most remembered and repeated facts we learned in biology class growing up.

That said, it should ring major alarm bells that space travel impacts the way mitochondria operates while in space.

In 2020, a research group from Queens University in Belfast found that spaceflight changes how mitochondria works, which could explain the health problems commonly found in astronauts.

Whether it’s immune system problems, cardiovascular issues, or ‘accelerated ageing,’ each of these health problems is caused by disturbances in cellular energy production – mitochondria’s key function.

Some scientists say that it is possible that the radiation in space is to blame for damaging cells, since it is well known that it puts astronauts at higher risk for developing cancers. Other scientists say that the pull of Earth’s gravity may be vital for helping cells carry out their various jobs.

Additional theories include astronaut’s lack of infrared exposure, which humans typically get from the sun. Since sunlight helps us regulate our circadian rhythms, it’s possible that it could play a deeper role in our biological function.

Gathering more research on the health effects of being in space is vital, especially if plans to live on the moon or Mars are to come to fruition in the coming decades.

These tests, scientists suggest, could be carried out using animals – though they are likely to face pushback from global activists.

Perhaps we just need to face a harsh reality: humans – more specifically, Homo sapiens – could be poorly suited to live anywhere but our home planet, Earth.