Space travel might be worse for human health than scientists thought

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.