According to radiation oncology studies by researchers from both the University of California Irvine and University of Nevada (both in the United States), Mars astronauts may be at risk of serious brain damage. According to the Science Advances journal (citation below), the damage will occur on the Mars trip and the return journey. Animal studies have shown that astronauts’ brains could be permanently damaged by harmful particles, which can impair their ability to think and learn. The brain’s capacity to learn and think properly would be affected. The astronaut’s brain would be damaged by the galactic cosmic radiations that pass right through their spaceship. Image: YouTube. Professor Charles Limoli of the Cancer Research Institute at the University of California Irvine and his colleagues found that high-energy charged particles, similar to galactic cosmic radiations astronauts receive during lengthy spaceflights, can cause significant damage to the central nervous systems, leading to cognitive impairments. Professor Limoli stated that this is bad news for astronauts who are on two to three year round trips to Mars. The rodents were further studied in Prof. Limoli’s Irvine lab. Professor Limoli and his colleagues discovered that these particles caused brain inflammation which, in turn, disrupted transmission between neuronal cells (brain/nerve cell). Imaging studies have shown that the brain’s communication system was affected by changes in spine structure and dendrite structure (nerve cells). Additional synaptic alterations and structural changes significantly reduced the ability of nerve cells to transmit electrochemical signals efficiently. After being exposed to charge particle radiation, the rodents had a marked decline in their ability to learn and remember. According to the authors, similar cognitive impairments were seen in patients with brain cancer after they received high-dose photon-based radiation treatment. Although cognitive impairments in astronauts may not be apparent immediately, Professor Limoli stated that because a Mars journey is long and involves several months, the cognitive problems would likely develop over the course of the trip. Because astronauts are shielded by Earth’s magnetic field, they don’t get as much cosmic radiation when they spend extended periods at the International Space Station. Professor Limoli, above, suggested that extra protection could be added to the sleeping or resting areas. Even then, the cosmic rays could still penetrate. How can Mars astronauts be safe? They suggest that the spacecraft be designed so there is a place with stronger shields. Perhaps this could be where astronauts sleep or rest. These galactic cosmic radiations, however, will pass through the spaceship. There are some preventative therapies that might be able to help. Professor Limoli stated that they are developing pharmacologic strategies using compounds to protect neurons and scavenge radicals. These strategies are still being optimized, but they remain under development.” Citation: “What happens your brain while on Mars?” Vipan K.Parihar, Barrett Allen and Trisha G.Macaraeg. Esther M. Chu. Stephanie F. Kwok. Nicole N. Chmielewski. Brianna M. Crane, Janet E. Baulch. Munjal M. Acharya. Francis A. Cucinotta. Charles L. Limoli. Science Advances. Published May 1, 2015. DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.1400256. Video: Mars travel and brain injury Prof. Limoli discusses how prolonged galactic cosmic radiation exposure can lead to cognitive impairments similar to dementia.
