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According to a new study, astronauts traveling to Mars in the near future could be facing serious stomach problems, including tumors.
Researchers at Georgetown University suggest that radiation from astronauts on long journeys could severely damage the gastrointestinal (GI) system.
Dr. Kamal Datta, responsible for the study, said: "With current protection technology, it is difficult to protect astronauts from the harmful effects of heavy ion radiation.
"While there may be a way to use drugs to counter these effects, no such agent has yet been developed.
(Image: Getty)
"Even if the short trips, like those that astronauts have made on the moon, are not likely to expose them to this level of damage, the real problem is the permanent damage caused by a long journey, such as a Mars mission or other mission in the far space much longer. "
In this study, researchers exposed mice at various levels of radiation.
Some mice received heavy ions like those encountered in space, while others were exposed to gamma rays.
The results revealed that mice exposed to heavy ions had altered intestinal cells that did not absorb nutrients.
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Disturbingly, some of these mice have also developed cancerous polyps in their gastrointestinal system.
In addition, researchers believe that other organs outside the gastrointestinal system could also be affected.
Dr. Datta added, "We have documented the effects of far-space radiation on some vital organs, but we believe that similar reactions can occur in many organs.
"It is important to understand these effects in advance so that we can do everything in our power to protect our future travelers from space."
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