An unprecedented study suggests that a trip to Mars could “destroy” the kidneys; Understanding | The world and science

A new study from the University of London (UCL) suggests that human outer space travel facilitates kidney deterioration. In experiments, mice were exposed to the same amount of radiation as a three-year round trip to Mars, and permanently lost kidney function. The results were published in the journal Nature Communications.

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The data in the research also includes a reinterpretation of astronauts’ missions beyond Earth. In less than a month under these conditions, signs of shrinkage appeared in the renal tubules, which regulate the amounts of salt and calcium in the body. This would be related to microgravity.

According to Keith Siu, a researcher at the University of California and leader of the study, with the technologies we have, a trip to Mars would be very expensive. He added: “If we do not develop new ways to protect these organs, astronauts could get there, but they will need dialysis upon return.”

The research launched last Tuesday (11) indicates that since man arrived on the moon in 1969, the consequences of space travel have been known, such as loss of bone mass and a weak heart. Experiments on the effect on the kidneys in this type of condition have not been conducted by science.