![]() One way that scientists could alter future astronauts is through epigenetic engineering, which essentially means that they would “turn on or off” the expression of specific genes, Mason explained. Theoretically, this type of technology could also be used to combat the effects of radiation on healthy cells during cancer treatments on Earth, Mason noted. If, for example, scientists could figure out a way to make human cells more resilient to the effects of radiation, astronauts could remain healthier for longer durations in space. On Earth, the body can repair double-strand breaks by adding and deleting DNA bases, or re-joining the two pieces without altering them.Ĭhris Mason, a geneticist and associate professor of physiology and biophysics at Weill Cornell University in New York, has investigated the genetic effects of spaceflight and how humans might overcome these challenges to expand our species farther into the solar system. Fortunately, cells have several different natural strategies by which damaged DNA can be repaired. In humans and other animals, damaged DNA can lead to cancer. It’s also approaching the estimated lifetime limits of radiation for human exposure.ĭamage to an organism’s DNA can occur during normal biological processes or as a result of environmental causes, such as UV light. Deep-space missions, going beyond the inner planets, or even just one long mission to Mars and back, will be pushing the limits of what we know. One of the main health concerns with space travel is radiation exposure. cosmic rays produced outside the Solar system. The natural space environment consists of electrons and protons trapped by Earth’s magnetic field, protons and small amount of heavy nuclei produced by Solar events, and heavy nuclei, i.e. Outside the protective cover of the Earth’s atmosphere, the solar system is filled with radiation. “There are 500 times more neutrons at 30,000 feet than there are on the ground,” points out Aitech’s Romaniuk. Aircraft flying at altitude, at about 30,000 feet and above, also are starting to experience radiation-induced effects. ![]() Field programmable gate array (FPGA): The Versatile Technology Powering Next-Gen Data Centers and Military Applicationsĭeep-space and long-duration missions, where both crew members and spacecraft no longer benefit from the protection of Earth’s magnetic fields, are considered high risk for adverse radiation impacts.6G Wireless Technology Market Growth: What to Expect in the Next Decade.DARPA PROVERS: Advancing Formal Methods for Software Assurance in Critical Systems.Revolutionizing Security, Military, and Communications: The Disruptive Potential of Terahertz Technology.DARPA BRIDGES Next Generation Antennas: Innovative Concepts for Enhanced Sensing in the Department of Defense.The Future of Air-to-Air Refuelling: Advancements in Automated Aerial Refuelling and the Integration of Drones. ![]()
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