Arriving at Mars may cost your kidneys, here are the details

A new study in the UCL Department of Kidney Medicine led by Dr. Keith Siew reveals key findings about health risks to travel to Mars. The study was published in the journal Nature Communications, which covers more than 40 space missions, including missions to the International Space Station (ISS), and revealed that exposure to space conditions can significantly alter kidney function, which may require dialysis during a return trip or upon arrival on Earth.Dr. Siew and colleagues analyzed data from 20 studies and various simulations, including 11 animals involving mice and rats, which were exposed to radiation that simulated deep space travel. Their work so far is considered the largest study on space kidney health, and also includes health data on commercial astronauts.
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Research emphasizes that the kidneys undergo structural changes in the space, which can lead to permanent damage.

The microgravity experienced by astronauts in orbit causes the shrinkage of certain renal tubules that regulate important balances of minerals such as calcium and salt.

Furthermore, space flight appears to increase the likelihood of kidney stones, which are already observed in shorter missions for health problems. While astronauts in low-Earth orbit are benefited by partial shielding of Earth’s magnetic fields, this protection does not extend to deeper space. Can also read: Human skulls on Mars?

The findings of the study, including exposure to cosmic radiation for up to 2.5 years, show that radiation has a lasting effect on renal function.

“We know what has happened to astronauts so far in relatively short space missions that have been carried out so far, as there are an increase in health issues such as kidney stones,” Dr. Siew explained. “What we don’t know is why these problems occur, nor what will happen on longer flights, such as the proposed mission to Mars.”