Space & Astronomy

Mars astronauts vulnerable to 'space brain'

By T.K. Randall
October 10, 2016

Image: Humans on Mars
Credit: Pat Rawlings / (PD) NASA As if deadly radiation, limited supplies and long periods of isolation weren't enough of a problem for the first astronauts heading to Mars, researchers at the University of California in Irvine have now identified another potential side-effect of long-haul space travel - a condition they call 'space brain'.

According to the research, exposure to cosmic rays during a space mission could impair cognition on a permanent basis, leading to memory loss, anxiety, depression and dementia.

"This is not positive news for astronauts deployed on a two to three-year round trip to Mars," said Professor Charles Limoli. "The space environment poses unique hazards to astronauts.""Exposure to these particles can lead to a range of potential central nervous system complications that can occur during, and persist long after, actual space travel - such as various performance decrements, memory deficits, anxiety, depression and impaired decision-making."

"Many of these adverse consequences to cognition may continue and progress throughout life."

Health concerns such as these could prove to be a major stumbling block if a solution cannot be found before the first manned mission to Mars is undertaken within the next few decades.

Source: BT.com

Tags: Mars, Astronauts