Space has always been "tempting" to explore, and with the same passion that astronauts explore space, researchers on Earth are exploring the effects of long space flights. What happened to the astronauts' bodies after they returned to Earth?
DNA damage
Ionizing radiation is a major concern for astronauts because it can damage DNA and other molecules in the body.
"Radiation is not such a problem during the mission, but the fear is that astronauts may have higher levels of cancer after the mission," says Alan Hargens, a professor and director of the Laboratory of Orthopedic Clinical Physiology at the University of California, San Diego. .
In space, ionizing radiation comes from solar flares and cosmic rays. It is also present on Earth, emitted in smaller quantities by radioactive materials. The Earth's magnetic field and atmosphere protect humans from ionizing radiation. But as astronauts leave Earth, that protection diminishes.
Cognitive skills
Researchers have referred to two twin brothers, Scott and Mark Kelly. Scott has spent a year on the International Space Station while his brother stayed on Earth. They underwent several tests. While in space, Scott's speed and accuracy were similar to his brother's performance.
But upon return, his speed and accuracy dropped in most tests. This effect lasted very little, for about 6 months and then his condition improved. Basically, it does not remain a worrying problem, but leaves room for further research.
Vision problems
Of the approximately 300 astronauts surveyed, 29% who completed short-term missions and 60% who completed long-term missions reported vision problems.
Shkencëtarët nuk e dinë saktësisht se si zhvillohet kjo gjendje, e njohur si sindroma neuro-okulare e lidhur me fluturimet hapësinore. Ka të ngjarë të jetë për shkak të zhvendosjes së lëngjeve të trupit drejt kokës si pasojë e mungesës së peshës.
Ndryshimi i masës muskulore dhe funksionit kardio
Fluturimi hapësinor me kohë të gjatë shkakton ndryshime të ngjashme me mungesën e aktivitetit fizik në Tokë.
"Ndryshime të rëndësishme te frymëmarrja, masa dhe funksioni muskulor dhe kardiovaskular dihet se ndodhin pas fluturimit hapësinor,” tha Carl Ade, një profesor asistent i fiziologjisë së ushtrimeve në Universitetin Shtetëror të Kansas në Manhattan, Kansas.
Astronauts may be able to minimize these effects with special diets, medications, and exercise. Researchers are also looking for ways to simulate gravity during exercise - to give the body a full workout.
Sources: Healthline, SciWorthy, NASA
