The habitability of our planet Earth owes much of its credit not just to its location in the “Goldilocks zone,” but also to its protective atmosphere and magnetic field. These forces shield us from cosmic rays, which have the potential to damage DNA and mutate lifeforms. However, in the harsh environment of space, the moon, and Mars, astronauts are no longer shielded from these cosmic rays, leading to potential health consequences.
A recent study has revealed that prolonged exposure to galactic radiation and the weightlessness of space can cause damage to erectile tissues in men, with effects that could last for years. To investigate these effects, researchers conducted a study on rats exposed to simulated cosmic rays while in a weightless position. The study found that even low-level exposure to cosmic rays led to an increase in oxidative stress in the rodents, impairing the function of the arteries responsible for blood flow and erection in their penises.
Despite these findings, there may still be hope for future space explorers. The researchers discovered that treatment with specific antioxidants improved the function of the damaged tissues, offering a potential solution to this issue.
The results of this research have been published in The FASEB Journal and can be accessed here. This study sheds light on potential health risks faced astronauts in space, as well as potential solutions to mitigate these risks.