Human Stem Cells Age More Rapidly In Space, Study Finds

While scientists are still moving to understand nan effects an extended travel to space tin person connected nan quality body, investigation successful caller years has suggested that astronauts whitethorn acquisition immoderate beautiful melodramatic changes connected some nan physiological and psychological levels. In nan latest study led by a squad astatine University of California San Diego, researchers recovered signs of accelerated aging successful quality stem cells that spent astir a period successful space. 

The investigation focused connected hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs), which are important successful nan statement of humor and immune cells. Stem cells were sent to nan International Space Station for stays of 32-45 days utilizing specially developed nanobioreactors to show them. Another group remained connected Earth astatine nan Kennedy Space Center. The cells that went to nan ISS showed a big of changes, including reduced self-renewal abilities, greater susceptibility to DNA harm and inflammation successful nan mitochondria. However, nan harm didn't look to beryllium permanent. The squad notes that nan changes were astatine slightest partially reversed erstwhile nan cells were removed from nan abstraction environment. 

“Space is nan eventual accent trial for nan quality body,” Catriona Jamieson, head of nan UC San Diego Sanford Stem Cell Institute, said successful a statement. “These findings are critically important because they show that nan stressors of abstraction — for illustration microgravity and cosmic galactic radiation — tin accelerate nan molecular aging of humor stem cells. Understanding these changes not only informs really we protect astronauts during long-duration missions but besides helps america exemplary quality aging and diseases for illustration crab present connected Earth."