Space Radiation and Mars

The levels of radiation during a space flight to Mars could limit the astronauts survival during flight experts now caution. However new research can reveal how to handle the risks of radiation. Once humans pass the magnetic field of Earth, they become more vulnerable to radiation in space. Many astronauts have seen white flashes in space during to cosmic ray or high energy particles that pass through their hears. For space travel to Mas, Nasa must be prepared for the continued risk of radiation. Present research shows the human crew to Mars could not handle the radiation. But future research could lower the risk of uncertainty. Further research will be made to help with the future human flight to Mars.

Dummy Blast

Nasa will blast a dummy astronaut that is packed with human blood and bone cells with an intense radiation shower. The dummy astronaut will consist of a life-size replica of the human torso that is equipped with hundreds of radiation senors. The torso will have natural bone, simulated skin and organs, and blood cells. This experiment is being held so scientist can understand the full effects of solar radiation for future space exploration. The blood cells were placed in tubes in the stomach and some in the bone marrow. This will help answer the question of whether the shielded parts of bone marrow will be less effected by the radiation. Radiation in the bone marrow increases the risk of leukemia and other cancers. The scientist also want to see the effect radiation has on red blood cells. They want to see how much the radiation will damage DNA and if the cells end up apoptosising or turning cancerous. Many astronauts endures "chronic exposure" to low-level radiation during past missions but for a further flight mission the chances of a solar flare are raised. The biological effects are sensitive to the levels of radiation.

New Protocol for Mars Missions

Nasa has set new rules for cleaning space hardware that goes on "Search for Life" missions. This new protocol is set for decontamination of objects to Mars, cocktail of chemicals that clean the hardware of all bacteria, viruses, and cells. It insures that no cells from Earth take a ride over to Mars. This new protocol helps eliminate the case of mistake indenity during the search for life. This is especially important for Mars since if there are biological life forms on Mars, they will be scare. The new protocol eliminates the background noise and will help scientists focus better on the search for life.

Microbe, key to extraterrestrial life?

Dr. Loveland-Curtze and her team at Pennsylvania State University have discovered a novel microbe, Herminiimosa glaciei. H. glaciei was brought to life by the team. The dormant mirobe was taken into a 2 degree Celsius chamber for 7 months and then into a 5 degree Celsius chamber for 4 and half months. After the incubation small colonies of H. glaciei were found. This microbe is about 10 to 15 times smaller than E. coli. A small size is advantageous is living in harsh conditions. The microbe was probably able to survive in liquid veins of ice crystals or liquid film on surfaces. Studying how such small microbes can survive in harsh conditions can lead to a better understanding of small cells on other planets and how we can discover them.

Young Girl Discovers Supernova

A young 14 year old girl has discovered the smallest supernova recorded. Caroline Moore discovered the exploding star in her backyard using a very low powered telescope. The supernova was in a Galaxy 70 million light years away. The star was labeled SN 2008ha. Normal supernovas explode with so much energy that they outshine their own Galaxy, while this supernova was a faint explosion of light.

Zero-G and Immune System.

A new study was found that weightlessness is stressful on the human organs that create immune cells. The study was performed on mice that were stimulated in zero-gravity. This showed that a protein, osteopontin (OPN), a stress hormone is involved with the waste of the spleen and thymus organs. These are the organs that create white blood cells that are able to battle infections. Without the correct amount of white blood cells, a human is at threat for disease, viruses, and bacteria. Osteopontin signals cells for survival and to stay on the offensive during injury and stress, doctors think that it also suppresses the immune system during this time. This new study can lead to research on cutting down the risk of getting sick in space on long space flights.

Sick in Space

Illness During Space Travel. Microgravity during space flight weakens the immune system so astronauts need to be extremely careful of catching a virus before flight. With the spread of swine flu, astronauts for the May 11th flight, the Atlanti's STS-125 Crew, had to be even more careful. NASA is always cautious of exposing crew members with any virus or bacteria before flight, even the common cold can by problematic. The crew entered quarantine weeks before the flight to avoid catching a sickness. 10 days before the launch the crew undergoes a physical exam to make sure they are not infected. They then go into a strict quaratine the week before and are examined once again 2 days before the launch. However, sometimes sickness can still come through. The atmosphere can also cause the astronauts to become sick. The prevention and protocol for sickness during space flight is very important for human missions to Mars. It would not be good to have astronauts sick during such long flights.