A new study by researchers at the University of California San Diego has found signs of accelerated aging in human stem cells that spent just over a month in space. The research provides further insight into the dramatic physiological and psychological changes that astronauts can experience during extended space travel.
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The study focused on hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs), which are essential for producing blood and immune cells. Using special nanobioreactors, the researchers sent one set of stem cells to the International Space Station (ISS) for 32 to 45 days while a control group remained on Earth. The cells on the ISS showed a number of changes, including a reduced ability to renew themselves, increased susceptibility to DNA damage, and inflammation in the mitochondria.
While the changes were significant, the damage did not appear to be permanent. The study noted that the effects were at least partially reversed after the cells were returned to Earth.
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“Space is the ultimate stress test for the human body,” said Catriona Jamieson, director of the UC San Diego Sanford Stem Cell Institute. She emphasized that these findings are crucial for understanding how to protect astronauts during long-duration missions, such as a trip to Mars. The research also helps scientists on Earth better model human aging and diseases like cancer.
