The study, published in ‘Cell Stem Cell,’ tracked changes in blood-forming stem cells during four space missions by SpaceX, where the cells stayed between 32 and 45 days at the International Space Station. The results showed a gradual loss of these cells’ ability to regenerate, along with signs of molecular erosion such as DNA damage and shortened telomeres.
Dr. Catriona Jamieson, director of the Sanford Stem Cell Institute at the University of California, stated that space represents the ‘ultimate stress test for the human body,’ noting that factors such as microgravity and cosmic radiation may accelerate aging at the molecular level.
The study explained that when these cells were returned to Earth and placed in a more suitable environment, some of the damage began to reverse, highlighting the importance of developing new protective strategies to safeguard astronauts’ health during long-duration missions.
