Scientists found a new risk to space travel. They found that our DNA can change when going into space. This change could increase the risk of astronauts getting cancer. The scientists did research on the blood of 14 NASA astronauts who flew on the Space Shuttle between 1998 and 2001. They gave blood ten days before going into space and three days after returning to Earth. Professor David Goukassian said: "Astronauts work in an extreme environment where many factors can result in…mutations." He added: "Space radiation…means there is a risk that…mutations could develop."
Professor Goukassian's study could be important for the future of space travel. Several nations are working on going to Mars. Other countries want to build bases on the moon. Companies are also racing to start the business of space tourism. There are possible health risks to space travel and to exploring deep space. More research is needed to study how space travel might harm the body. This could help NASA's Artemis project, which aims to send people to the moon for the first time in 50 years. The last time humans went to the moon was in December 1972.
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Astronauts' DNA - Level 0, Astronauts' DNA - Level 1 or Astronauts' DNA - Level 3
Sources- https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-11182509/NASA-astronauts-blood-shows-signs-DNA-mutations-spaceflight-monitored.html
- https://thehill.com/changing-america/well-being/prevention-cures/3622854-spaceflight-may-increase-the-risk-of-heart-disease-cancer-study/
- https://www.universetoday.com/157440/even-short-flights-to-space-cause-cell-mutations-that-could-lead-to-cancer-and-heart-disease/
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