Travel to Mars represents one of humanity’s most ambitious endeavors, driven by a mix of scientific curiosity, survival imperatives, and the desire for exploration. While Elon Musk and SpaceX are at the forefront of this effort, other significant players include NASA, which aims to send humans to Mars by the 2030s as part of its Artemis program, and organizations like the Mars Society, founded by Robert Zubrin, which advocates for human settlement on the Red Planet. I have read some of Zubrin’s books and find him visionary.
The importance of Mars exploration lies in its potential to answer profound questions about life beyond Earth, its role as a backup for humanity in case of global catastrophes, and its ability to inspire technological advancements and international collaboration. Current plans suggest uncrewed missions could begin as early as 2026, with crewed missions potentially launching by 2029 or 2035, depending on technological progress and funding. This journey is not just about reaching another planet but about securing humanity’s future and expanding our horizons, as we have done in the past.
As humanity looks toward ambitious space missions, such as a journey to Mars, scientists are grappling with the challenges of protecting astronauts’ health during extended periods in space. One critical area of concern is the impact of spaceflight on human kidneys. A recent study led by Dr. Keith Siew from the London Tubular Centre at University College London (UCL) has revealed space travel could cause significant and potentially irreversible kidney damage, posing a serious risk for long-term missions.
The kidneys, vital organs responsible for filtering waste and maintaining the body’s balance of salts and minerals, face unique stresses in space. Astronauts in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) benefit from partial protection provided by Earth’s magnetic field, shielding them from most galactic cosmic radiation (GCR). However, only 24 people, those who traveled to the Moon, have been exposed to the full intensity of GCR, and only for short periods of 6 to 12 days. No one has yet experienced the prolonged exposure that would occur on a multi-year mission beyond Earth’s magnetic boundary, such as a trip to Mars.
The UCL-led study, conducted in collaboration with over 40 institutions across five continents, is the largest analysis of kidney health in spaceflight to date. It examined data from 20 research cohorts and over 40 missions to the International Space Station (ISS), along with 11 simulations involving mice and rats. The researchers also conducted seven experiments where mice were exposed to simulated GCR equivalent to up to 2.5 years of space travel. The findings revealed troubling insights into how space conditions affect kidney function.
One key discovery was microgravity causes certain kidney tubules, the structures which regulate salts and calcium, to shrink within just a month. This change increases the likelihood of kidney stone formation, shifting focus away from previous assumptions stones primarily result from bone loss releasing calcium into the bloodstream. Additionally, exposure to GCR caused permanent structural damage to kidney tissues in mice, suggesting shielding alone cannot fully protect astronauts’ kidneys during extended missions.
Dr. Siew explained while short-term missions have already shown an increase in kidney-related health issues like stones, the reasons behind these problems and their potential escalation during longer missions remain poorly understood. Without effective countermeasures, astronauts embarking on a Mars mission may face severe kidney damage requiring dialysis during their journey or upon arrival.
The study also highlighted the delayed onset of radiation-induced kidney damage. By the time symptoms become apparent, it may be too late to prevent organ failure, a catastrophic scenario for any long-distance mission’s success. As such, protecting kidney health is now recognized as a critical aspect of mission planning.
Space agencies have been aware since the 1970s extended journeys outside Earth’s natural defenses pose risks to bones, eyesight, and cardiovascular health. However, this new research underscores the importance of addressing kidney health as well. According to Professor Stephen B. Walsh from UCL’s Department of Renal Medicine, “Our study highlights the fact that if you’re planning a space mission, kidneys really matter.” He noted while shielding cannot block all cosmic radiation, advances in renal biology could lead to technological or pharmaceutical solutions for mitigating these risks.
The implications of this research extend beyond space exploration. Drugs or therapies developed to protect astronauts’ kidneys could benefit patients on Earth who face similar challenges. For instance, cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy often experience kidney damage as a limiting factor in their treatment. Insights gained from studying renal responses to cosmic radiation might enable higher doses of radiotherapy without harming patients’ kidneys.
Although this study only covers organ changes over a timescale of up to 2.5 years, it represents the most comprehensive dataset available for understanding how space conditions affect kidney health. Pinpointing these risks is seen as a vital first step toward developing reliable solutions for future missions. The international collaboration behind this research reflects growing momentum to safeguard astronauts’ health as humanity prepares for more ambitious journeys into deep space. By addressing challenges like microgravity and cosmic radiation on multiple fronts, scientists hope to make long-duration missions safer and more feasible.
The bottom line is while astronauts may survive the journey to Mars physically intact, their kidneys face significant threats from microgravity and galactic radiation. Careful planning and innovative solutions will be essential to ensure crews remain healthy on unprecedented voyages far beyond Earth’s protective boundaries. The findings also offer hope for medical advancements which could improve treatments for kidney-related conditions here on Earth. It is another example of how space research benefits humanity.
Sources
Read more about technology at johnpatrick.com.
In this section, I share what I am up to, pictures of the week, what is new in AI and crypto, and more.
My next presentation will be at the Senior Spectacular Expo in Ridgefield, CT on Saturday, April 26.
Heritage Hills in Somers, NY has invited me back for another talk on AI and Bitcoin. It will be on June 10.
Apple is getting a lot of bad press about Apple Intelligence. Siri remains a dummy compared to the many AI solutions available. Apple stock is also getting punished with regard to tariffs. On the positive side, Apple is said to be preparing a major update to its Health app, incorporating an AI-powered doctor feature that provides personalized health recommendations, further expanding the role of AI in personal wellbeing.
This week in AI has seen significant advancements across major tech companies. Alibaba announced plans to release Qwen 3, an upgraded version of its flagship AI model, later this month. This new model is expected to compete with other leading AI technologies, particularly in China, where innovation in artificial intelligence has been accelerating rapidly. Meanwhile, Apple is preparing a major update to its Health app, incorporating an AI-powered doctor feature that provides personalized health recommendations, further expanding the role of AI in personal wellbeing. Additionally, Samsung unveiled its “Awesome Intelligence” platform for the Galaxy A series, introducing accessible AI features like object erasers for photos, contextual suggestions based on on-screen content, and creative tools for video editing. Adobe also launched Generative Extend in Premiere Pro, powered by its Firefly Video Model, enabling users to expand video and audio clips seamlessly while enhancing workflows with AI-powered Media Intelligence and multilingual caption translation. These developments highlight the growing integration of AI into everyday tools and services, making advanced capabilities more accessible to consumers and professionals alike.
This week in cryptocurrency, the market has been heavily influenced by macroeconomic events, particularly President Donald Trump’s announcement of sweeping tariffs. Bitcoin slid by 4%, dropping to $82,413, while Ethereum fell 7%, and Solana experienced a sharp 13% decline. These tariffs have rattled investor confidence, leading to a sell-off in riskier assets, including cryptocurrencies. Despite this, analysts highlight the resilience of crypto as a global hedge against economic uncertainty.
On the investment side, Bitcoin remains a focal point for institutional interest, bolstered by its upcoming halving cycle in 2024, which could reduce supply and drive prices higher over time. Meanwhile, newer projects like Dawgz AI are gaining traction by combining artificial intelligence with meme coin appeal, offering unique opportunities for speculative investors. Additionally, XRP has seen renewed interest following the SEC’s withdrawal of its lawsuit, enhancing its appeal for payment processors and banks.
While the broader crypto market faces short-term pressure from global trade tensions, experts suggest that long-term prospects remain strong for established players like Bitcoin and Ethereum and emerging innovations like Solana and Dawgz AI. The market’s response in the coming weeks will likely depend on shifts in global liquidity and investor sentiment.
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