nuclear-news

The researchers, from Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, found that cosmic radiation impairs the ability of cells in the intestines of mice to eliminate oncogenic proteins, thus substantially increasing development of colorectal tumors….. “While there is no reliable estimate of colorectal cancer risk from space radiation exposure, we have shown that exposure to cosmic radiation causes markedly increased intestinal tumors in mice,” says Datta, an assistant professor in the department of biochemistry and molecular & cellular biology.

“These findings have implications for the health of astronauts undertaking exploratory missions into outer space and for future space tourists,” he says…..

Both researchers used specialized mutant mice to study the effects of 56Fe radiation, a highly ionizing radiation prevalent in space.”This radiation is considered the greatest challenge for space exploration,” says Datta. “It deposits higher amount of energy in the body than does the gamma-/x-rays causing relatively higher DNA damage. This is believed to increase carcinogenic risk in astronauts, although accurate risk estimates are not yet available.”….http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130409144837.htm