Recent research findings showcase disappointing results for astronauts dreaming of a mission to Mars because there may be an impact on the functioning of the astronauts' brains due to the constant exposure to cosmic rays.
Anyone travelling to Mars encounters these cosmic rays and contain particles that are highly charged and energetic. This may affect the way that the central nervous system works in a negative way. This may in turn lead to improper brain functioning, according to VOA News.
The research was conducted on a group of lab rats and the outcome was not very encouraging for any Mars hopefuls. A team from University of California, Irvine School of Medicine are working on behalf of NASA to decipher the results and impact of these exposures to the lab rats, according to The Guardian.
Charles Limoli, a professor of radiation oncology said that the news will be particularly disheartening for Astronauts who embark on long term voyages across Mars, often lasting over two or three years.
He anticipates that the astronauts might suffer from loss in memory, lack of focus and decrease in their overall performance. These attributes are extremely important to any astronauts who are handling such a critical space mission. Limoli added that there also might be long term consequences which might be even more dangerous.
The research, which was conducted at NASA lab, shows that the particles in the rays affect the nervous system which in turn causes inflammations in the brain of the rats. This causes weakening of the signals that are sent out by the brain for various activities and subsequently affect performance.
However, researchers are confident that effect may be reduced by means of shielding or even by means of drugs.