Tue, Sep 20, 2011
Looking At Long Term Risks From Cosmic Radiation To Human
Heart, Central Nervous System
NASA is funding nine proposals from
eight states to investigate space radiation's effect on human
explorers. The proposals from researchers in California, Colorado,
Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York and Texas have
a total value of approximately $12 million. The ground-based
studies will work to better understand and mitigate risk of damage
to the heart and central nervous system from cosmic rays. The
studies also will assess cancer risks and how genetics affect space
radiation risks.
"These studies will pave the way for new approaches to better
prepare astronauts for living in space," said Francis A. Cucinotta,
chief scientist for the Human Research Program Space Radiation
Program Element at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. "The
proposals will examine biological changes caused by unavoidable
exposure to cosmic rays and their relation to heart, neuronal and
cancer risks."
The Human Research Program provides knowledge and technologies
to improve astronaut health during space exploration and identifies
possible countermeasures for known problems. The program quantifies
crew health and performance risks during spaceflight and develops
strategies that mission planners and system developers can use to
monitor and mitigate health risks.
NASA selected the nine projects from proposals that were
reviewed by scientific and technical experts from academia and
government laboratories.
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