Scientists found that our DNA can change in space. This change could increase astronauts' chances of getting cancer. The scientists did research on the blood of astronauts who flew on the Space Shuttle 20 years ago. They gave blood ten days before going into space and three days after coming back. Professor David Goukassian said astronauts work in an "extreme environment" where radiation and other factors could "result in mutations".
The study could help space travel in the future. Countries are working on going to Mars and building bases on the moon. Companies are starting the business of space tourism. More research is needed to study how any space travel might harm our body. This could help NASA's Artemis project. This aims to send people to the moon for the first time in 50 years. The last time we went to the moon was in December 1972.
Try the same news story at these levels:
Astronauts' DNA - Level 0, Astronauts' DNA - Level 2 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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