Women Seem Better-Fitted for Space Exploration
In a recent scientific find, it's discovered that women may have a stronger immune system when it comes to handling radiation exposure during space travel than men. Despite this, women seem to be more susceptible to specific heart-circulation issues and cancer risks.
Back in 2021, four individuals flew into space for the first time as part of the "Inspiration 4" mission, which included two women and two men. It wasn't just a thrilling adventure for financier Jared Isaacman and the three other passengers, but it also provided valuable scientific information. Analysing the findings revealed, among other things, that the immune system of women seems to be more adept at handling radiation exposure compared to men.
Nature published 44 studies deriving from these findings which became known as Space Omics and Medical Atlas (SOMA). "This is the largest publication of biomedical data from astronauts," Michela Castelli from the Institute of Bioengineering of Catalonia in Barcelona quotes Christopher Mason, a geneticist from Cornell University in New York.
We already know that space travel comes with various health struggles such as elevated cancer risk due to radiation exposure, muscle and bone loss caused by weightlessness, and changes in vision.
A team led by Mason didn't just rely on the data from "Inspiration 4" for their research. They also incorporated data from the Japanese space agency and a 2019 study concerning the NASA twins, Scott and Mark Kelly.
Space tourists offer invaluable information
The "Inspiration 4" crew not only represented a wider range of people than before - not just healthy, fit, and young, NASA astronauts - but they also orbited Earth at a greater height than the International Space Station. This enabled the passengers to experience a different, more intense radiation environment in space.
The study discovered monocytes were damaged, which are a type of white blood cell. This means the immune system is in "high alert mode," as Mason explains. His team also analysed the RNA in the astronauts' blood, identifying changes in the immune system genes. They surmise that this could weaken the body's ability to defend against viruses.
Men and women seemingly respond differently to space exposure
According to the study, the immunological and genetic responses in men appear to be more reactive during space flight. This implies increased sensitivity towards space-related changes.
This research also discovered that women may better adapt to the space environment during pregnancy. This knowledge is crucial as it's anticipated that the first in-space birth will occur in the near future. This flexibility in the immune system may be due to its capacity to adapt to evolving conditions.
It's also worth noting that women's immune systems are more likely to produce certain immune cells that aid in fighting infections; however, they're also more likely to produce inflammatory molecules that can cause damage to the body. This could be potential risk factors for women during space travel.
The SOMA collection provided important insights into the effects of space travel on the human body, possibly leading to countermeasures to safeguard astronauts from its harmful consequences.
Mason hypothesizes that adaptation to drastic physical changes could be the reason women are better equipped to tolerate pregnancy and withstand stress related to space travel. "Being pregnant is a fundamental physiologic stress, and the fact that women are more likely to tolerate this stress could be related," he suggests.
Preliminary data from the SOMA collection points towards women's better vision retention in weightless conditions. Nevertheless, they may encounter hazards concerning heart and circulatory health. The scientists feel additional research is necessary before they can draw reliable conclusions regarding gender-based differences. "However, these results could influence recovery times and potentially crew selection," Mason remarks.
