Perils of Space Travel and Exploring Drug Stability for the Mars Mission | Zweerink and Baertschi

#spacetravel #marsmission
Join Jeff Zweerink and Steve Baertschi, president of Baertschi Consulting, as they discuss new discoveries taking place at the frontiers of science that have theological and philosophical implications, including the reality of God’s existence.
Perils of Space Travel
Although science fiction makes space travel seem almost inevitable, current research demonstrates numerous challenges to humans residing in space for long periods of time. Along with the well-known detrimental effects on muscle mass and density, research shows that prolonged periods in space expose the human body to far more radiation than encountered here on Earth. That radiation dramatically decreases our bodies’ capacity to fight off cancer and to keep past viral exposure in check. Additionally, radiation impacts the function of our gastrointestinal system and its ability to absorb nutrients and oral medications. These results highlight Earth’s amazing capacity to host a diverse and abundant array of life.
Drug Stability for Mars Mission
Drug stability is a function of the storage environment. Shelf-lives of 2-3 years (from refrigerated to room temperature storage) are common. NASA is planning for a roundtrip mission to Mars, expected to last 2-3 years. Little is known about the stability of drugs in deep space (outside of Earth’s protective magnetosphere). Limited studies of drugs on the International Space Station raise significant questions that have identified critical parameters: microgravity, vibration, humidity, ionizing radiation, carbon dioxide levels, and repackaging. Can we ensure a safe, stable drug formulatory that will meet all of the health needs for a round-trip journey to Mars in the deep space environment?
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LINKS & RESOURCES -
Santosh Kumar et al., “Space Radiation Triggers Persistent Stress Response, Increases Senescent Signaling, and Decreases Cell Migration in Mouse Intestine,” doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1807522115
Austin B. Bigley et al. “NK Cell Function Is Impaired during Long-Duration Spaceflight,” doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol....
Katelyn Burkhart et al., “Negative Effects of Long-Duration Spaceflight on Paraspinal Muscle Morphology,” doi.org/10.1097/brs.000000000...
PLAYLIST - • Stars, Cells, and God
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[@ji8044]

Very informative, I enjoyed it

[@gailpurcell1649]

I listened to Homer Hickam, Jr. (The Rocket Boys). He said that unless we use nuclear propulsion in the rockets to shorten the trip to Mars, it isn't feasible for humans because of the effects on our bodies.

[@lewisdemoss4639]

Very interesting. Thanks for the info

[@JJS-oy2fw]

Fascinating program about efficacy of medicine in long space travel. #Mars travel being long and weight issues may be a challenge.

[@jcthomas3408]

Glad there are scientists to figure this stuff out. I wouldn't even think about medication deterioration in space. Not even tempted to travel away from our beautifully designed earth!

[@paulbaertschi4111]

Very good job brother!

[@rwenslow]

Steve - great discussion - of course my question relates to impact of Tg - specifically, would dispersion drugs crystallize faster and become less efficacious...........

[@swbaertschi]

Bob - that is a good question! I don't have any insight (although I bet you might!), but I wouldn't be surprised to see crystallization rate changes...

[@MbeyaIsHome]

You missed a big prediction: going to Mars is going to be more difficult than we now think. And living on Mars is going to be more difficult than we now expect

[@swbaertschi]

My prediction would be "probably" for your first question and YES for the second!

[@pierreabbat6157]

Is your favorite ball player Al Kaline?