In a groundbreaking collaboration between NASA and researchers at Utah State University, Biological Engineering Associate Professor Yu Huang and doctoral candidate Bailey McFarland are paving the way for the next frontier of space exploration.
With plans to send astronauts on a roughly three-year expedition to Mars in the 2030s, NASA is turning to Huang and McFarland to study the effects of space on the human mind. Through their research, funded by the NASA Space Technology Graduate Research program, the team is using stem cells to grow brain organoids that mimic the processes, structures, and appearance of the human brain.
By exposing these organoids to gamma radiation and replicating microgravity conditions, the researchers are gaining valuable insights into how the human brain responds to the challenges of long-term space travel. Their findings have revealed that the brain’s outer structures, crucial for learning and language development, are particularly vulnerable to radiation.
“This research is essential for preparing astronauts for the rigors of space travel,” McFarland explained. “By understanding how the brain responds to radiation, we can develop countermeasures to protect against its effects.”
In addition to studying the effects of radiation and microgravity, the team is also focused on training the next generation of students in the field of space exploration. Huang emphasized the importance of passing on knowledge to future researchers who will continue to push the boundaries of human space exploration.
As the dream of a mission to Mars becomes a reality, thanks to the dedication and innovation of researchers like Huang and McFarland, the possibilities for humanity’s journey into the unknown are limitless.