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The article itself is full of caveats and concludes that their finding is inconclusive... Just some examples: >Overall, further longitudinal studies are requir

by pcrh 4y ago

The article itself is full of caveats and concludes that their finding is inconclusive... Just some examples: >Overall, further longitudinal studies are required to characterize CH and somatic mutational profiles in the context of space flight-associated stressors and their associated clinical impact. To date, there is no evidence of relevant CVD, cancer, or neurodegenerative diagnoses associated with this given astronaut cohort (current median age 62.5 years (IQR 60–67)). The lack of longitudinal samples from these same astronauts limits the assessment of clone stability, pathogenic potential, and prognostic value But that the value of their report is in demonstrating the possibility of using stored archival blood samples in future studies: >Thus, this study serves to address the feasibility of using bio-banked astronaut samples and demonstrate the importance of collaborations between NASA’s Human Research Program, Translational Research Institute for Space Health, Space Biology Program, NASA’s clinical support teams and corre- sponding data and biorepository branches, Unfortunately, though, people far and wide are inevitably going to use this paper as evidence that space travel causes leukemia...

csdvrx 4y ago
> The article itself is full of caveats and concludes that their finding is inconclusive... Just some example It's a bad example. Mutations are known to cause various health problems like cancer. It's like randomly writing to the RAM, live: maybe you won't crash the computer immediately, but keep trying and you'll do damages. The fact there's "no evidence of relevant CVD, cancer, or neurodegenerative diagnoses associated with this given astronaut cohort" shouldn't be surprising, given that astronauts are finely selected for perfect health among a large pool of candidate. It's like saying "it's totally ok to do drugs or performance enhancer when you're a sports professional player" - no, they will eventually degrade the pro player health too! Compared to a random person, it might just show later, as they have more of a health capital. > Unfortunately, though, people far and wide are inevitably going to use this paper as evidence that space travel causes leukemia... Given everything we know, yes it should, among other things - just like writing to RAM should eventually crash a computer
- pcrh 4y ago
  Mutations acquired during a lifetime are far more common that commonly believed; it's a key aspect of ageing. The astronauts in this study had an average age of 44, by which time they would be expected to have acquired mutations under normal, earthbound, conditions. To address this, the study compares the number of mutations found in the astronauts with the number found in a broader population with mean age of 58 yrs. Notably, they do not conclude that more mutations were found in the astronauts.

by pcrh 4y ago

csdvrx 4y ago

> The article itself is full of caveats and concludes that their finding is inconclusive... Just some example It's a bad example. Mutations are known to cause various health problems like cancer. It's like randomly writing to the RAM, live: maybe you won't crash the computer immediately, but keep trying and you'll do damages. The fact there's "no evidence of relevant CVD, cancer, or neurodegenerative diagnoses associated with this given astronaut cohort" shouldn't be surprising, given that astronauts are finely selected for perfect health among a large pool of candidate. It's like saying "it's totally ok to do drugs or performance enhancer when you're a sports professional player" - no, they will eventually degrade the pro player health too! Compared to a random person, it might just show later, as they have more of a health capital. > Unfortunately, though, people far and wide are inevitably going to use this paper as evidence that space travel causes leukemia... Given everything we know, yes it should, among other things - just like writing to RAM should eventually crash a computer

pcrh 4y ago
Mutations acquired during a lifetime are far more common that commonly believed; it's a key aspect of ageing. The astronauts in this study had an average age of 44, by which time they would be expected to have acquired mutations under normal, earthbound, conditions. To address this, the study compares the number of mutations found in the astronauts with the number found in a broader population with mean age of 58 yrs. Notably, they do not conclude that more mutations were found in the astronauts.