Stem cells age faster in space, study finds
A University of California San Diego study just found that being in space makes blood and immune system stem cells age faster.
The main culprits? Microgravity and cosmic radiation astronauts face during missions.
How the research was conducted
Using AI-powered nanobioreactors on four SpaceX supply trips to the ISS, scientists tracked these cells for about a month.
They saw less healthy cell production, DNA damage, shorter telomeres (which protect our DNA), and stressed-out mitochondria—all signs of early aging.
Some recovery happened once the cells were back on Earth.
Why it matters
Space is tough on the body—especially for astronauts spending months away from Earth.
As the researchers explain, understanding how spaceflight accelerates stem cell aging can help develop countermeasures for future missions. Plus, these insights could even help us learn more about aging and cancer here at home.
The research was published in Cell Stem Cell this September.