Scientists have discovered that space travel makes blood-forming stem cells age more quickly, potentially raising health concerns for astronauts on long missions. The breakthrough study, led by researchers at the University of California San Diego, tracked these vital cells during actual space missions. Blood-forming stem cells, known scientifically as hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs), are crucial for maintaining healthy blood and immune systems. These cells normally remain inactive most of the time, conserving their energy until needed to produce new blood cells. The research team developed a special “nanobioreactor” device, about the size of a cell phone, to monitor … Continue reading Stem Cells Age 10X Faster in Space, UC San Diego Study Reveals Health Risks for Long Missions