Today in our program, we’ll be talking about the final frontier of kidney research.
Next, could environmental pollution be quietly harming your health, and finally, a way to relieve stress in just 20 seconds?
Welcome to Health Channel News.
So starting off, Elon Musk aims to have the first crewed flights to Mars in four years. But according to the magazine, Scientific American, the mission to transport humans to other planets has one big challenge: humans.
The problem, it turns out, is in our kidneys, and this has implications for kidney health research in general.
The article pointed to a recent study in Nature Communications, which examined both astronauts and rodents in space. It found that microgravity and cosmic radiation hindered the kidney’s abilities to filter calcium and salts. That led to an increased risk of kidney stones and other health issues even years after the subjects returned to Earth.
In particular, the study found that the effects of cosmic radiation might damage the body’s cells permanently. One researcher at Georgetown University commented about this radiation, saying, you’re going to damage DNA, proteins, and organelles.
According to the article, the cosmic radiation negatively affected mitochondria, disrupted the production of protein, and may stiffen blood vessels.
The author noted that space travel is not just rocket science. More health research is urgently needed on how to protect astronauts’ kidneys.
So how does that benefit those of us staying here on Earth?
Well, one physiologist noted that this research could suggest more effective ways to protect organs from radiation. This is especially important in the use of radiation therapy to treat cancer.
Our next story, could environmental pollution be quietly harming your heart?
The article in Medical News Today emphasized that reducing environmental pollution is key. New research from Columbia University further confirms that exposure to certain metals in the environment can have serious health impacts.
The Columbia University study focused on heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and arsenic, which are commonly found in air, soil, and water due to industrial pollution. The researchers found that even low levels of exposure to these metals can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
The study reported that these metals can lead to inflammation, oxidative stress, and other changes in the body that contribute to heart disease. The researchers emphasized the need for stricter regulations on pollution to protect public health, especially in densely populated urban areas where exposure levels tend to be higher.
For individuals, experts recommend reducing exposure to heavy metals where possible, such as using water filters, avoiding foods high in certain contaminants, and checking air quality before spending extended time outdoors.
And now, on to our final story—a simple way to relieve stress in just 20 seconds.
A study published in the Journal of Psychology and Health suggests that a quick breathing exercise can reduce stress levels almost instantly. The technique involves taking a deep breath through the nose, holding it for a few seconds, and then exhaling slowly through the mouth.
The researchers found that this breathing exercise can help lower heart rate and reduce the production of cortisol, a stress hormone. Participants reported feeling more relaxed and focused after just a few rounds of deep breathing.
Dr. Emily Chen, a psychologist and co-author of the study, explained that deep breathing stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes a state of calmness in the body. She recommends using this technique whenever you feel overwhelmed or anxious, as it can help bring down stress levels quickly and improve mental clarity.
