Air pollution not only affects the lungs but is also behind the increased heart attacks in the country, said public health experts on Friday. Poor air quality has in recent years become a serious public health concern. Studies have confirmed its role in diseases ranging from respiratory to diabetes to heart to cancers. “Imagery showing people coughing in air pollution has led to the common perception that it only causes lung diseases. However, we need to understand that the effect of air pollution on heart health is extremely important. Air pollution kills by way of cardiovascular diseases,” said Dr. Sandeep Bansal, Medical Superintendent, VMMC & Safdarjung, Hospital, at the ‘Illness to Wellness’ summit organised by ASSOCHAM. “Particulate Matter 2.5 has the ability to enter the bloodstream and can transform cholesterol in the body into oxidised cholesterol, which can lead to plaque ruptures, a condition that may trigger acute heart attacks,” he added. In a recent study, Bansal’s team found that a rise of 0.5 in particulate matter over the preceding week is linked to an increase in heart attack cases. He urged for effective solutions to prevent air pollution and, in turn, improve cardiovascular health. Another study, published in the BMJ, shows that outdoor air pollution from all sources accounts for 2.18 million deaths per year in India -- of which 30 per cent are attributable to heart disease. Heart disease is the number one cause of mortality and a silent epidemic among Indians. Increased obesity levels are also a major concern. Obesity is a major risk factor for hypertension, diabetes, and cancers -- all of which can contribute to heart diseases. To counter this, the government has launched several initiatives like Fit India, Khelo India, POSHAN Abhiyan, and Eat Right India, among others “The government has launched the Fit India movement to encourage physical activity and sports, inspiring the younger generation to engage in more outdoor activities instead of being glued to electronic gadgets. Additionally, the Eat Right India movement promotes healthy eating and reduces the consumption of unhealthy foods,” said Dr. Manoj Kumar Jha, Additional Medical Superintendent, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences & Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital. Jha advised making small changes like eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and prioritising preventive healthcare through regular check-ups and good hygiene. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
21 March,2025 10:11 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSIndia is home to millions of Tuberculosis patients. It is one of the deadliest infectious diseases and needs timely attention. Cases of TB are surging at an alarming rate. Early detection is essential in controlling its spread and improving treatment outcomes. With advancements like molecular testing, it is possible to identify the disease more precisely and detect drug-resistant strains at an early stage. Delayed diagnosis often leads to a higher risk of morbidity and mortality.Every year, World Tuberculosis Day is observed on March 24 to raise awareness about the disease and its effects on the body. TB is a bacterial infection that happens due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis, taking a toll on the lungs. It is transmitted through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The symptoms commonly seen are persistent cough, fever, night sweats, weight loss, and fatigue. Factors like weak immunity, malnutrition, and close contact with infected individuals increase the risk of TB infection. If left untreated, TB can become severe and cause complications such as lung damage. Dr Tanish Mandal, consultant pathologist and zonal technical chief, Apollo Diagnostic Delhi said, “Prompt TB detection is lifesaving, as it enables immediate treatment and prevents further transmission. Advanced molecular diagnostics, such as PCR-based tests, have revolutionized TB detection by delivering accurate results within hours, allowing us to save more lives. These tests can identify even low bacterial loads, ensuring early intervention. Early diagnosis also reduces the risk of complications, such as long-term lung damage, empyema, and pneumothorax (lung collapse). Regular screening is essential for controlling the spread of TB. Moreover, timely diagnosis and treatment significantly reduce medical costs, hospital stays, and loss of productivity, thereby easing the financial burden on patients and their families. With the right testing and treatment strategies, we can move closer to eradicating this preventable and treatable disease.” Dr Mandal added, “Molecular testing will allow the detection of drug-resistant TB by identifying genetic mutations that confer resistance to first-line drugs. Unlike traditional culture-based methods, which take weeks, molecular testing gives rapid results and ensures the expert can initiate appropriate treatment sooner. Early identification of drug resistance will help patients receive targeted therapy, improving recovery rates and preventing the further spread of resistant strains. As TB continues to pose a threat, molecular diagnostics into routine TB screening is a game-changer in the fight against this disease.” Dr Tanvi Bhatt, pulmonologist, Zynova Shalby Hospital in Mumbai Said, ‘‘India is home to millions of Tuberculosis (TB) patients. A large number of people with TB have been successfully be able to improve their quality of life after treatment. However, TB is known to take a toll on the lungs by causing lasting damage. Tuberculosis is a bacterial disease that affects the lungs and spreads through coughing, sneezing, talking. The common symptoms are constant coughing, chest pain, coughing up blood, poor appetite, weight loss and fatigue. 50% of the patients who come to the outpatient department for treatment are TB patients. These TB patients are in the age group of 18 to 40 years. Treatment includes in the form of medication. TB can impact one’s lung function, lead to smaller lungs (restrictive disease) and narrower airways with slower airflow (obstructive disease). Post-TB treatment, TB survivors may experience breathlessness which can interfere in their daily routine and impact the quality of life.’’ "Tuberculosis (TB) is known to compromise the lung strength by damaging the lung tissues. Breathing problems, tiredness, and shortness of breath are the critical signs and symptoms of low lung strength. Tb also widens the airways permanently, raising the risk of respiratory infections. It will be imperative for patients to prioritize their lung health by going for regular check-ups and follow-ups, getting vaccinated (especially for pneumonia), maintaining hand hygiene, wearing a mask, social distancing, not being around sick people, avoiding crowded places, eating a nutritious diet, exercise, weight management and medication,” concluded Dr Bhatt.
20 March,2025 03:05 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSouth-East Asia has the highest global burden of oral diseases and mouth cancers, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) on World Oral Health Day on Thursday. World Oral Health Day is marked annually on March 20 to draw attention to oral health -- a key indicator of overall health, well-being, and quality of life. The theme this year is “a happy mouth is a happy mind.” Oral diseases are among the most common noncommunicable diseases worldwide. It affects an estimated 3.5 billion people. “Among the six WHO regions, South-East Asia reports the highest number -- approximately 900 million cases of oral diseases and conditions -- reflecting the region’s large population,” said Saima Wazed, WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia. “Our region also has the highest burden of oral cancer among all WHO regions. This is the leading cancer among males in the region, accounting for 11.2 per cent of all cases,” she added. The Regional Director noted that oral diseases "cause physical symptoms, functional limitations, and a detrimental impact on emotional, mental, and social well-being". A major reason for South-East Asia’s growing poor oral health is the high consumption of smokeless tobacco and areca nut -- proven carcinogens causing oral cancer. “A recent analysis revealed that one in two cases of oral cancer in our region is attributable to smokeless tobacco or areca nut consumption. This essentially indicates the number of cases that could be prevented if smokeless tobacco or areca nut consumption were eliminated from the population, emphasising the potential impact of primary prevention,” Wazed said. Wazed called the countries of the South-East Asia Region and partners for accelerated action to achieve universal health coverage for oral health by 2030. Meanwhile, the WHO is in the process of formulating a regional roadmap to address the burden of oral cancer. It will guide countries in regionally relevant strategies to address the burden of oral cancer and other health outcomes.
20 March,2025 02:32 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSNanavati Max Hospital has performed multi-hospital three-pair domino kidney transplant with Sushrut Hospital in Chembur, offering a fresh lease of life to three patients suffering from end-stage renal disease. The intricate series of surgeries overcame incompatible blood groups within families by pairing donors and recipients from separate households, thereby creating a “domino effect” of compatible transplants. This involved six surgeries across the two hospitals, two organ retrieval and transplantations at Nanavati Max Hospital and one set of retrieval and transplant at Sushrut Hospital, Chembur, uniting three donors and three recipient families in a synchronised chain to save lives. The first recipient, a 36-year-old resident of Bhindi Bazar, Mumbai was on dialysis for two years. His mother was a potential donor and a good match. However, when doctors suggested a swap procedure to benefit multiple families, his mother, agreed out of altruism, initiating the domino chain. She donated one of her kidney to a 57-year-old woman, who had been on the waiting list for two years and required regular dialysis. The woman’s husband was willing to donate, but their blood groups were incompatible. Being O positive, finding a suitable donor was especially challenging. Through the swap, the patient’s husband, donated his kidney to a 25-year-old Ratnagiri resident and a dialysis technician who had been assisting patients with chronic kidney disease. The youngster was diagnosed with kidney failure two months ago. His deteriorating health was first noticed by colleagues, prompting urgent medical evaluation. With no compatible donor in his family and limited financial means, his chances looked grim—until the domino transplant provided a viable solution. His 50-year-old mother in turn became the donor for the 36-year-old Mumbai resident, completing the chain. Recognising the potential of a three-way transplant chain, specialists at the orchestrated the swaps on Tuesday, March 18. All organ retrieval and transplant surgeries were successful and the patients are recovering. Speaking about the success of the first multi-hospital three-way domino transplant of this year in Mumbai, Dr. Jatin Kothari, Director, Nephrology & Chief Consultant, Renal Transplant Medicine at Nanavati Max Hospital, said, “The domino approach for kidney transplants helps patients who might otherwise might have a long wait for cadaveric organs. For some, it is the only ray of hope for individuals unable to find matching donors in their families. Establishing a unified registry of unmatched donor-recipient pairs, registered across hospital of the city or state can help us create larger domino chains and help more patients.” Dr Vivek Talaulikar, director and chief operating officer - Western Region, of the hospital commended the teamwork and dedication of the hospital’s transplant programme. “This pioneering three-pair domino transplant showcases our commitment to innovative renal care and patient-centric solutions. Moreover, possibility of larger domino chains across the hospitals will help reduce the number of unmatched transplants, alleviating both clinical and financial strain on patients.”
20 March,2025 11:02 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWant to reduce your stress levels? Daily physical activity and adequate sleep can increase happiness and cut down levels of stress, according to a study on Wednesday. Researchers at the universities of Harvard (US) and Oxford (UK) looked at predictors of happiness and well-being using data from smartwatches and smartphones to inform global public policies and product development. The pilot study, in collaboration with smartwatch provider Garmin and included data from over 10,000 global participants. Other key findings showed that emotional stability varied by age, with older adults showing more stability and younger adults more variability. The study also demonstrated high retention rates, suggesting participants found value in self-monitoring emotions during the day. The respondents were happiest when involved in cultural and social activities, eating, or spending time with friends and family. Several previous studies have shown that exercise helps manage stress better. It is because exercise majorly helps regulate stress hormones; and releases endorphins – good for boosting mood, and relieving pain, leading to a sense of well-being. Regular exercise is also known to improve sleep quality, but it is often disrupted by stress, further contributing to stress reduction. Exercise boosts self-esteem and improves mood, leading to a greater sense of control and resilience in the face of stress. Stress is a major health concern. It can lead to mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. Stress can also worsen noncommunicable diseases like diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and cancers. Other health conditions associated with stress include gastrointestinal problems like stomach pain and irritable bowel syndrome; weakened immune system: and skin problems. It can also impact the menstrual cycle and fertility. About 17 million working days are lost every year globally because of ill-health caused by work stress, depression or anxiety. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
20 March,2025 09:34 AM IST | New Delhi | IANSEarlier this March, Nike has officially launched its first women's night race for the first time in Mumbai, as it is set to take place on May 10. Continuing its mission to bring more women into sport, it has announced the 2025 After Dark Tour—a global women’s race series designed as the ultimate women’s weekend. The After Dark Tour will debut as Mumbai’s first-ever night race. The 10K run aims to foster a sense of community, self-expression, and belief, leaving runners feeling seen, supported, and motivated. For the first time, Nike is leveraging a popular messaging tool to connect women with the world of the athlete with the help of WhatsApp. The WhatsApp After Dark Tour Run Assistant has been powered by guided chatbot technology. It will provide bite-sized inspiration and expert knowledge to help runners train, stay motivated, and prepare for the race. Participants can also join Nike Running Head Coaches Mishti Khatri and Akshata Pai, along with a community of supportive women every week in a 10K training programme. With the right coaching, community, and mindset, runners will be empowered to cross the finish line under the city lights and take home a race bib, exclusive Nike After Dark Tour Swift Tee and a Nike Swoosh bra as part of their experience. Tarundeep Singh, general manager, Nike India, commented, “At Nike, we believe in the power of sport to create change. After Dark Tour Mumbai is a movement to empower women to reclaim the night, push boundaries, and run together like never before. It’s about celebrating resilience, determination, and the shared joy of running under the night sky.” With the After Dark Tour, Nike aims to create a space where women can come together to race, support one another, and celebrate their strength, this initiative is more than just an event—it’s the start of a movement that will inspire generations to come. The After Dark Tour is on May 10 in Mumbai. All women who want to learn more, can register for the race at afterdarktour.nike.com.
19 March,2025 09:42 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentDoctors of a private hospital in Kolkata successfully implant a pacemaker in a 102-year-old woman and discharged her from the facility within two days, one of the physicians said. Implanting a pacemaker may be a common procedure but performing the surgery in the heart of a 102-year-old woman is rare, he said. Dr Smriti Kana Roy, a gynaecologist who used to treat Saint Teresa and other nuns of the Missionaries of Charity, underwent the operation on March 15. Roy, a Fellow of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, had complained of dizziness when doctors found an irregular heartbeat and prescribed the implant, her younger daughter Julie Basu told PTI from the US on Tuesday. "It was an amazing experience. She has no comorbidities. But her heart rate had decreased and her halter rate recorded a pause of six seconds. We suggested the need for a pacemaker implant. "She was admitted on Saturday morning and the surgery was done that very day. She was discharged on Monday," Dr Sunil Baran Roy, senior consultant of interventional cardiology at Woodlands Multispeciality Hospital, said. The centenarian told PTI from her residence in south Kolkata's Ballygunge area that she was confident about the success of the surgery. "I feel better. I do not know whether this is a miracle or not because I am not the one to decide that. I followed whatever was suggested by the doctors," she said. Asked about the secret of her agility at this age, Roy, who was born in 1922, said she works, reads newspapers and books and keeps herself busy. "I believe in helping others and working for them has given me satisfaction," Roy said. "My mother has been a very disciplined woman and she follows a strict routine even today. She is very strong mentally and I have never seen her cry. Even Covid could not touch her," said 66-year-old Julie, who is scheduled to come to the city soon. Roy had to leave behind her two daughters, then aged seven and three years, when she went to the UK in 1964 for her Membership of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Later, she was rewarded with the Fellow of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (FRCOG). Roy recounted that Mother Teresa admitted her elder daughter June to the Loreto Convent, where she used to teach before forming Missionaries of Charity. "I remember how she took my elder daughter and got her admitted to Loreto when I was not getting free time from work," Roy said. She also remembered inviting Mother Teresa and other sisters of the Missionaries of Charity to her elder daughter's wedding.
19 March,2025 11:40 AM IST | Kolkata | PTIIndia’s medical tourism industry is on a strong growth path, with projections indicating that the market will reach USD 18 billion by 2027, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 19 per cent, a new report said on Tuesday. The country has become a preferred destination for international patients, offering world-class healthcare services at significantly lower costs than Western nations. In recent years, India has positioned itself as a global hub for medical tourism, attracting patients seeking top-tier medical treatments along with the opportunity to experience the country’s rich cultural heritage. According to Praxis Global Alliance, a global consulting firm, the industry has witnessed rapid expansion, with the market valued at USD 7 billion in 2022. A major contributor to this growth is the increasing number of Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) for medical purposes. Between 2015 and 2019, the number of medical tourists visiting India grew at a CAGR of 31 per cent, rising from 234,000 to 697,000. However, the Covid-19 pandemic caused a sharp decline in 2020, leading to a 74 per cent drop in FTAs. Despite this setback, the sector has rebounded strongly, with FTAs reaching 504,000 in 2023, growing at an impressive CAGR of 40 per cent. Bangladesh has been the leading source of medical tourists, with 327,000 patients visiting India in 2022, according to the report. Other key countries include Iraq and Yemen, with significant contributions also coming from the Middle East and Africa. The rise of India’s medical tourism industry can be attributed to several factors. One of the biggest advantages is cost-effective treatment. Medical procedures in India cost significantly less compared to countries like the United States and the United Kingdom. For example, a heart bypass surgery in India costs around $5,000, compared to $144,000 in the US, while a knee replacement procedure costs approximately $6,000 in India, compared to $50,000 in the UK, the report added. Another key attraction for medical tourists is India’s traditional and alternative healing therapies, such as Ayurveda and Yoga, which complement modern medical treatments. The availability of state-of-the-art healthcare infrastructure further enhances its appeal, the report concluded.
19 March,2025 11:20 AM IST | New Delhi | IANSNASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore have begun a 45-day rehabilitation program to help them adapt to Earth's gravity after spending nine months in space. The duo returned early Wednesday (Indian time) aboard SpaceX's Crew-9 mission, splashing down off the coast of Florida. Following their extended stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS), the astronauts will now undergo physical reconditioning to counteract the effects of prolonged weightlessness. Astronauts returning from space often experience physiological changes, including fluid shifts causing puffy faces, muscle atrophy leading to chicken legs, temporary height increase, and reduced bone density. Microgravity affects various aspects of an astronaut's body, including aerobic capacity, muscle strength, endurance, stamina, balance, coordination, bone density, and neuro vestibular function. The Astronaut Strength, Conditioning, and Rehabilitation (ASCR) specialists have implemented a structured reconditioning programme aimed at restoring physical health. The rehabilitation process begins immediately upon landing and involves two-hour daily sessions, seven days a week, for 45 days. The program is customised for each astronaut, based on test results, medical status, and mission roles. The rehabilitation is divided into three phases. The first phase starts on landing day and focuses on mobility, flexibility, and muscle strengthening. The second phase incorporates proprioceptive exercises and cardiovascular training, while the third and longest phase prioritises functional development. Past cases have shown that astronauts often regain and sometimes even improve upon their pre-flight physical condition after completing this program. Williams and Wilmore's prolonged stay in space was unplanned. They launched aboard Boeing's Starliner on June 5 last year for what was supposed to be an eight-day mission. However, technical issues with the spacecraft's propulsion system forced it to return without them, extending its stay aboard the ISS. Their situation gained widespread attention, sparking debates about space travel safety and even political discussions. The return process began after Crew-10 arrived at the ISS on Sunday, allowing Williams, Wilmore, NASA's Nick Hague, and cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov to begin preparations for their journey home. Seventeen hours after departing the ISS, their SpaceX Dragon capsule safely splashed down at 3:27 a.m. IST. Following their retrieval from the capsule, they were immediately sent for medical evaluations before starting their rehabilitation. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
19 March,2025 11:14 AM IST | Washington | IANSA team of doctors in Mumbai successfully removed a cricket ball-sized adrenal tumour, known as ganglioneuroma, from the stomach of a six-year-old boy hailing from Raipur. The patient, Kush Agrawal, who was experiencing excruciating stomach pain, travelled over 1,000 kilometres with his parents to get treatment at a Mumbai hospital. According to the medical team, a tumour, which was suspected to be cancerous, was found in the right adrenal gland, which is located on top of the kidneys and is responsible for producing hormones that regulate functions such as metabolism, blood pressure and the body's response to stress. They performed a ‘Positron Emission Tomography’ (PET) scan, and it revealed that the tumour had not spread to any other areas. Final histopathological diagnosis revealed it was ganglioneuroma, a benign tumour which was removed through surgery. Sharing more about the surgery, Dr Rajeev Redkar, Consultant - Pediatric Surgery, S. L. Raheja Hospital – A Fortis Associate, said, “The tumour was located deep behind the abdomen, between the liver and kidneys, which was a challenging and unusual site for surgery. Its position made the surgery delicate and complex, but we were able to approach it with precision and care. The tumour was completely removed without complications. The best part was that there was no need for chemotherapy. The boy is on his way to a full recovery, in what can only be described as a rare and fortunate outcome.” Recalling Kush’s healing journey, his father Bhawesh Agrawal said, “My son started experiencing motion issues and abdominal pain. We took him to a local doctor, and they asked us to bring him here. We were very worried when the doctors at the hospital found he had a tumour the size of a cricket ball in his stomach! The possibility of the tumour turning cancerous, if left untreated, gave us sleepless nights. However, the doctors were helpful, and they counselled us to prepare us mentally for the surgery." Also Read: Mumbai doctors successfully treat rare pediatric case of hereditary elliptocytosis
18 March,2025 01:43 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentNASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are all set to return to Earth after spending nine months aboard the International Space Station (ISS) for a mission that was supposed to last just eight days. Spending a considerable amount of time in space can pose several health risks, some of which were well-documented as the two astronauts navigated these challenges. Bone and muscle deterioration, radiation exposure, vision impairment —these are just a few of the challenges space travellers face on long-duration missions, even before considering the psychological toll of isolation. In a previous interaction with mid-day.com, Dr Atul Narayankar, Consultant Medical Oncologist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, had highlighted how different elements in space can affect health, saying, “When travelling outside Earth's protective atmosphere, astronauts are exposed to cosmic rays and solar energetic particles, which can put them at a greater risk of cancer and damage to vital organs over time and even impact their neurocognitive functions.” Also Read: Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore stuck in space: How can it affect their health? Experts explain Further explaining the changes one’s body undergoes in space, he had said, “One’s muscles and bones tend to become weaker, causing distress. The fluids present in the body such as blood start to shift upward towards the brain which can cause several life-threatening complications. This includes complications like decreased blood pressure, increased heart rate, dizziness, fluctuation in body temperatures, dehydration, swelling of the face, shock, respiratory distress, weakness, changes in vision and sleep apnea.” As space technology advances, there’s a need to create innovative solutions to safeguard the health of astronauts and the future of space exploration. Exercise key Despite the attention their mission has received, Williams and Wilmore’s nine-month stay is "par for the course," Rihana Bokhari, an assistant professor at the Center for Space Medicine at Baylor College, told AFP. ISS missions typically last six months, but some astronauts stay up to a year, and researchers are confident in their ability to maintain astronaut health for that duration. Most people know that lifting weights builds muscle and strengthens bones, but even basic movement on Earth resists gravity, an element missing in orbit. To counteract this, astronauts use three exercise machines on the ISS, including a 2009-installed resistance device that simulates free weights using vacuum tubes and flywheel cables, reported AFP. A two-hour daily workout keeps them in shape. "The best results that we have to show that we're being very effective is that we don't really have a fracture problem in astronauts when they return to the ground," though bone loss is still detectable on scans, Bokhari further said. Other health challenges Apart from this, balance disruption can also be an issue. "This happens to every single astronaut, even those who go into space just for a few days, as they work to rebuild trust in their inner ear," Emmanuel Urquieta, vice chair of Aerospace Medicine at the University of Central Florida, told AFP. Another challenge is "fluid shift" -- the redistribution of bodily fluids toward the head in microgravity. This can cause various health issues, including vision impairment. Dr Smit M. Bavariya, Cataract Surgeon at Dr. Agarwal's Eye Hospital, Wadala, in a previous interaction with mid-day.com had stated, “Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS) is a condition which involves changes in vision, including blurred vision, difficulty focusing and changes in the shape of the eye. It is caused by increased intracranial pressure, which results from fluid shift in microgravity and affects the optic nerve and the eye's structure.” Managing radiation Radiation levels aboard the ISS are higher than on the ground, as it passes through the Van Allen radiation belt, but Earth's magnetic field still provides significant protection. The shielding is crucial, as NASA aims to limit astronauts' increased lifetime cancer risk to within three percent. However, missions to the Moon and Mars will give astronauts far greater exposure, explained astrophysicist Siegfried Eggl. "Shielding is best done with heavy materials like lead or water, but you need vast quantities of it," Eggl told AFP. Artificial gravity, created by rotating spacecraft frames, could help astronauts stay functional upon arrival after a nine-month journey to Mars. Alternatively, a spacecraft could use powerful acceleration and deceleration that matches the force of Earth's gravity. That approach would be speedier -- reducing radiation exposure risks -- but requires nuclear propulsion technologies that don't yet exist, reported AFP. (With inputs from AFP)
18 March,2025 11:14 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
