The recent Artemis II mission, which saw Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen circle the Moon, has brought renewed attention to the risks of space radiation. As humans venture further from Earth, the potential dangers of radiation exposure become increasingly significant, particularly for long-duration missions to the Moon and eventual journeys to Mars. This is where Western University and Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) come in, developing innovative technologies to study and mitigate these risks.
One of the key challenges in understanding radiation's impact on the human body is the complexity of biological systems. To address this, researchers at Western University are utilizing organ-on-chip and organoid-on-chip systems, which replicate the intricate networks of human tissue in tiny, transparent chambers. These devices, developed by Professor Tamie Poepping, allow for the precise control of fluid movement and the observation of cellular responses under stress.
Professor Poepping's work is particularly fascinating, as it involves creating miniature, controlled environments that mimic the complexity of biological systems. These devices are designed to keep living human cells alive and allow researchers to study their reactions to extreme conditions. The inspiration for this project came from the Netflix series 'Chernobyl', highlighting the importance of understanding how systems respond to emergencies.
Working alongside Professor Poepping, Professor Eugene Wong focuses on the biological effects of radiation. By exposing organoids and tissues to radiation, they can study the detailed effects and individual variations in response. This research aims to improve our understanding of both acute and delayed tissue damage, not only in cancer patients but also in extreme environments like deep space and nuclear reactors.
Professor Wong's connection to this field dates back to his post-doctoral work under Jerry Battista, a pioneer in radiation exposure research. Battista's groundbreaking work helped shape the modern understanding of radiation's effects in space travel, emphasizing the dynamic nature of radiation exposure. This research has influenced both medical radiation research and space science, and Wong is now extending it to new environments.
The collaboration between Poepping and Wong is particularly exciting, as they are developing systems where organoids could be housed in tiny chips and sent into space. This would allow for real-time monitoring of radiation exposure before humans venture too far from Earth. By studying these miniature versions of human organs, researchers can gain valuable insights into the long-term effects of radiation.
However, understanding radiation damage also requires considering the variability of biology. This is where Christopher Pin comes in, a professor who studies the differences in responses to cancer treatments. Pin's work focuses on why patients with similar cancers can respond very differently, emphasizing the need for more precise and realistic models.
At CNL, researchers are adapting these organ-on-chip and organoid-on-chip systems for radiobiology experiments related to emergency response and space radiation exposure. By studying intermediate biological responses, such as metabolites and stress markers, they can gain a deeper understanding of how damage unfolds and how tissue attempts to recover. This research has far-reaching implications, not only for space travel but also for cancer treatment and nuclear safety.
The collaboration between Western University, CNL, and other institutions is an exciting development in the field of radiation research. By combining engineering systems, radiation expertise, and a focus on biological variability, researchers are making significant strides in understanding and mitigating the risks of space radiation. As we continue to explore the cosmos, these advancements will play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and success of future missions.
