Publications by authors named "Michaela B Smith"
Lunar dust induces minimal pulmonary toxicity compared to Earth dust.
Life Sci Space Res (Amst)
May 2025
Article Synopsis
- Understanding lunar dust toxicity is vital for future moon missions, as past Apollo reports highlight inhalation risks associated with it.
- The study examines two new lunar dust simulants, LMS-1 and LHS-1, and their effects on lung cells, revealing that these simulants can lead to inflammation and decreased cell viability but are generally less toxic than Earth dust.
- Results suggest lunar dust simulants act more as physical irritants rather than highly toxic substances, indicating a need for further research on various lunar dust types.
Space travel presents multiple risks to astronauts such as launch, radiation, spacewalks or extravehicular activities, and microgravity. The lungs are composed of a combination of air, blood, and tissue, making it a complex organ system with interactions between the external and internal environment. Gravity strongly influences the structure of the lung which results in heterogeneity of ventilation and perfusion that becomes uniform in microgravity as shown during parabolic flights, Spacelab, and Skylab experiments.
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