Despite the fact that this drug is being produce to treat civilians who are exposed to radiation via a nuclear blast, this drug has the potential of enabling humanity to dwell upon the surfaces of "radiation friendly" worlds.
(Space War) But now researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis report they have developed an agent that protects cells from the lethal effects of radiation, regardless of whether it is given before or after exposure.
Using this agent in mice, the investigators found that the treatment helped shield rapidly dividing cells that are most vulnerable to radiation-induced death, providing proof in principle that it is possible to fend off radiation damage, according to a study published in the April issue of Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications.
One of the largest hurdles preventing our species from inhabiting the celestial heavens above us is radiation. Without a strong defense against this invisible enemy all of our dreams of expanding off world will be limited towards Earth orbit. An anti-radiation drug, coupled with artificial magnetic shields could enable our species to live above ground on both the Moon and Mars, not to mention travel throughout the solar system.
Although it would not enable our species to live on every terrestrial world orbiting Sol (as some, like Europa, are too radioactive for life to even survive), it would expand our options of setting up shop upon (or around) different planets.
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