Blue Origin’s New Glenn Achieves Breakthrough Success With First NASA Mission 
NASA and Roscosmos Chiefs Meet in Florida to Discuss Moon and ISS Cooperation 
FDA Adds Fatal Risk Warning to J&J and Legend Biotech’s Carvykti Cancer Therapy 
Eli Lilly’s Inluriyo Gains FDA Approval for Advanced Breast Cancer Treatment 
Trump Signs Executive Order to Boost AI Research in Childhood Cancer 
Ancient Mars may have had a carbon cycle − a new study suggests the red planet may have once been warmer, wetter and more favorable for life 
Neuren Pharmaceuticals Surges on U.S. Patent Win for Rare Disorder Drug 
SpaceX Starship Test Flight Reaches New Heights but Ends in Setback 
Tabletop particle accelerator could transform medicine and materials science 
NASA Astronauts Wilmore and Williams Recover After Boeing Starliner Delay 
Kennedy Sets September Deadline to Uncover Autism Causes Amid Controversy 
Lost in space: MethaneSat failed just as NZ was to take over mission control – here’s what we need to know now 
Cogent Biosciences Soars 120% on Breakthrough Phase 3 Results for Bezuclastinib in GIST Treatment 
Neuralink Expands Brain Implant Trials with 12 Global Patients 
Space agencies all over the world are looking to Mars as the next destination in space exploration. With goals to colonize the Red Planet in the coming years, a report from NASA reveals that humans can make use of the planet’s lava tubes as a potential settlement.
Express reports that a study analyzing 1,500 photos taken by Mars’ Reconnaissance Orbiter, scientists believe that the lava tubes that may be present on the Red Planet’s terrain may provide shelter for astronauts that may be sent up there. These lava tubes were found in Hellas Planitia on Mars’ southern hemisphere, formed 4.1 to 3.8 billion years ago, and are known for having many volcanic formations.
The lava tubes on Mars were made from once-flowing magma and were formed when the magma flow cooled instantly. This resulted in a crust over the surface of the Red Planet. When the lava flow stops, it drains out the tube and leaves behind an empty space.
It is these formations that scientists believe could protect astronauts from solar or cosmic radiation that is present in space. Mars has a very thin atmosphere and a weak magnetic field; thus radiation is a big concern on the red planet. Scientists have estimated the exposure to radiation may decrease at around 82 percent within the lava pits. The caverns of the lava tubes may also be closed, providing a breathable environment for astronauts, who, in turn, could install heat sources inside.
According to the Center for Planetary Science director Dr. Antonio Paris, the lava tubes near the planet’s old volcanic mountain named Hadriacus Mons, could be used as a natural radiation shelter for crewed missions to Mars.
However, despite the optimism towards the possibility of being able to settle or stay on Mars for a period of time, a study conducted by the Southwest Research Institute in the United States reveals that the temperatures may be too extreme to find life outside Earth. The conditions on Mars prevent water from becoming stable, and instead, would either freeze, turn into vapor, or boil, including salt deposits or briny water.
