University  of Saskatchewan
Protecting  Astronauts from Space Radiation-Induced Carcinogenesis and Central Nervous  System Damage with Melanin-Containing Food and Materials — PI: Dr. Ekaterina  Dadachova. Radioprotectors  are needed to protect astronauts from detrimental effects of space radiation. Melanin  is known to protect fungi and other organisms from high doses of ionizing  radiation. Thus, melanin-based radioprotectors could help solve the problem of  radioprotection in space. This project will investigate the protective  anti-carcinogenesis effects of melanin-containing black mushrooms when ingested,  study its effect on preventing colon cancer, and evaluate the radioprotective  effects of melanin-containing materials on the central nervous system. This  research could also have benefits on Earth, since radioprotectors are also  needed for protection of cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy.