Calling Nature: Do Supernova Explosions Cause Cancer and Mutations?
The Solar System passes through the galactic disk at certain intervals, where supernova explosions occur more frequently.
Russian scientists have proposed a hypothesis that supernova explosions may cause cancer and mutations on Earth.
According to their research, these high-energy particles promote the formation of radioactive carbon-14 isotopes when they pass through the atmosphere.
Carbon-14 spreads in the biosphere and accumulates in the human body.
It is embedded in DNA molecules, and during cell division, it may disrupt its structure, thereby promoting abnormalities in cell development.
Scientists from Russia conclude that cosmic rays formed by nearby supernova explosions may trigger cancer, genetic defects, and mutations in Earth's residents.
Carbon is one of the main atoms in organic molecules.
DNA is the carrier of genetic information, whose basis contains carbon chains.
According to the study, if C-14 exists in the DNA helix, it may decay at some point.
This may cause damage to the DNA molecule and changes in the cell's genetic program.
As a result, errors in cell development may lead to cancer, genetic defects, or mutations.
Scientists say that a nearby supernova explosion may be related to the Solar System passing near the Scorpius-Centaurus star cluster, which is a recent large star cluster containing many stars.
Some experts speculate that the mutation that led to modern human ancestors may have occurred due to an explosion 2.6 million years ago.
Experts added that there is a theory suggesting that the Solar System passes through the galactic disk at regular intervals, where supernova explosions are more frequent.
This study was published in the Russian newspaper "Izvestia" on August 22.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1841109796639748/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author.