A researcher at the University of California, Davis, has found that mice that have been flown in space show signs of nascent liver damage.

The researcher, Dr. Sunghee Park, said that the findings could have implications for human health, as astronauts are exposed to similar conditions in space.

"Our study suggests that spaceflight may be a risk factor for liver damage in astronauts," Park said. "This is something we need to be aware of and take into account when planning for long-duration space missions."

Park and his team studied a group of mice that were flown on the International Space Station for 30 days. They compared the mice to a control group of mice that were kept on Earth.

The researchers found that the mice that had been flown in space had higher levels of liver enzymes in their blood, which is a sign of liver damage. They also found that the mice had more fat in their livers and that the liver cells were showing signs of stress.

Park said that the liver damage in the mice was likely caused by a combination of factors, including microgravity, radiation, and stress.

"Microgravity can cause fluid shifts in the body, which can lead to increased pressure on the liver," Park said. "Radiation can also damage liver cells, and stress can release hormones that can contribute to liver damage."

Park said that the findings of his study suggest that astronauts should be monitored for liver damage during long-duration space missions. He also said that astronauts may need to take steps to protect their livers, such as eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly.

The study was published in the journal Scientific Reports.