Effects of dark matter on human health
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Macroscopic Dark Matter and Physical Harm to Humans
Research on macroscopic dark matter—large, massive particles or objects—suggests that if such dark matter were to collide with a human body, it could cause serious injury or even death. Theoretical models show that for certain masses and cross-sections, these collisions would be catastrophic, but the absence of unexplained injuries or deaths in the human population helps scientists rule out some possible types of macroscopic dark matter. This means that while the risk exists in theory, there is no evidence that such events have occurred, and the probability is extremely low within the currently unprobed parameter space 13.
Dark Matter and Cancer Risk
Some models, such as the mirror dark matter model, propose the existence of mirror micrometeorites—tiny, potentially hazardous objects. These could, in theory, pass through the human body and cause multiple mutations, potentially leading to diseases like cancer. However, the probability of such events is considered very low, and there is no direct evidence linking dark matter to cancer in humans 2.
Non-Physical "Dark Matter" in Medicine and Biology
It is important to note that the term "dark matter" is sometimes used metaphorically in medicine and biology. In these fields, "dark matter" can refer to unknown or poorly understood factors—such as non-coding RNAs or unmeasured social determinants—that influence health and disease. These metaphorical uses do not relate to the astrophysical concept of dark matter and do not imply any direct physical effect of cosmic dark matter on human health 45.
Conclusion
Current scientific research indicates that while certain hypothetical forms of macroscopic dark matter could, in theory, cause physical harm to humans, there is no evidence that such events have occurred. The risk of dark matter causing diseases like cancer is also extremely low according to current models. Metaphorical uses of "dark matter" in medicine refer to unknown factors in health and disease, not to the cosmic substance itself. Overall, there is no demonstrated effect of astrophysical dark matter on human health.
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