Abstract: Concordia Antarctic research station is one of the most isolated research stations on the planet and shares many stressor characteristics with deep space-long duration missions (DSLD). I spent a year at the Concordia in 2009 as a researcher in human biology and medicine for the European Space Agency, investigating the consequences of chronic stress on immunity and sleep. I discuss my experience and offer some brief thoughts on the parallels with DSLD missions.

Abstract: This review critically evaluates the available mercury (Hg) data in Arctic marine biota and the Inuit population against toxicity threshold values. In particular marine top predators exhibit concentrations of mercury in their tissues and organs that are believed to exceed thresholds for biological effects. Species whose concentrations exceed threshold values include the polar bears (Ursus maritimus), beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas), pilot whale (Globicephala melas), hooded seal (Cystophora cristata), a few seabird species, and landlocked Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus). Toothed whales appear to be one of the most vulnerable groups, with high concentrations of mercury recorded in brain tissue with associated signs of neurochemical effects. Evidence of increasing concentrations in mercury in some biota in Arctic Canada and Greenland is therefore a concern with respect to ecosystem health.