Study Reveals What Space Does to Astronauts’ Brains
The Daily Beast • • science
Key Points:
- A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that astronauts' brains shift upward and backward within the skull during spaceflight, particularly affecting sensory and motor regions.
- These brain changes are linked to symptoms such as loss of balance, motion sickness, and disorientation, with longer space missions causing more significant effects.
- The research analyzed MRI scans from 26 astronauts, with time spent in space ranging from two weeks to six months, showing that duration is a key factor in brain repositioning.
- Despite some minor sensory conflicts reported, astronauts did not experience serious symptoms like headaches during or after their missions.
- Understanding these brain changes is crucial for ensuring astronaut safety, health, and long-term well-being during extended space
