. 24/7 Space News .
SPACE MEDICINE
Brains of cosmonauts get 'rewired' to adapt to long-term space missions, study finds
by Staff Writers
Antwerp, Belgium (SPX) Feb 21, 2022

stock image only

A new study published in Frontiers in Neural Circuits is the first to analyze the structural connectivity changes that happen in the brain after long-duration spaceflight. The results show significant microstructural changes in several white matter tracts such as the sensorimotor tracts. The study can form a basis for future research into the full scope of brain changes during human space exploration.

Our brain can change and adapt in structure and function throughout our lives. As human exploration of space reaches new horizons, understanding the effects of spaceflight on human brains is crucial. Previous research has shown that spaceflight has the potential to alter both the shape and function of an adult brain.

Through a collaborative project between the European Space Agency (ESA) and Roscosmos, a team of international researchers, led by Dr Floris Wuyts of the University of Antwerp, have been studying the brains of humans traveling to space.

Wuyts and his colleagues have, for the first time, investigated structural changes in the brain after spaceflight at the level of deep-brain white matter tracts.

White matter refers to the parts of the brain that are responsible for communication between gray matter and the body and between various gray matter regions. In short, white matter is the channel of communication of the brain and gray matter is where information processing is done.

The learned brain
To study brain structure and function after spaceflight, the researchers used a brain imaging technique called fiber tractography.

"Fiber tractography gives a sort of wiring scheme of the brain. Our study is the first to use this specific method to detect changes in brain structure after spaceflight," explained Wuyts.

Wuyts and his team acquired diffusion MRI (dMRI) scans of 12 male cosmonauts before and right after their spaceflights. They also collected eight follow-up scans, seven months after spaceflight. The cosmonauts all engaged in long-duration missions of an average length of 172 days.

The researchers found proof of the concept of 'the learned brain'; in other words, the level of neuroplasticity the brain has to adapt to spaceflight. "We found changes in the neural connections between several motor areas of the brain," said first author Andrei Doroshin, of Drexel University. "Motor areas are brain centers where commands for movements are initiated. In weightlessness, an astronaut needs to adapt his or her movement strategies drastically, compared to Earth. Our study shows that their brain is rewired, so to speak."

The follow-up scans revealed that after seven months of returning to Earth, these changes were still visible.

"From previous studies, we know that these motor areas show signs of adaptation after spaceflight. Now, we have a first indication that it is also reflected at the level of connections between those regions," continued Wuyts.

The authors also find an explanation for anatomical brain shifts observed after spaceflight.

"We initially thought to have detected changes in the corpus callosum, which is the central highway connecting both hemispheres of the brain," explained Wuyts. The corpus callosum borders the brain ventricles, a communicating network of chambers filled with fluid, which expand because of spaceflight.

"The structural changes we initially found in the corpus callosum are actually caused by the dilation of the ventricles that induce anatomical shifts of the adjacent neural tissue," said Wuyts. "Where initially it was thought that there are real structural changes in the brain, we only observe shape changes. This puts the findings in a different perspective."

The future of spaceflight research
The study illustrates a need for understanding how spaceflight affects our body, specifically via long-term research on the effects on the human brain. Current countermeasures exist for muscle and bone loss, such as exercising for a minimum of two hours a day. Future research may provide evidence that countermeasures are necessary for the brain.

"These findings give us additional pieces of the entire puzzle. Since this research is so pioneering, we don't know how the whole puzzle will look yet. These results contribute to our overall understanding of what's going on in the brains of space travelers. It is crucial to maintain this line of research, looking for spaceflight induced brain changes from different perspectives and using different techniques," concluded Wuyts.

Research Report: "Brain Connectometry Changes in Space Travelers After Long-Duration Spaceflight"


Related Links
University of Antwerp
Space Medicine Technology and Systems


Thanks for being there;
We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain.

With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords.

Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year.

If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter
$5+ Billed Monthly


paypal only
SpaceDaily Contributor
$5 Billed Once


credit card or paypal


SPACE MEDICINE
Microgravity worms help solve astronauts' muscle troubles
Sendai, Japan (SPX) Feb 16, 2022
A new study on nematode worms reveals that physical contact with objects can help prevent neuromuscular decline in simulated microgravity. The research, which was published in the journal iScience, provides new insights into maintaining human health in space. Over the past 60 years, hundreds of humans have flown into space, sometimes spending up to a year on the International Space Station. Spaceflight subjects the body to near weightlessness or microgravity, which can negatively impact health. ... read more

Comment using your Disqus, Facebook, Google or Twitter login.



Share this article via these popular social media networks
del.icio.usdel.icio.us DiggDigg RedditReddit GoogleGoogle

SPACE MEDICINE
Coca-Cola launching new Starlight drink 'inspired by space'

Blue Origin to build more rockets amid expectations to tourist flights

How to design a sail that won't tear or melt on an interstellar voyage

Research project examines how humans live in space

SPACE MEDICINE
SpaceX successfully launches 46 Starlink satellites from Florida

Vaya Space completes first suborbital test flight

Orbex prepares for rocket launch 'dress rehearsals' as launchpad arrives at test site

SpaceX plans new private spaceflight missions, first private spacewalk

SPACE MEDICINE
NASA's Perseverance celebrates first year on Mars by learning to run

Rocky Road offers plenty of tasty science bites during Sols 3391-3394

Students with Perseverance receive messages from Mars

Sols 3388-3390: Pediment Passage

SPACE MEDICINE
China to make 6 human spaceflights, rocket's maiden flight in 2022: blue book

China welcomes cooperation on space endeavors

China Focus: China to explore lunar polar regions, mulling human landing: white paper

China to boost satellite services, space technology application: white paper

SPACE MEDICINE
Scottish Space Sector Charts Path to a Sustainable Future

Space sector set to create new jobs in Highland and Moray

Whitepaper highlights ground segment's critical role in satellite connectivity

Europe needs a crewed space vehicle, astronauts say

SPACE MEDICINE
SpaceX to launch SpaceLogistics Mission Extension Pod for Optus satellite

China denies making space junk set to crash into Moon

NRAO and Optisys Partner Up to Produce 3D Devices for Radio Astronomy

Ahead of lunar rocket crash, astronomers call for better space debris tracking

SPACE MEDICINE
'Tatooine-like' exoplanet spotted by ground-based telescope

Can a planet have a mind of its own?

Day of Discovery: 7 Earth-Size Planets

Studying the next interstellar interloper with Webb

SPACE MEDICINE
New Horizons team puts names to the places on Arrokoth

NASA Telescope Spots Highest-Energy Light Ever Detected From Jupiter

Juno and Hubble data reveal electromagnetic 'tug-of-war' lights up Jupiter's upper atmosphere

Oxygen ions in Jupiter's innermost radiation belts









The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2024 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. All articles labeled "by Staff Writers" include reports supplied to Space Media Network by industry news wires, PR agencies, corporate press officers and the like. Such articles are individually curated and edited by Space Media Network staff on the basis of the report's information value to our industry and professional readership. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement Our advertisers use various cookies and the like to deliver the best ad banner available at one time. All network advertising suppliers have GDPR policies (Legitimate Interest) that conform with EU regulations for data collection. By using our websites you consent to cookie based advertising. If you do not agree with this then you must stop using the websites from May 25, 2018. Privacy Statement. Additional information can be found here at About Us.