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Scientists from Germany made an unexpected discovery: the brain of polar explorers, stayed in Antarctica for more than 14 months, decreased significantly in volume.
For research purposes, four men and five women were sent for 14 months to a German research station in Antarctica. Dr. Simone Kuhn of Max Planck Institute for Human Development in Berlin.
Participants in the experiment periodically donated blood to analyze it composition and passed various tests to evaluate cognitive abilities. Before shipping to the southern continent and after all the participants had an MRI.
When the study group returned from Antarctica, scientists found that all members of the expedition decreased significantly brain volume. However, scientists noticed that the blood decreased the amount of protein that matters in cell division brain.
Consequences of staying in Antarctica
Scientists at a loss said that all returning home participants, the protein concentration in the body has not returned to the former state. The dentate gyrus has undergone changes most of all. hippocampus located in the temporal lobes of the hemispheres.
Arriving home polar explorers showed worse results. testing for orientation in space and attention. Moreover, before trips to the southern continent they all coped with set tests.
At present, scientists cannot determine the exact cause. such a metamorphosis. They believe that isolation from society and a decrease in brain volume could affect the health of polar explorers and their behavior.
Scientists do not intend to draw final conclusions on research results, as there is still no complete confidence in their correct interpretation. The fact is that a group of participants small and more extensive research is needed.
Previously, scientists talked about the six most useful products for brain.
Antarctica
