According to a new study, which analyzed the brain tissue of people who have been in space and returned to Earth, space flights significantly change the brain of astronauts.
The researchers studied the MRI results of 27 astronauts. Thirteen have flown space shuttles for several weeks, and 14 have spent about six months on the International Space Station (ISS). As a result, it was found that the volume of gray matter in the astronauts' brains actually decreased.
“We found areas where gray matter volume has dropped dramatically, which may be due to the redistribution of cerebrospinal fluid in outer space,” said Richel Seidler, professor of kinesiology and psychology at Michigan State University. 'In space, gravity is not available, which leads to the effect of a puffy face in space. This can lead to a shift in the position of the brain or its compression. '
In addition, an increase in space travelers' gray matter has been found in areas associated with leg movement and sensation. Perhaps this is due to the fact that astronauts' ability to use their limbs in zero gravity is very different from the conditions of microgravity on Earth.
In general, the results obtained indicate the 'plasticity' of the brain, its ability to change itself in response to the environment or human activity. Given this factor, it is not surprising that the researchers found differences in brain changes in astronauts on the space station and former members of the shuttle crew.
“Space allowed us to study an exceptional example of neuroplasty in the brain, which is possible when you are in microgravity 24 hours a day,” concluded Seidler.
Sources: fox
