MRI illuminates changes in astronauts' gray matter
Space travel ain't easy. Recent studies have shown a spin outside Earth's orbit can lead to complications with the traveler's eyes, heart and bones.
A new study has detailed what spaceflight can do to the shape and consistency of the human brain. The researchers examined structural MRIs of 12 astronauts who spent two weeks on shuttle missions and 14 who spent six months on the International Space Station. The team found considerable changes in the astronauts' gray matter in various sections of the brain.
“We found large regions of gray matter volume decreases, which could be related to redistribution of cerebrospinal fluidin space,” said Rachael Seidler, lead author and professor at University of Michigan's School of Kinesiology, in a statement. “Gravity is not available to pull fluids down in the body, resulting in so-called puffy face in space. This may result in a shift of brain position or compression.”
Gray matter increases observed with MRI can reflect different neuroplastic processes that could take place simultaneously such as gray matter plasticity. The study, supported by NASA, has been published in the latest edition of the journal Nature Microgravity.
Nicholas joined TriMed in 2016 as the managing editor of the Chicago office. After receiving his master’s from Roosevelt University, he worked in various writing/editing roles for magazines ranging in topic from billiards to metallurgy. Currently on Chicago’s north side, Nicholas keeps busy by running, reading and talking to his two cats.