How does space travel change the brain structure of astronauts?
A new study has revealed that the brains of astronauts who spend long periods in a zero-gravity environment shift position significantly within the skull. Researchers highlight that this movement can lead to effects such as balance issues.
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The effects of long-term space travel on the human body continue to be a subject of curiosity in the scientific world. Most recently, a study conducted by an international team determined that microgravity causes physical shifts in the brains of astronauts. In the study, magnetic resonance images of 26 astronauts who spent an average of one year in space were analyzed in detail.
According to the data obtained in the research, the human brain, which normally floats in cerebrospinal fluid in a zero-gravity environment, moves upward and backward by a few millimeters. The most affected areas are the parts of the brain that manage sensory perception and motor movements. In addition, it is reported that slight structural changes in the brain are observed not only after long missions but even after short-term, two-week missions.
Prof. Rachael Seidler from the University of Florida drew attention to the importance of this change in brain position, even if it is limited to a few millimeters. Seidler emphasized the seriousness of the situation with the words, "The change is on the order of a few millimeters. This may seem like a small number, but when we are talking about brain movement, it is actually significant and can even be seen with the naked eye."
Although this shift in the brain largely returns to normal after the missions are completed and the astronauts return to Earth, researchers reported that in some cases, deformations persisted even after six months. These changes can lead to problems that specifically affect balance. It has been noted that some astronauts returning from space have difficulty walking in a straight line for a few meters.
On the other hand, it is stated that despite these changes in the brain, no significant headaches or mental decline were detected in the astronauts after the tests. These findings reveal that the long-term effects of space travel on human health are not yet fully understood and that more research is needed in the future.