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At the dawn of human spaceflight, we weren't even sure people would be able to swallow in infinite. Today, nosotros've moved on to bigger questions like, "what happens to your encephalon in space?" This is what researchers at the University of Michigan wanted to know when they scanned the brains of a few dozen astronauts. They institute some interesting, consequent changes to the shape of the brain.

The study used MRI scans of a total of 26 astronauts. 12 of them were in space for just two weeks on shuttle missions back earlier that programme was cancelled. The remaining 14 were on the International Space Station for equally long as half-dozen months. Interestingly, all the subjects experienced the same additions and losses of gray matter (the outer layer of brain tissue), but the extent of the effect varied based on how long they were in a weightless environment.

The squad saw in the MRI images a consequent loss of gray affair across all subjects. This was chalked up to the style microgravity affects the torso itself. Without the pull of gravity, cerebrospinal is not pulled downwards the spinal string. This leads to a "puffy" advent that astronauts tend to go. It may likewise cause a shift in brain density from compression.

The University of Michigan team believes the expansions of grayness matter in certain regions is due to actual activities in space and how the brain copes with them. Parts of the brain that control and process sensory input from the lower extremities had marked growth in all study participants, even those who were in space for merely a brusk time. The researchers believe this is due to the encephalon essentially re-learning how to move the legs in freefall, and astronauts are experiencing this every moment they are in space.

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The study does not betoken whether the changes in the encephalon actually result in unlike functionality. For that, cognitive and motor tests would need to be administered before and after spaceflight. That'south on the calendar for future studies. U of K researchers also want to determine if these encephalon changes are permanent or if they'll be reduced over time once dorsum on World. This is currently an open question, equally most of those in the shorter exposure group were in space back in the Space Shuttle days.

A better understanding of astronaut brains could help scientists figure out how neuroplasticity works. That may have a profound effect on treating neurological illness here on Earth.