Spending time in space has an impact on the brain: this is the conclusion of a new study published this Thursday, November 2, 2017 in the New England Journal of Medicine.
The researchers observed the brains of 18 astronauts twice using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) techniques: once before their departure for the International Space Station and a second time after their return, several months later – they spent 164.8 days in space on average. Then the researchers repeated this observation with 16 astronauts: they underwent an MRI scan before they left for space on a short mission, and then after they returned – they spent 13.6 days in space on average.
Verdict? Scientists first discovered that in 17 astronauts who lived for a long time in space, the volume of the central cerebral sulcus was less important. Even more interesting: in 12 astronauts (out of 18, therefore), we observed an upward displacement of the brain – this was less frequent in astronauts sent into space for short periods (6 astronauts out of 16 only concerned) .
Vision disturbances and migraines
“One of our theories is that since there is no more gravity to pull the brain down, it moves up the skull, taking the cerebrospinal fluid with it,” says Donna Roberts, lead author of the study.
Problem: this vertical displacement could be accompanied by undesirable effects … Thus, scientists believe that it could be responsible for vision problems and migraines in astronauts, when they return to Earth. “Further studies will be necessary to determine the importance of these side effects and to establish preventive measures” add the researchers.
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