Brains of astronauts back on Earth show distinct changes even months after their return, according to a recent study conducted by Oregon Health & Science University researchers.?
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Reported first by ScienceAlert, for the study, researchers from across the US compared a series of MRI scans of 15 astronaut brains taken prior to a six-month stay on the ISS and up to six months after their return.?
They made use of algorithms to carefully assess the sizes of perivascular spaces -- gaps in brian tissue that are known to facilitate the balance of fluids. Based on their analysis, the researchers found that the time spent in orbit had a profound effect on the brain¡¯s plumbing, especially for first-time astronauts.?
Among the veteran astronaut group, there were few differences in the sizes of their perivascular spaces in the two scans taken before the mission and four taken after the mission.?
Researchers state that more research in this territory could help to understand the impact of repeated space travel missions in zero gravity.?
Juan Piantino, Oregon Health & Science University neurologist, explains, "We all adapted to use gravity in our favour. Nature didn't put our brains in our feet ¨C it put them high up. Once you remove gravity from the equation, what does that do to human physiology?"
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Talking about expanded perivascular spaces, researchers don't fully understand if the changes come with any major health risks. To the unaware, these spaces act as a neurological drainage system when we sleep.?
Research in the past has also shown that the fluids around our grey matter have an important role to play in removing waste products that collate during more active hours. With these channels not functioning appropriately, it can lead to the accumulation of disruptive materials and cause neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer¡¯s.?
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