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A stay in space has an impact on the structural anatomy of the brain. This is demonstrated by an international study of Russian cosmonauts, which was also attended by Belgian scientists.
Ten Russian astronauts were placed under MRI before and shortly after their extraterrestrial stay, which lasted an average of six months. Seven months after their return, they are examined again.
Photo: EPA-EFE
"We wanted to know if the brains of cosmonauts had changed after a spacewalk, and also to check if changes would be visible months later, "says Angelique Van Ombergen of the AU. "For the moment, we have specifically examined the composition, the structural anatomy of the brain.We have not yet analyzed the functional aspects."
Less nerve cells, more fluid
Scans performed shortly after their return from space show many changes in the brain. "The amount of gray matter," said the nerve cells in our brain, "has decreased throughout the brain," says PhD student Steven Jillings. "An analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid, which also provides for the elimination of waste and ensures the protection of the brain, shows changes: since there is no gravity on the brain of cosmonauts and therefore more than liquid goes to the head, the balance of the cerebrospinal fluid.We also see this after the flight. "
The MRI study, seven months later, proves that these changes are continuing in part. In particular, the impact on the cerebrospinal fluid did not disappear months later.
Why does this happen and what are the possible consequences? This always requires further investigation. There may be a link to the visual problems with which astronauts can be involved in the long term.
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