What Happens to Our Brains in Space?

Thu 9 May 2024

Magdalene College

Abstract: On the Vostok 2 space shuttle in 1961, Gherman Titov, about to become the second person to complete a total earth orbit, achieved a series of space exploration firsts. He snapped the first manual photograph in space. He slept the first nap in space. And, then, he threw up the first human vomit in space, coining a new disease: space adaptation syndrome or space sickness.
??????Since Titov’s orbit, astronauts have spent upwards of six months in space at a time, orbiting Earth round and round. Facing microgravity and constant space radiation, astronauts expect and prepare for muscle degradation, bone decay and even heart tissue shrinkage, in addition to Titov’s space sickness. But as astronauts continue to spend longer in space, we continue to uncover more long-term physiological changes. Most recently and most surprisingly are the as yet unexplained brain changes hinting at the threat of accelerated neurodegeneration. Now with NASA aiming to send people to Mars by the end of the 2030s, the research on space neurophysiology needs to catch up.

This talk will be about 45 minutes, followed with Q & A. Light refreshments and snacks will be served, and everyone is welcome to stay for conversation after.

Cost: Free