Articles tagged with Astronauts
Researchers at MUSC sound the alarm about hydrocephalus associated with long-term spaceflight (HALS), a brain condition that affects astronauts during extended space missions. The study, published in JAMA Neurology, highlights the need for more research into HALS to understand its effects on the human brain and develop countermeasures.
A new study found that prolonged spaceflights can impair natural killer cell function in astronauts, increasing the risk of cancer and viral reactivation. The effects are more pronounced in first-time astronauts, suggesting stress or age may play a role.
A team of researchers led by Michigan State University's George Mias will use molecular signatures to detect illnesses before they happen in astronauts. By monitoring an individual's wellness baseline and detecting early patterns of deviation, the team aims to provide treatment in advance of any outward symptoms.
A study of 17 astronauts found that long-duration spaceflight reduces paraspinal muscle size by 4.6-8.8% and increases fatty tissue content, with some changes persisting for up to four years after returning to Earth.
Researchers discovered that bacteria on the ISS are adapting to survive in a stressful environment, rather than evolving into superbugs. The study's findings provide good news for astronauts and potential space tourists, but also highlight the need for precautions against illness transmission.
A joint ESA-University of Bath project aims to estimate forces experienced by lower limbs in different gravity environments, mapping variation in external loads, muscle strength, and reduced gravity effect.
Researchers at NTNU are developing self-contained planters to allow astronauts to grow food in space. The goal is to provide fresh produce for long-duration missions like those to Mars and beyond. By growing plants directly in water with dissolved nutrients, fertilization and irrigation can be controlled precisely.
A new study reveals spaceflight has limited impact on B-cell immunity, a crucial part of the immune system. Astronauts living on the International Space Station for 6 months showed unaffected B-cell immune competency, suggesting in-flight vaccine-based countermeasures may be effective.
A study of Russian cosmonauts reveals that space travel alters the brain's tissue volume, particularly in grey and cerebrospinal fluid areas. Changes persist for at least six months after returning to Earth, with potential implications for cognition and vision.
Exposure to energetic heavy ions from deep space radiation impairs intestinal epithelial cell migration and triggers senescent signaling. This effect persists for at least a year after exposure, suggesting potential adverse impacts on astronaut GI function and health.
A new procedure harnessing ultrasound technology to reposition kidney stones is being tested in emergency patients at UW Medicine's Harborview Medical Center and University Center. The approach could benefit astronauts as well as Earth-side patients, providing quick relief and avoiding unnecessary pain medications.
A team of astronauts working together for months in a confined space will be critical to Mars mission success. The psychology of teamwork is crucial, with characteristics such as emotional stability, agreeability, and resilience being key factors.
Researchers at Hiroshima University found that space-like gravity affects the process of gene expression in muscle cells, leading to slower muscle development. DNA methylation is a key player in regulating muscle cell differentiation, with potential targets for treating skeletal muscle atrophy identified.
Astronaut David Wolf shares his experience of worsening eye sight after space missions, citing a possible connection between microgravity and visual impairment. Researchers are using advanced imaging techniques to find solutions for the effects of space travel on vision, critical for future long-duration missions.
A new study found that microgravity during spaceflights has a more significant negative impact on skeletal muscle than low oxygen environments. Researchers suggest that therapeutic and rehabilitative interventions should focus on correcting inactivity rather than hypoxia.
A UMass Amherst geoscientist will spend 45 days in a closed habitat on a NASA research mission to study human adaptations during space travel. The experiment aims to optimize the quality of life and work flow for future astronauts, simulating isolation, confinement, and remote conditions.
Researchers estimated radiation risks for astronauts in low Earth orbits, finding they would have faced toxic doses during a massive solar event. The study used supercomputers to model the Manned Orbiting Laboratory's orbit profile and simulate space weather.
Changes in eye structure occur in astronauts after prolonged spaceflight, including a shift in Bruch membrane opening and increase in retinal thickness closer to the optic nerve head rim margin. These changes may be caused by microgravity-associated orbital and cranial fluid shifts.
A 3-day bed rest study is being conducted to investigate the effects of prolonged weightlessness on human metabolism, specifically insulin resistance. The study's findings could lead to the development of rehabilitation exercises to mitigate these effects and improve astronaut fitness for future Mars missions.
A Penn State research team has created a system that uses microbial reactors to rapidly break down solid and liquid waste, producing a nutritious food source for astronauts on deep-space missions. The system, which can minimize pathogen growth, uses anaerobic digestion to convert human waste into edible biomass.
Researchers found that astronauts' core body temperature increases gradually over 2.5 months, eventually reaching 38°C (100.4°F), impairing physical and cognitive performance. In space, sweat evaporation is slower than on Earth, leading to overheating during exercise.
Researchers at UT Dallas's CRSS project analyzed thousands of hours of Apollo mission audio, digitizing and organizing the recordings. The team developed algorithms to process, recognize, and analyze the audio, enabling them to track speakers, understand human interaction, and reconstruct conversations.
Researchers will develop microfluidic biomarker detection platforms to monitor human responses to space radiation, focusing on hematopoietic and gastrointestinal systems. The goal is to prevent or lessen negative effects of simulated space radiation on these tissues.
Researchers found permanent effects on human brain structure due to microgravity, including crowding and narrowing of the brain's central sulcus. The study aimed to understand the causes of VIIP syndrome, a condition affecting astronauts' vision and intracranial pressure.
Research reveals plants can aid in reducing social and cognitive problems associated with space travel, suggesting they should be part of future mission design. The study's findings support the use of plants for both nutritional and psychological reasons to promote astronaut well-being.
A NASA study reveals that powerful solar eruptions could charge areas of the Martian moon Phobos to hundreds of volts, potentially affecting sensitive electronics. The charging effects could also affect astronauts on potential human missions to Phobos.
A team of researchers at Kansas State University is partnering with NASA to study the health and fitness levels of astronauts during emergency escape maneuvers. They are using a mock space capsule to test the strength, cardiovascular health, and aerobic capacity needed for a safe landing or escape.
The Robotic External Leak Locator (RELL) successfully located a small ammonia leak on the International Space Station, confirming its safety status and avoiding a risky spacewalk. The instrument provided precise measurements of gas amounts and types, allowing operators to isolate and repair the leak.
A study of Russian cosmonauts found significant changes in their bodies due to spaceflight, affecting all major cell types and organs. The research revealed that the human body lacks mechanisms to rapidly adapt to such extreme changes, leading to widespread physiological responses.
Researchers develop microorganisms that convert human urine and CO2 into chemicals to make new plastics and nutrients. The goal is to reduce waste and reuse resources for long-duration space missions, which require minimizing fuel costs by conserving weight.
Children worldwide can connect with astronauts aboard the space station via ARISS, inspiring youth to pursue STEM interests. The program has sparked powerful memories and lifelong passions among participants.
Researchers found biochemical differences in astronauts with vision issues before space travel, suggesting a genetic predisposition. The study suggests that length of time in space may impact eye health and that further research is needed to resolve vision issues for astronauts.
University of Arizona College of Engineering senior Christina Morrison develops antimicrobial socks using silver and hydrogen peroxide, achieving a nearly 5-log reduction in bacteria on treated material. The innovative design aims to reduce the need for water-based laundry in space, saving mass and allowing longer missions.
Researchers at Kansas State University found that astronauts' exercise capacity decreases by 30-50% due to decreased oxygen transport efficiency. This decrease can impact astronaut performance and has implications for understanding blood vessel function in older patients with heart failure.
Scientists at Northumbria University and University of Plymouth are developing medical guidelines for astronauts. A systematic review group will pool studies and create comprehensive guidelines that inform operational decisions. The guidelines aim to prevent health changes among astronauts, as well as benefiting terrestrial human health.
A team of engineers at the University of California San Diego discovered a simple, no-bake method to make bricks from Martian soil by applying pressure. The resulting bricks are stronger than steel-reinforced concrete and may be compatible with additive manufacturing.
The LEMNOS system will provide speeds of at least 80 megabytes per second, far surpassing current systems that send 51 kilobytes of data per second. This enables high-definition video transmission and real-time scientific data exchange.
Researchers have identified a key step in the molecular process of DNA repair and found a treatment to reverse aging, improve DNA repair, and potentially mitigate effects of cosmic radiation. Human trials are set to begin within six months.
Researchers at Utah State University are part of a NASA project to develop technology for growing food and producing necessities on Mars. The team will focus on nitrogen fixation using bacteria and exploring the challenges of food production in a closed system.
Scientists from NASA and NCAR have shown that tracking coronal mass ejections can help detect solar energetic particles earlier than current forecasting techniques. This could provide critical warning time for astronauts in low-Earth orbit or interplanetary space.
A Florida State University researcher is leading a joint US-Russia project to study the effects of space travel on astronauts' vision and cardiovascular problems. The $750,000 grant will fund research using male mice sent to space, examining changes in lymphatic and vascular functions to understand the impact on vision.
The Space Environment In-Situ Suite (SEISS) instrument on NOAA's GOES-16 satellite is successfully sending data back to Earth, providing insights into charged particle fluxes. This information will help the Space Weather Prediction Center issue early warnings of high-flux events, protecting lives and equipment from radiation hazards.
The NASA Human Research Program Investigators' Workshop in Galveston, Texas, brought together scientists and students to tackle the complex field of Omics. Researchers presented preliminary results from the Twins Study, which examines the effects of long-duration spaceflight on identical twins Scott and Mark Kelly.
UT Southwestern researchers found that constant intracranial pressure in zero-gravity conditions causes vision problems in astronauts. Using a vacuum device to lower pressure for part of each day may prevent the issue, according to the study published in the Journal of Physiology.
A recent study has identified a link between cerebrospinal fluid volume changes and visual impairment in long-duration space missions. The findings suggest that the increased fluid pressure in microgravity may cause structural changes in the eye, leading to blurry vision and other symptoms.
The study investigates changes in perceptions about home in space and the development of a unique culture among astronauts. Researchers found that a shared space culture can help crew members respond to different situations, reducing stress and improving morale.
A study found that long-duration spaceflight weakens the muscles supporting the spine, leading to increased back pain and disc disease. Researchers suggest exercise countermeasures like core-strengthening exercises and yoga may help prevent muscle atrophy and improve spinal function.
A NASA-funded study found that prolonged spaceflight leads to significant atrophy of the muscles supporting the spine, resulting in increased back pain and spinal disc disease. Despite no change in disc height, these changes may be preventable through core-strengthening exercises or yoga.
Researchers studying giant space droplets develop simple experimental device to predict their behavior, shedding light on fluid dynamics in low-gravity environments. The findings have potential applications in water processing, fuel systems, and habitats.
A new study by UCI researchers found that prolonged spaceflight exposure to galactic cosmic rays can cause significant long-term brain damage in rodents, leading to cognitive impairments and dementia. The study raises concerns about the potential central nervous system complications astronauts may face during extended Mars missions.
A new study by Florida State University researcher Michael Delp suggests that Apollo astronauts are experiencing higher rates of cardiovascular problems, likely caused by their exposure to deep space radiation. The study found that 43% of deceased Apollo astronauts died from a cardiovascular problem, four to five times higher than non-...
Researchers explore contraceptive options for astronauts who want to prevent menstrual bleeding during space missions. Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) appear to have advantages for spaceflight, but more research is needed on the impact of hormone treatments on bone mineral loss.
The NASA Twins Study uses omics to compare identical twin astronauts Scott and Mark Kelly, shedding light on the effects of spaceflight on human health. By analyzing biomolecules, researchers hope to develop personalized countermeasures for astronauts, leading to longer and healthier lives.
Researchers analyzed astronaut quotes to understand the 'overview effect,' a sense of unity, vastness, and connectedness. They aim to induce similar feelings through virtual reality and create recommendations for maintaining astronaut well-being in extended space missions.
Researchers will follow eight crew members over five years to measure changes in muscle strength and function, with a focus on the ankle and knee joints. The goal is to determine when muscle loss levels off and develop countermeasures to limit losses for future Mars missions.
Researchers aboard the International Space Station reared small freshwater fish for 56 days to investigate microgravity's effects on bone density. The study found increased osteoclast activity and reduced bone mineral density in the fish, suggesting a potential link between mitochondria dysfunction and osteoporosis.
New research in The FASEB Journal suggests that genetic polymorphisms in the one-carbon metabolic pathway combined with low vitamin B may increase risk for vision and other ocular changes during spaceflight. This study could help identify issues related to cardiovascular disease, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and other conditions.
A new study published in the FASEB Journal found that NASA astronauts' medication usage in space is more similar to Earth-based groups than expected. The most common issues were sleep problems and skin rashes, which highlights the need for better understanding of how medicines work in microgravity environments.
A study published in Microbiome found that Actinobacteria, a type of bacteria associated with human skin, made up a larger proportion of the microbial community in the ISS than in Earth cleanrooms. Opportunistic pathogens were also present in the ISS dust samples, but the risk of infection to astronauts remains unknown.
Researchers analyze journals written by NASA astronauts to identify factors that affect their mental and emotional states during long-duration space missions. The study aims to develop recommendations for future missions, including training exercises and procedures to mitigate behavioral issues.