Researchers the University of Michigan in the USA have found that the brain astronauts changes shape during spaceflight. It is the first study to look how the brain changes the journey space. Researchers looked pictures of the brains 26 astronauts who spent time space. The photos were taken high-tech medical machines called MRIs. Twelve of the astronauts spent two weeks Space Shuttle crew members, and 14 spent six months the International Space Station. All them experienced increases and decreases the size of different parts of the brain. The researchers said that the longer an astronaut spent space, the bigger the differences in size were.
The research produced some interesting findings. The researchers explained that, "gravity is not available to pull fluids in the body". This means there is a shift the position the brain inside the skull. The brain becomes either more squashed or bigger size. The findings could help doctors the future to treat problems that affect the brain's function. One possibility is to treat people who develop problems caused long-term bed rest. Another possibility is to treat those who have a build-up fluid in the brain, which can lead to brain damage. The researchers also say we will understand more about how neurons the brain make connections. In addition, the findings will help future space travelers their journey to Mars.
