Humans have completed their millions of years of evolution by adapting to the Earth's gravity. Research conducted since the beginning of the Space Age has clearly shown how astronauts' muscle and bone structures weaken in space.
However, the scientific world is only just discovering the effects of weightlessness on the human brain. Recent studies show that space travel directly changes the structure and function of the brain.
The brain's extraordinary adaptation to a zero-gravity environment
A new study conducted at Birkbeck University of London that brought together numerous brain imaging studies found that permanent changes occur in the brain when gravity disappears.
Scientists have discovered physical differences in the regions of the brain responsible for movement, balance and body perception in the microgravity environment. In this process, called neuroplasticity, the brain literally rewires itself to adapt to the weightless environment. Although this situation makes it easier for astronauts to adapt to their new environment, it can pose a great danger when returning to Earth or another planet.
Great danger in Mars missions
Previously, when astronauts returned to Earth after their time on the International Space Station, they underwent a comprehensive rehabilitation process and adjusted to normal gravity under the supervision of experts. However, the situation will be completely different for the future planned moon and Mars missions.
Astronauts who set foot on Mars after about eight months of space travel will have to land at their own discretion, without the possibility of immediate communication with Earth. A brain fully adapted to the microgravity environment can suffer severe loss of orientation and coordination in the face of Mars' gravity.
Experts warn that even with the most advanced rockets, the entire mission could be at risk if the crew is unable to make the right decisions due to sensory-motor changes.
Looking for solutions and the future
Giant rotating spaceships often seen in science fiction films that create artificial gravity are theoretically considered an ideal solution for protecting muscle, bone and brain structures. However, the construction of such systems is associated with high costs and technical difficulties.
For this reason, scientists are working on alternative methods to facilitate this adaptation process by stimulating the gravity perception centers in the astronauts' brains with mild electrical currents.
Despite the challenges, researchers say space missions provide a unique opportunity to understand the limitations and plasticity of the human brain with a clarity that would never be possible on Earth.
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