麻豆传媒

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eBook ISBN: 9780443339196

Neuroscience Research in Short-duration Human Spaceflight encapsulates a groundbreaking neuroscience portfolio conducted during the Axiom Mission 2 in May 2023, offering an examination of the effects of short-duration orbital spaceflight on aspects of the human brain. Addressing limitations in existing literature, the research includes astronauts of diverse ages, genders, and ethnic backgrounds, broadening the understanding of the impact of spaceflight on human physiology.

A significant aspect of the suite of studies is the validation of two novel devices providing unprecedented information about the pupillary light reflex and neuroimaging in microgravity: automated pupillometry and functional near-infrared spectroscopy. The portfolio extends to explore spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome, offering valuable contributions to the evolving field of space medicine. Furthermore, the research delves into the utilization of electroencephalography to monitor brain activity, acknowledging its potential in assessing cognitive health, stress levels, and mental workload in real time. Despite promising prospects, challenges in electroencephalography system adaptability within the International Space Station environment are highlighted, emphasizing the need for specialized design considerations. In addition, analysis is extended into the molecular biomarkers through minimally invasive blood monitoring. This book represents a pivotal advancement in space neuroscience, laying the foundation for safer space travel and fostering the development of monitoring tools crucial to observing adverse changes and potentially developing countermeasures that can aid in the establishment of a permanent human presence beyond Earth.

Crewed suborbital spaceflight has emerged as a novel avenue for conducting research with humantended payloads, offering a more streamlined alternative to the complexities associated with orbital missions. While orbital flights typically involve intricate logistics and significant lead time, commercial suborbital spaceflights provide the capability to launch human-tended payloads in a remarkably shorter period. This presents a unique set of challenges related to mission preparedness for both the payloads and the astronauts involved. The International Institute for Astronautical Sciences (IIAS), a non-profit research institute with members from over 50 nations, utilizes citizen-science methods for research and education projects, including spaceflight missions. In this talk, we showcase IIAS鈥檚 approach to preparing a collection of payloads and a payload specialist for a suborbital flight facilitated by Virgin Galactic (VG) using their Unity spacecraft, known as mission IIAS-01/GAL-05. Notably, IIAS-01/GAL-05 marked significant milestones for both IIAS and VG. It was the first mission to feature seasoned researchers alongside a spaceflight participant as the crew makeup. Additionally, it marked the inaugural instance of a payload free-floating untethered inside the VG VSS Unity cabin. These milestones, however, came with operational and technical challenges that required collaborative efforts between IIAS and VG to ensure a successful mission. Preceding the IIAS-01/GAL-05 mission, IIAS had been utilizing the Falcon-20 reduced gravity research aircraft operated by the National Research Council of Canada for nine years. This aircraft provides a high-quality, near-weightless environment, akin to that of Unity but on a smaller scale. IIAS utilized the Falcon-20 to train its members, mature research payloads, and develop operational expertise in handling payloads in a weightless environment. Consequently, IIAS assembled a collection of payloads and trained payload specialists ready for spaceflight. Three payloads with sufficient technology readiness level (TRL) advancement and microgravity heritage
were identified for the IIAS-01/GAL-05 mission, capitalizing on the unique flight characteristics of the mission, and aligned with the expertise of the IIAS member participating as the payload specialist. These payloads included a fluid configuration experiment, a biomonitoring smart shirt, and a continuous blood glucose monitor. The presented methods, encompassing payload development, IIAS astronaut training, and mission execution, offer valuable insights for researchers preparing for spaceflight. This experience opens avenues for future collaborative endeavors in the burgeoning field of crewed suborbital space research.

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Background: The movement of the jaws is a pivotal aspect of our masticatory function and speech, profoundly impacting our daily lives and overall health. Psychological stress, an increasingly prevalent condition in today鈥檚 fast-paced society, can significantly affect these movements. Individuals under stress often exhibit behaviors such as clenching and bruxism, leading to long-term detrimental impacts on the maxillofacial structure. Given the repetitive nature of jaw movements, even minor deviations from the norm can have profound, lasting effects on both the function and structure of the jaw. Furthermore, extensive research has underscored the interconnection between jaw orientation in space, its movements, and broader physiological domains such as body posture and coordination. This relationship highlights the complexity of jaw movements and their far-reaching implications on human health and well-being. Methods: Our research initiative used insights from two comprehensive scoping reviews to identify a range of interventions capable of measuring jaw movement accurately and non-invasively. We devised and piloted an adaptation of existing methodologies, utilizing standard camera equipment. This approach was designed to monitor jaw movements without interfering with the subjects鈥� daily activities. Our pilot studies refined these methods, and the approach was subsequently applied to participants in the Caving Analog Mission: Ocean, Earth, Space (CAM玫es) project. This project offers into jaw movement in environments that simulate the conditions of space exploration. Results and Findings: Through iterative development and testing, we established a final approach that involved marking anatomical landmarks on participants and instructing them to chew gum while being recorded by a camera. This camera was part of their standard documentation kit, ensuring that our methodology integrated seamlessly into their daily routines without additional burdens. This technique not only facilitated the accurate recording of jaw movements but also did so in a manner that was unobtrusive and user-friendly. Conclusion: Our developed methodology represents a feasible, cost-effective intervention for recording jaw function and movements without disrupting natural behaviors. This approach has the potential to advance our understanding of jaw dynamics, particularly in relation to psychological stress and its physical manifestations. As we proceed with data analysis, we anticipate sharing comprehensive findings at the upcoming conference. Our research offers promising avenues for future studies, potentially leading to novel interventions that can mitigate the adverse effects of stress on jaw function and, by extension, on overall health and quality of life.