Space Sciences

Prolonged microgravity induces reversible and persistent changes on human cerebral connectivity

S. Jillings, E. Pechenkova, et al.

This groundbreaking study by Steven Jillings and colleagues reveals how prolonged microgravity impacts human brain connectivity. Using advanced resting-state fMRI data from cosmonauts, the research uncovers intriguing changes in brain areas related to function and adaptation in space environments. Discover how microgravity influences our brains!

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Index

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of prolonged microgravity on human brain connectivity using resting-state fMRI data from cosmonauts before, shortly after, and eight months after spaceflight. Results showed persistent connectivity decreases in the posterior cingulate cortex and thalamus, and increases in the right angular gyrus. Connectivity in the bilateral insular cortex decreased after spaceflight but reversed at follow-up. These findings suggest that altered gravitational environments influence functional connectivity, reflecting adaptations to microgravity.

Publisher

Communications Biology

Published On

Jan 13, 2023

Authors

Steven Jillings, Ekaterina Pechenkova, Elena Tomilovskaya, Ilya Rukavishnikov, Ben Jeurissen, Angelique Van Ombergen, Inna Nosikova, Alena Rumshiskaya, Liudmila Litvinova, Jitka Annen, Chloë De Laet, Catho Schoenmaekers, Jan Sijbers, Victor Petrovichev, Stefan Sunaert, Paul M. Parizel, Valentin Sinitsyn, Peter zu Eulenburg, Steven Laureys, Athena Demertzi, Floris L. Wuyts

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