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Central Nervous System Responses to Simulated Galactic Cosmic Rays.
Egle Cekanaviciute1,2, Susanna Rosi3,4,5,6,7, Sylvain V Costes8
1Universities Space Research Association (USRA), Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA. egle.cekanaviciute@nasa.gov.
Deep space missions pose risks to astronaut health, particularly the central nervous system (CNS). Research is needed to understand combined stressors and develop countermeasures for cognitive decline.
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Area of Science:
- Space Medicine
- Neuroscience
- Astrobiology
Background:
- Long-duration spaceflight presents numerous health challenges, including ionizing radiation, altered gravity, and psychological stress.
- The impact of these stressors, individually and combined, on the central nervous system (CNS) is not fully understood.
- Galactic cosmic rays are a primary concern for CNS health during deep space exploration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on CNS damage from simulated space radiation.
- To explore novel experimental approaches for studying combined stressors.
- To discuss the development of biomarkers and countermeasures for cognitive decline.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on CNS damage from simulated space radiation.
- Emphasis on neuronal and glial responses and cognitive functions.
- Presentation of novel experimental designs for integrated stressor studies.
Main Results:
- Space radiation significantly impacts CNS health, affecting neuronal and glial cells.
- Cognitive functions are vulnerable to space environment stressors.
- Current research is beginning to address the complex interplay of multiple stressors.
Conclusions:
- Understanding CNS responses to combined space stressors is critical for astronaut health.
- Development of predictive biomarkers for cognitive decline is essential.
- Therapeutic countermeasures are needed to mitigate CNS damage and preserve cognitive abilities for future missions.

