Sex-Dependent Changes in Risk-Taking Predisposition of Rats Following Space Radiation Exposure

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Space Biology
• Radiation Biology

Background:

• Astronauts face high-pressure decisions during space missions.
• Space radiation (SR) exposure can impair cognitive functions essential for decision-making.
• Understanding SR's impact on cognition is vital for long-duration spaceflight, like Artemis missions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of simulated Galactic Cosmic Ray radiation (GCRsim) on decision-making performance in rats.
• To assess sex-dependent outcomes of SR exposure on cognitive tasks.
• To determine if continued practice can mitigate radiation-induced cognitive deficits.

Main Methods:

• Rats with low risk-taking tendencies were exposed to 10 cGy of GCRsim.
• Decision-making performance was assessed monthly post-exposure.
• Performance was compared to pre-exposure baseline data.

Main Results:

• 10 cGy GCRsim exposure impaired decision-making in both sexes.
• Female rats showed increased risk-taking behavior 30 days post-exposure.
• Male rats exhibited slower decision-making but maintained strategy, with practice potentially reversing deficits.

Conclusions:

• Space radiation significantly impacts decision-making abilities.
• Sex-specific cognitive effects of SR were observed.
• Cognitive training may be a viable countermeasure against radiation-induced performance decline.