Simon Fraser University|Simon Fraser University

Purpose

Spaceflight produces deleterious effects on multiple physiological systems (e.g., cardiovascular, cardiorespiratory, and postural controls) with astronauts in isolation and confinement (IC) in a microgravity environment. IC studies conducted on the ISS and the ground generally demonstrated altered neuro-immunomodulated responses, whose mechanisms may be related to chronic stress dysregulating the central nervous system (CNS). However, the effects of IC on CNS insult and multi-omic responses are yet to be investigated. The research team proposes to analyze datasets of previous flight experiments from NASA’s OSDR and Vivaldi 1 & 2 transcriptomic data from dry immersion analogue study. They aim to generate new knowledge and understanding of human spaceflight risks associated with CNS dysfunctions and contribute to evidence-based, prophylactic countermeasure development to mitigate the adverse risks associated with current spaceflight. Moreover, this research aims to translate this understanding to improve the health of Canadians on Earth who may be affected by related adverse effects.