In a mouse model, we are investigating the impact of total body irradiation of heavy ions and X-rays on the Central Nervous System (CNS). Research has shown that exposure to space mission-relevant doses of ionising radiation can induce cognitive deficits many months after exposure. This poses a significant concern to astronaut health and safety as exploration of space advances beyond the protection of Earth’s magnetic field.

As part of the SPACEBRAINproject we are measuring cognitive function using a range of behavioural tests aimed at assessing long and short-term memory, anxiety, sociability, cognitive flexibility, and other cognitive and behavioural functions. In addition, brain tissue analyses using immunohistochemistry will reveal changes in inflammation, dendritic structure and synaptic integrity. This project aims to investigate these changes as well as the sex differences in radiation susceptibility of the brain and the impact of spacecraft shielding on the induction of cognitive deficits.

Contact: C. Vandevoorde and O. Drayson

In a mouse model, we are investigating the impact of total body irradiation of heavy ions and X-rays on the Central Nervous System (CNS). Research has shown that exposure to space mission-relevant doses of ionising radiation can induce cognitive deficits many months after exposure. This poses a significant concern to astronaut health and safety as exploration of space advances beyond the protection of Earth’s magnetic field.

As part of the SPACEBRAINproject we are measuring cognitive function using a range of behavioural tests aimed at assessing long and short-term memory, anxiety, sociability, cognitive flexibility, and other cognitive and behavioural functions. In addition, brain tissue analyses using immunohistochemistry will reveal changes in inflammation, dendritic structure and synaptic integrity. This project aims to investigate these changes as well as the sex differences in radiation susceptibility of the brain and the impact of spacecraft shielding on the induction of cognitive deficits.

Contact: C. Vandevoorde (c.vandevoorde(at)gsi.de) and O. Drayson (o.drayson(at)gsi.de)