The project will have three phases. The first involves subjects using the device to perform strength and cardiovascular exercise during normal gravity conditions. The second and third phases call for subjects to exercise in conjunction with increased levels of inactivity, which simulates conditions of microgravity. Study participants do short-duration interval cardiovascular exercises designed to reduce the time needed for exercise. On alternate days, the device will be configured for strength training, which has been shown to result in increased muscle strength and size.

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The Center for Space Radiation Research (CSRR) is comprised of teams from four institutions that work closely together to assess both the acute and late risks of low-dose proton and heavy ion exposures, and identify safe countermeasures that may protect astronauts against radiation effects. The researchers will use animal models to conduct the studies.

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But, not all astronauts experience changes to their vision in weightlessness. Differences in the anatomy, flow, and compliance of the veins in the head between individuals may explain this discrepancy. Our goal is to develop a numerical model of the cerebral venous circulation that can predict the effects of the fluid shifts. We will validate the model by using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the head to measure changes in venous flow, venous volume, venous pressure, intracranial compliance, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) volume and flow pulsatility during both fluid shifts and changes in body position. The likely anatomic differences that could alter the responses to a fluid shift will be identified. This model and supporting data will provide a way to develop hypotheses about how microgravity produces visual changes over time and may allow predictions about which subjects may be at risk for the visual deficits associated with microgravity.

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Dr. Craig G. Crandall and colleagues seek to determine if living in zero gravity actually impairs the body???s ability to regulate temperature. They will evaluate temperature regulation during steady-state exercise before, during and after a mission onboard the International Space Station.

The project???s data will lead to improved astronaut safety during missions and possibly increased physical work capacity during events such as spacewalks.

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Numerous studies have evaluated novel risk markers in an attempt to improve cardiovascular risk prediction, with several promising imaging and blood-based biomarkers identified. Most of these studies have investigated the incremental predictive value of a single biomarker added to a traditional risk factor model, with a few reporting combinations of biomarkers. Moreover, few studies have evaluated strategies for risk prediction that cross testing modalities. Such a multi-modality approach has the potential to markedly improve cardiovascular risk prediction among potential and existing astronauts, and would have direct relevance to the general population.

Dr. de Lemos and colleagues will enhance cardiovascular risk prediction by developing novel strategies that combine risk prediction tests that cross testing modalities. These modalities will include traditional risk factor and fitness assessments, as well as cardiovascular imaging studies, novel protein biomarkers, and genetics. Models will be developed that optimize global cardiovascular disease risk prediction over two time windows:
(1) 10-20 years, representing the full career of the astronaut; and
(2) 2-5 years, representing the planning and operational phase of a manned mission to Mars.

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The post The Role and Characterization of Novel Photoreceptor Mechanisms Regulating Circadian Rhythms, Sleep, Body Temperature and Heart Rate appeared first on NSBRI.