Science Technology
Number: 1
Article Title: Astronaut feels space's toll on his body
Length 2 pages 974 words
Author: Rich Phillips
Publication name: CNN
Date of Publication: Febuary 12th 2012
Mike Barrot, who returned from a six month research trip in space on the international space station in October of 2009 has recently reported dramatic changes in his vision. His once near-sited vision had turned far-sited. Many other male astronauts who have had extended stays in space reported similar problems. Female astronauts seem to be unaffected. The cause of this profound shift in vision among male astronauts is yet unclear but doctors believe it has to do with the build up of intracranial pressure during a lengthy stay on the international space station. This build up of pressure would then cause the reshaping of the optic nerve which results in vision changes.
This medical problem has become NASA's number one priority as of now because no further trips to space can occur if the astronaut's health cannot be guaranteed. Also, build of intracranial pressure could have other unknown neurological effects on the astronaut as well. NASA's current 18 billion dollars project to send astronauts for the first time to Mars would have to be put on halt as the fastest space shuttle ever, Orion, would have no astronauts to carry if this problem is not solved.
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ReplyDeleteName: Derek
ReplyDeleteComment number: 1
NASA should definitely hold off further science project to ensure the astronauts' safeties. Astronaut Mike Barratt and 9 other male have vision changes after returning and have not recovered yet. According to available research, exposing to weightless environment of space would elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) inside their heads which could cause severe brain damages; it would even be fatal if prolonged. I think it is wise to look for solutions before astronauts can enter Mars or any unknown region.
Sameeha R.
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I have never heard of a condition like this that changes people from being far sighted to near sighted (and vice versa) due to the build up of intracranial pressure in the brains of these astronauts. The article mentioned that only male astronauts noticed this change in their vision, but female astronauts haven't. Do scientists have any idea why? The article said that astronauts only noticed these effects after prolonged research trips of six months and longer. Maybe NASA can put a limit on the length of their trips to prevent the intracranial pressure from building up and reshaping the optic nerves of these astronauts.