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NASA Study Reveals Astronauts' Brain Changes After Spaceflight

1/13/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences shows astronauts' brains tilt upward and shift backward in the skull after spaceflight, affecting regions linked to motion sickness and balance.
The MRI analysis included 26 astronauts, with longer missions showing larger shifts.
Similar shifts occurred in 24 civilians on bed rest.
Experts call for more research to understand long-term effects as NASA plans moon and Mars missions.

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Story summary

A study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences shows astronauts' brains tilt upward and shift backward in the skull after spaceflight, affecting regions linked to motion sickness and balance.
The MRI analysis included 26 astronauts, with longer missions showing larger shifts.
Similar shifts occurred in 24 civilians on bed rest.
Experts call for more research to understand long-term effects as NASA plans moon and Mars missions.