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Study Reveals Spaceflight Alters Astronaut Brain Structure

2/11/2026

46 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Spaceflight causes significant brain shifts, increasing with mission duration, according to a new study.
The study analyzed MRI scans of 26 astronauts and found the brain moves upward and backward inside the skull.
Most deformations return to normal within six months after returning to Earth, though some effects may persist longer.
NASA's Artemis program will benefit by using these findings to assess long-term risks and develop safety measures.

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Story summary

Spaceflight causes significant brain shifts, increasing with mission duration, according to a new study.
The study analyzed MRI scans of 26 astronauts and found the brain moves upward and backward inside the skull.
Most deformations return to normal within six months after returning to Earth, though some effects may persist longer.
NASA's Artemis program will benefit by using these findings to assess long-term risks and develop safety measures.