Neuroplasticity in Space
Exploration of Neuroplasticity as a DualValence Human Trait. ( right)
© Image credit & copyright: NASA and NeuroSci. All rights reserved.
Rappaport and Corbally conducted an exploratory review of the intersection of two segments of the space neuroscience literature: neuroplasticity in space; and decision- making in space. Their goal was to highlight recent findings and directions for future research.
They present neuroplasticity as a “dual- valance” human trait that creates problems for humans in spaceflight ( in microgravity, heightened CO and 2 greater cosmic radiation.)
Coincidentally, neuroplasticity may be the foundation of recovery, reestablishing neurological functioning after early declines, and stabilization with medical management.
They propose Sasmita and colleagues ( 2018) are correct: Neuroplasticity can be “harnessed” through clinical management, preparation before spaceflight, and remediation afterwards. Examples of both routine and forward- looking treatment modalities are presented.
REF: Sasmita, A. O.; et al. Harnessing Neuroplasticity: Modern Approaches and Clinical Future. Int. J. Neurosci. 2018, 128, 1061– 1077.
About
Margaret Boone Rappaport, Ph. D., is CoFounder, The Human Sentience Project, LLC, Tucson, AZ (@ AstronomyPlays). She conducts research in human cognitive evolution, neuroscience, lunar and space sciences, and ecotheology.
She lectured in Sociology and Anthropology at Georgetown and George Washington Universities. She earned her doctorate at The Ohio State University.
Christopher J. Corbally, S. J., Ph. D., is an astronomer with the Vatican Observatory Research Group. He is Adjunct Associate Astronomer at the Department of Astronomy, University of Arizona, and his research interests include stellar spectral classification, multiple star systems, and lambda Boötis stars. His doctorate in Astronomy is from the University of Toronto.
Contact
Dr. Rappaport: https:// orcid. org/ 0000- 0003- 2912- 7876 Dr. Corbally: https:// orcid. org/ 0000- 0001- 6797- 887X