ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot participates in Brain-DTI experiment

ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot is participating in the Brain-DTI experiment during her epsilon mission aboard the International Space Station. The study investigates how the human brain adapts to microgravity and how it recovers upon returning to Earth.

The experiment utilizes various MRI techniques, including diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to map neural pathways and resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) to observe communication between brain regions. Researchers are also measuring anatomical changes, such as brain displacement within the skull and ventricular expansion, caused by the redistribution of cerebrospinal fluid in space.

A key focus of the research is Spaceflight Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS), a condition that can impair vision and cause eye and brain issues due to increased intracranial pressure. To capture the brain's rapid readjustment to gravity, Adenot underwent MRI sessions at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) within two weeks of returning from her 237-day mission. A final scan is scheduled six months post-return to determine the timeline for full neurological recovery.