Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #31790: Eyes on Space: Investigating Vision Risks and Genetic Factors in Astronauts

Spaceflight poses a number of challenges to the human body, but one of the lesser-known risks is visual impairment associated with intracranial pressure. This experiment, led by Dr. Scott Smith at NASA Johnson Space Center, dives into the connection between these vision problems and genetic polymorphisms in one-carbon metabolism.

The experiment evaluates how specific genetic variants might make some astronauts more susceptible to vision issues after long-duration missions. One-carbon metabolism is a crucial biochemical pathway that influences everything from DNA synthesis to neurotransmitter production. Disruptions in this pathway—especially in space—might affect fluid dynamics in the brain and eyes.

By studying enzyme polymorphisms, the research aims to personalize astronaut health management. Understanding these genetic links can help predict which individuals are at higher risk for space-induced intracranial hypertension, allowing for tailored countermeasures.

This experiment is part of NASA’s broader commitment to safe human spaceflight, especially for future missions to Mars where medical interventions will be limited. It also enhances our understanding of human biology in extreme environments.

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