SIO517: How Is It That 9 Days in Space Means Weeks of Rehabilitation?
About this episode
Thomas discusses the brain science behind astronauts needing rehabilitation after short space missions with Dr. Jenessa Seymour.
Thomas is joined by Dr. Jenessa Seymour to dig into the brain science behind a surprisingly strange phenomenon: why do astronauts who spent just nine days in space need weeks of physical therapy to walk normally again? The answer turns out to involve ancient calcium carbonate ear stones, the same material crabs use for shells, a multi-layered sensory system your brain is constantly running without your knowledge, and a wild evolutionary theory about why motion sickness exists at all. Also: why pilots fly perfectly good planes directly into the ground, and what deaf NASA research participants revealed about how proprioception actually works. Come see me at SkeptiCal ! Are you an expert in something and want to be on the show? Apply here ! Please support the show on Patreon! You get ad-free episodes, early episodes, and other bonus content! https://www.patreon.com/seriouspod
People in this episode
Host: Thomas
Guest: Dr. Jenessa Seymour
Topics covered
- space travel
- astronaut rehabilitation
- brain science
- proprioception
- motion sickness
- evolutionary theory
Keywords
- astronauts
- rehabilitation
- brain science
- calcium carbonate
- proprioception
- motion sickness
- SkeptiCal
Sponsors
Patreon
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: NASA, SkeptiCal
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