Toward an Etiology of Spaceflight Neuroplastic Syndrome: Evolutionary Science Leads to New Hypotheses and Program Priorities.

Evolutionary theory is applied to recent neuroscientific findings on factors associated with risk-and-reward systems, and consequently, aspects of human decision making in spaceflight. Factors include enzymes aiding metabolic pathways of dopamine and serotonin; neurotrophic factors supporting neuronal functioning and plasticity; and genes associated with serotonin and dopamine systems. Not all factors are at risk in spaceflight.

Neuroplasticity as a Foundation for Decision-Making in Space.

This is an exploratory review of two very recent, intersecting segments of space science: neuroplasticity in space, and decision-making in space. The high level of neuroplasticity in humans leads to unfortunate neurological and physical deconditioning while the body adjusts to the new space environment. However, neuroplasticity may also allow recovery and continued functioning of decision-making at a level necessary for mission completion.