Neuroscience Research in Short-duration Human Spaceflight encapsulates a groundbreaking neuroscience portfolio conducted during the Axiom Mission 2 in May 2023, offering an examination of the effects of short-duration orbital spaceflight on aspects of the human brain. Addressing limitations in existing literature, the research includes astronauts of diverse ages, genders, and ethnic backgrounds, broadening the understanding of the impact of spaceflight on human physiology.
A significant aspect of the suite of studies is the validation of two novel devices providing unprecedented information about the pupillary light reflex and neuroimaging in microgravity: automated pupillometry and functional near-infrared spectroscopy. The portfolio extends to explore spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome, offering valuable contributions to the evolving field of space medicine. Furthermore, the research delves into the utilization of electroencephalography to monitor brain activity, acknowledging its potential in assessing cognitive health, stress levels, and mental workload in real time. Despite promising prospects, challenges in electroencephalography system adaptability within the International Space Station environment are highlighted, emphasizing the need for specialized design considerations. In addition, analysis is extended into the molecular biomarkers through minimally invasive blood monitoring. This book represents a pivotal advancement in space neuroscience, laying the foundation for safer space travel and fostering the development of monitoring tools crucial to observing adverse changes and potentially developing countermeasures that can aid in the establishment of a permanent human presence beyond Earth.
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Table of Contents
1. Unlocking the neurological mysteries of space from Saudi Arabia’s inaugural human spaceflight mission (Axiom Mission 2): pioneering insights, novel tools, and pathways to safer future space explorationBader H. Shirah, Christopher E. Mason, Eliah G. Overbey, JangKeun Kim, Shawna Pandya, Yvette Gonzalez, Aaron H. Persad, Mohammed M. Ahmed, Mishaal N. Ashemimry, Muhammad Imran Naseer and Jon Sen
2. Automated pupillometry in short-duration human spaceflight
Bader H. Shirah, Yasser Aladdin, Christopher Mason, Shawna Pandya, Yvette Gonzalez, Aaron H. Persad, Andrew G. Lee, Mohammed M. Ahmed, Mishaal N. Ashemimry and Jon Sen
3. Optic nerve sheath ultrasound in short-duration human spaceflight
Bader H. Shirah, Andrew G. Lee, Christopher Mason, Shawna Pandya, Yvette Gonzalez, Aaron H. Persad, Mohammed M. Ahmed, Mishaal N. Ashemimry and Jon Sen
4. Wireless portable electroencephalography in short-duration human spaceflight
Bader H. Shirah, Sandra Pusil, Fernando Maestu, Patrique Fiedler, Jon Sen, Yasser Aladdin, Christopher Mason, Shawna Pandya, Yvette Gonzalez, Aaron H. Persad, Mohammed M. Ahmed, Mishaal N. Ashemimry, Ana M. Cebolla Alvarez, Guy Cheron and Michael Funke
5. Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy as a noninvasive neuroimaging technique to measure cerebral perfusion in microgravity
Bader H. Shirah, Peter Zu Eulenburg, Christopher Mason, Shawna Pandya, Yvette Gonzalez, Aaron H. Persad, Mohammed M. Ahmed, Mishaal N. Ashemimry, Matthias Ertl and Jon Sen
6. Surrogate assessment of brain health using longitudinal measures of blood-based biomarkers in short-duration human spaceflight
Bader H. Shirah, Peter zu Eulenburg, Eliah G. Overbey, JangKeun Kim, Marissa Burke, Jeremy Wain Hirschberg, Isabell Schulze, Krista Ryon, Jacqueline Proszynski, Cem Meydan, Deena Najjar, Jonathan Foox, Paul Collier, Theodore M. Nelson, Dennis J. Zhang, Nosakhare M. Iyoha, Chloe J. Jones, Brianna Przywozny, Thomas Sibilly, Shawna Pandya, Yvette Gonzalez, Aaron H. Persad, Mohammed M. Ahmed, Hatim Bukhari, Muhammad Imran Naseer, Jon Sen, Remi Klotz, Min Yu, Mishaal N. Ashemimry, Jedd Wolchok, Taha Merghoub and Christopher E. Mason
7. Telomere length dynamics associated with short-duration human spaceflight 125
Bader H. Shirah, Eliah G. Overbey, Jonathan Foox, Jeremy Wain Hirschberg, JangKeun Kim, Krista Ryon, Jacqueline Proszynski, Cem Meydan, Deena Najjar, Paul Collier, Erik LeRoy, Shawna Pandya, Yvette Gonzalez, Aaron H. Persad, Mohammed M. Ahmed, Hatim Bukhari, Muhammad Imran Naseer, Mishaal N. Ashemimry, Lynn Taylor, Taghreed M. Al-Turki, Remi Klotz, Min Yu, Jon Sen, Susan M. Bailey and Christopher Mason
8. Evaluation of astronaut experience, future directions, and recommendations for neuroscience research methods in human spaceflight
Bader H. Shirah, Christopher Mason, Shawna Pandya, Yvette Gonzalez, Aaron H. Persad, Mohammed M. Ahmed, Mishaal N Ashemimry and Jon Sen
Authors
Bader Shirah Department of Neuroscience, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.Dr. Bader Shirah, a distinguished physician and researcher from Saudi Arabia, earned his medical degree from the College of Medicine at King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences in Jeddah. With a commitment to advancing medical knowledge and skills, he pursued further training and acquired medical practice licenses in both Saudi Arabia (Saudi Commission for Health Specialties) and Canada (Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada).
Dr. Shirah's pioneering efforts in the field of space medicine have significantly contributed to shaping the landscape of scientific exploration in Saudi Arabia. Initially engaged in the strategic planning of the Saudi Space Commission since its establishment on December 27, 2018, he went on to represent the Kingdom in various international scientific activities. Marking several pivotal milestones, Dr. Shirah established the foundation for the futuristic field of space medicine in Saudi Arabia. He published the first set of papers from the country, authored the inaugural book on space medicine in Arabic, and conducted courses and workshops to educate Saudi students and scientists on the emerging field.
A trailblazer in his own right, Dr. Shirah founded Nebula Research & Development Company, the first Saudi company dedicated to space medicine research and development. Recognized for his outstanding contributions to innovation and leadership, he was honored by Forbes Middle East by being named to their prestigious 30 Under 30 list. This accolade celebrates young visionaries who are pioneering the use of advanced technologies to develop revolutionary inventions and medical breakthroughs. The Forbes Middle East 30 Under 30 list not only highlights these technological advancements but also acknowledges the remarkable achievements of inspirational young leaders, dreamers, and creatives. These individuals are at the forefront of driving significant change in the MENA region, continuously expanding their influence into new and unexplored areas, shaping the future with their visionary ideas and relentless dedication. Dr. Shirah's recent endeavors reached new heights with the execution of six in-space neuroscience research experiments on the Saudi Space Agency Human Space Flight 1 (SSA-HSF1) mission, aiming to deepen the understanding of the effects of microgravity and radiation on the human brain and body.
Dr. Shirah's prolific research output includes over 170 outstanding papers in top international peer-reviewed journals, widely cited for their impact. His contributions have garnered numerous accolades, including The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Prize for Honoring the Inventors and the Talented, a Memorial Plaque from Saudi Arabia's Minister of National Guard, and the First Best Researcher in Dr. Sami Alsogair's Award for Scientific Research. Notably, he made history as the first Saudi scientist selected as an Emerging Space Leader by the International Astronautical Federation, further solidifying his role as a pioneering force in the field of space medicine research. Furthermore, he was awarded two international scholarships by reputable international organizations; the Space Medicine Association and the American Academy of Neurology.
Figure: Dr. Bader Shirah in a panel during at the International Astronautical Congress 2023.
Figure: Dr. Bader Shirah wearing the Axiom Mission 2 garments during a space medicine course in Saudi Arabia.
