News & Comment

Long-duration spaceflight missions are on the rise. However, recent literature suggests that prolonged and deep-space exposure is likely to introduce increased risks for brain health and consequent detriments to performance and well-being. Given up-to-date evidence, we argue that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a promising solution for mitigating behavioral and neurocognitive risks associated with long-duration and deep-space missions. We provide support from recent Earth-based applications of TMS and review several advantages it holds over current treatment approaches. Lastly, we highlight some of the needs in the process of applying such technology to the spaceflight environment.

The integration of biology and spacefaring has led to the development of three interrelated fields: Astrobiology, Bioastronautics, and Space Bioprocess Engineering. Astrobiology is concerned with the study of the origin, evolution, distribution, and future of life in the universe, while Bioastronautics focuses on the effects of spaceflight on biological systems, including human physiology and psychology. Space Bioprocess Engineering, on the other hand, deals with the design, deployment, and management of biotechnology for human exploration. This paper highlights the unique contributions of each field and outlines opportunities for biologists to engage in these exciting avenues of research. By providing a clear overview of the major fields of biology and spacefaring, this paper serves as a valuable resource for scientists and researchers interested in exploring the integration of these disciplines.