Impact of Microgravity on Body Temperature

Prelims (GS I) – General Science.

Why in news?

Recent research by Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) researchers have developed a 3D model shows that microgravity increases core body temperature in astronauts.

• Microgravity – It refers to a condition where the effects of gravity are significantly reduced, creating an apparent state of weightlessness.
• This is often seen in space, where objects in orbit experience a continuous state of freefall.
• Research model – 3D computational model of human thermoregulation in microgravity developed by scientists researchers from IIST.
• This model imitates how heat moves through the body in a space environment, taking into account factors like sweating, shivering, clothing, organ heat and blood redistribution.

Key Findings of the Research

• Core body temperature changes - Microgravity consistently increases core body temperature.
• Core body temperature may increase from 36.3°C to 37.8°C (with 30% lower sweating and 36% higher metabolism) in 2.5 months under the influence of microgravity.

Core body temperature, is the operating temperature of an organism.

• Temperature distribution changes – The temperature change is varying in different parts of the body with,
  • Feet and hands become cooler in microgravity.
  • Head, abdomen, and core become warmer.
  • Blood redistribution from lower limbs to upper body significantly impacts temperature distribution.
• Impact of Exercise – It causes faster temperature rise in space than on Earth.
• During exercise in microgravity, body temperature could approach 40°C.
• Model validation – Successfully matched temperature data from Mir space station (Russia) and International Space Station
• Applications - The model has applications for space travel that keeps astronauts make informed decision.
• Clothing design for temperature regulation.
• Building architecture to reduce heat stress.
• Calculating universal thermal climate index.

Reference

The Hindu| Microgravity increases core body temperature