The Graybiel Laboratory at Brandeis University features one of the few
low-gravity experimental chambers in the United States. Using centrifugal force
to mimic a low-gravity environment, the laboratory's rotating room is a test
site for NASA and other studies of how the human brain and body adjust to
different gravities.
"You would think Earth gravity would be hard-wired into the nervous system --
after all, it's been constant since we evolved," said DiZio. "But the human
brain is remarkably good at re-learning how to control the body when gravity
changes and the old rules of force and motion and mass don't work anymore."
Directed motions such as pointing, grabbing, walking across a room at a certain
speed, and responding to auditory cues for motion all are affected by changes in
gravity.
Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.
