Recently, Voyager 1 reached a distance of 25 billion kilometers from Earth, making it the most distant man-made object in space. As humanity looks toward the future and considers human missions to such distances, understanding human physiology in microgravity becomes important. Recent research from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) has highlighted challenges in thermoregulation — the body’s ability to maintain a stable internal temperature — in microgravity environments.
About microgravity
Microgravity is the state of apparent weightlessness experienced in space. It occurs when objects are in free-fall orbit around the Earth. While gravity is still present, its effects are greatly reduced, causing unique physiological changes in the human body. This environment affects bones, muscles, blood circulation, metabolism, and heat regulation.
The importance of temperature control
Thermoregulation is important for maintaining optimal body temperature. In space, the body’s response to changes in temperature alters due to microgravity. Factors such as age, fitness, and body composition affect how a person regulates temperature. Understanding these changes is essential to astronaut health during long-duration missions.
IIST Thermoregulation Model
IIST researchers have developed a 3D computational model to simulate the movement of heat in the human body under microgravity. In this model, factors such as sweating, drowsiness, shivering, the effect of clothing, and heat transfer in the limbs are considered. Key findings include:
•Hands and feet become cold in microgravity.
•The main parts of the body including the head and stomach become hot.
•During exercise, body temperature rises more rapidly in space.
Implications of the findings
The model predicts that body temperature may increase from 36.3°C to 37.8°C after 2.5 months in microgravity. With exercise, the temperature may rise to 40°C (degrees Celsius), posing health risks. The researchers used data from the Mir Space Station and the International Space Station (ISS) to study the effects of microgravity. The model’s predictive capabilities were validated using simulation data and previous physiological experiments.
Applications beyond space travel
The thermoregulation model has wide applications. It can enhance safety and comfort in various fields such as clothing design and architecture. For example, it can help textile manufacturers design garments that maintain optimal body temperature. In architecture, it helps create buildings that reduce heat stress. In medicine, such models assist in managing temperature during surgery to ensure patient safety.
Universal Thermal Climate Index
The model also estimates the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI), which measures temperature while accounting for wind, humidity, and sunlight. This index is valuable for understanding comfort levels in various environments, both in space and on Earth.
FAQS
What is the natural method of thermoregulation among humans?
Ans:Brain (hypothalamus), skin, skeletal muscles, sweat glands, and vascular, endocrine, and nervous systems all play a role in thermoregulation
What is the function of hair in thermoregulation?
Ans:Our body hair and head hair theoretically play a role in keeping us warm
How to teach thermoregulation?
Ans:Thermoregulation can be taught through practical examples, simulations, and linking its importance to real-life scenarios such as survival, sports, and space travel
Does thermoregulation change with age?
Ans:The average body temperature remains relatively stable, the body’s efficiency in thermoregulation can decline with age, making older adults more sensitive to temperature extremes
