Investigations of a simulated geomagnetic field experienced by the international space station on attentional performance

Abstract

We have previously reported that the exposure to an abnormal magnetic field simulating the one encountered by the International Space Station (ISS) orbiting around the Earth may enhance autonomic response to emotional stimuli. Here we report the results of the second part of that study which tested whether this field also affects cognitive functions. Twenty-four volunteers participated in the study, 12 exposed to the natural geomagnetic field and 12 to the magnetic field encountered by ISS. The test protocol consisted of a set of eight tests chosen from a computerized test battery for the assessment of attentional performance. The duration of exposure was 90 min. No effect of exposure to ISS magnetic field was observed on attentional performance.

Positive geotactic behaviors induced by geomagnetic field in Drosophila

“…It is generally accepted that microgravity in a space craft or simulated microgravity on the ground provides suitable experimental conditions to investigate whether gravity provokes geotaxis of living organisms [ 9 – 11 ]. However, this consensus may be flawed because geotactic behaviors under these conditions are confounded by a wide range of artifacts.…”

“…However, this consensus may be flawed because geotactic behaviors under these conditions are confounded by a wide range of artifacts. For instance, geomagnetic field (GMF), one of the bio-effective environmental factors on Earth, is also notably weakened in space [ 9 , 12 ]. A web of GMF ranging from 25 μT at the magnetic equator to 65 μT at the magnetic poles surrounds Earth [ 13 ] and influences animals’ locomotive activities.…”