Overview
- The Journal of Neuroscience paper, published Monday, finds ISS astronauts move slower and squeeze objects harder in weightlessness.
- The team measured grip and movement in 11 crew members who each spent at least five months on the station.
- The pattern points to a persistent Earth-gravity model in the brain that drives a larger safety margin to prevent slips or flyaways.
- Tests a day after return to Earth showed grip force and movement rhythm rebounded quickly to near-normal levels.
- The over-gripping may add hand fatigue and will inform glove and tool design, with open questions for Moon and Mars missions and further analyses planned.