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At the conclusion of Thursday’s class, it was apparent that the nervous system could function without conventional stimuli. Rather, the nervous system seemed fully capable of generating inputs and outputs, even in the absence of an input. This idea seemed unsettling but at the same time intuitively correct. During the course of our discussion, the notion of sensory deprivation was raised to further evince the aforementioned input/output model of the nervous system.

This made me think about how modern science, with this new definition of the nervous system, is working to understand and treat sensory deprivation. In doing a little research, I found numerous studies of the effects of sensory deprivation on cognitive function. Rather than focus on the more academic studies, and also excluding those of the Guantanamo Bay theme, I found an interesting article from the American Psychological Association describing “Mental preparation for Mars.” (http://www.apa.org/monitor/julaug04/mental.html)

The article outlines the current research of several prominent psychologists working to “lesson the mental stains astronauts might face 100 million miles away from earth.” Although one might be inclined to think that the greatest challenge facing Martian bound astronauts would be hurtling through space, dodging asteroids and space radiation, landing on a desolate planet (where we could finds aliens?) and then packing up only to repeat the process.  But as the article suggests, the dangers of delving farther into space also include a “grinding monotony.”

Being confined in a small space vehicle for approximately three years (NASA projects it will take 500 days to reach Mars, not counting the return trip) combined with the daily stress of manned spaceflight, incurs a massive strain on the human brain. Previous studies have found that being in an enclosed space “with a small group of people for long periods of time can result in cognitive decline, depression and interpersonal conflicts.” There problems can lead to disaster, since space flight is by no means an easy job.

So, NASA’s National Space and Biomedical Research Institute (NSBRI) is currently developing several ways to help astronauts’ coup with the long flight to Mars. These include a handheld cognitive ability test, and even a handheld computer that can stand in for a therapist.

These programs might also aid patients in a clinical setting, and aid in the treatment of depression. So, while NASA might have its heart set on Mars, these studies have applications beyond the field of interstellar travel.