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The physiological challenges faced by astronauts offer a unique lens through which we can better understand health and disease, not only during space flight but also on Earth. The Center for Space and Aviation Health (CSAH) at Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is driving innovation in this field. 

The UAE has successfully sent two astronauts into space and there are plans for more ambitious space missions in the future. Supporting this vision is Nandu Goswami, a cardiovascular physiologist at MBRU’s College of Medicine, who pioneers research on the physiological effects of spaceflight. One of his key focuses is how life in space can help us understand the mechanisms associated with ageing and disease progression. 

“I am extensively studying bedrest confinement, which is used as a model for understanding spaceflight-induced deconditioning,” says Goswami, explaining the state where there is a decline in bodily functions due to prolonged bed rest or a sedentary lifestyle. “The insights gained are used for understanding the mechanisms by which physiological deconditioning occurs and inform the development of appropriate countermeasures to overcome its effects. It not only supports astronaut health but may also improve care for immobilised patients on Earth.”

CSAH has been conducting research on the influence of gravity or altered gravity on various systems of the human body. “Spaceflight causes observable changes in human physiology, many of which are almost impossible to control during missions. All of them lead to time-dependent adaptation processes,” says Goswami. 

“Entry into microgravity leads to the alteration of physiological processes that depend significantly on gravity,” he says. “It introduces functional changes, such as adaptations in cardiovascular control functions, cerebral perfusion and changes in the musculoskeletal system.”

CSAH collaborates closely with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre in Dubai to build data on the deconditioning and cognitive changes that occur during spaceflight. This data is used to assess how such physiological changes can influence team cohesion, performance and decision-making in extreme environments during space missions. 

The centre uses data to develop new screening methods and innovative diagnostic methods to transform healthcare delivery in both terrestrial and extraterrestrial environments. One of its current projects focuses on using AI to analyse existing databases on astronaut health to identify biomarkers that can enhance personalised medicine. “This will not only bolster precise planning for future space missions but also enrich our broader understanding of spaceflight deconditioning and prevention strategies,” Goswami says.

“The vision for the centre is to be the first of its kind in the UAE to enhance the possibilities of research on space and aviation health. This will develop the UAE’s capabilities in the fields of aviation and spaceflight medicine,” Goswami adds. 

Goswami is co-director of CSAH, along with Hanan Al Suwaidi, assistant professor at MBRU and the UAE’s first flight surgeon. “Our vision is to establish the UAE’s first dedicated centre for space and aviation health research, to develop capabilities, perform cutting-edge research, nurture local talent and position the UAE as a leader in aviation and space medicine,” says Al Suwaidi.

The centre serves as an important training site for MBRU’s medical and postgraduate students and acts as a regional knowledge hub for researchers involved in aviation and spaceflight health. “Ultimately, this work strengthens research capacity and builds expertise, especially in the field of aviation and spaceflight medicine and attracts external funding from national, regional and international awarding bodies,” concludes Goswami. 

about the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences.