Microgravity and Body Temperature: IIST 3D Model Study
Why in the news
Scientists at IIST, Thiruvananthapuram, published a model explaining how weightlessness alters body heat regulation, which matters for long missions.
Key facts
- Less sweating and higher metabolism push up core temperature.
- Blood moves from the legs to the upper body: head, abdomen and core warm; hands and feet cool.
- The 3D thermoregulation model covers blood redistribution, lower blood volume, bone and muscle loss, metabolic change and heat exchange with surroundings.
- Its results agree with reports from Mir and the ISS.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Lead researcher | Prof. Shine S.R., Aerospace Engineering |
| First author | Chithramol M.K., PhD researcher |
About microgravity
A condition where people and objects seem weightless and float. Calling it “zero gravity” is misleading.
Significance
- Supports safer human spaceflight and extended missions for agencies like ISRO and NASA.
- Such models also serve surgical planning, building comfort and adaptive clothing.
Exam angle
- Institute: IIST; effect studied: thermoregulation in microgravity.