Research in Antarctica

Our Antarctic studies specialize in extreme environment human factors research, investigating how prolonged isolation and confinement affect human physiology, cognition, and psychological wellbeing. Using Antarctic research stations as Earth-based analogs for space missions, we conduct comprehensive studies of cognitive and neurological changes during long-duration isolation, particularly focusing on Antarctic winter-over missions that can last up to a full year. Our research examines critical areas including sleep patterns, autonomic function alterations, brain structural changes such as gray matter decline and hippocampal plasticity suppression, and behavioral responses to prolonged confinement.

In Antarctica, our team develops and tests evidence-based countermeasures to mitigate the negative effects of extreme isolation. These interventions include innovative hybrid training protocols that combine exercise with sensory stimulation, plant cultivation programs designed to improve behavioral health, and advanced cognitive and physiological monitoring systems. Our research portfolio encompasses studies on neurostructural changes, cognitive performance monitoring, biochemical responses to countermeasures, and the therapeutic effects of plant production on human behavioral health during extended missions. While our work is grounded in Antarctic research, it directly supports the future of long-duration space exploration missions. By understanding and addressing the human challenges of extended isolation in one of Earth's most extreme environments, our laboratory provides critical insights for maintaining crew health, cognitive performance, and psychological resilience during missions to Mars and other deep space destinations.