Can loneliness in space ruin the taste of astronauts’ food? New research from RMIT University explores the effects of loneliness and isolation in space on the taste of food. This interesting study could help us understand why astronauts are unable to fully enjoy their meals. Here are the details of this new research.
What is the relationship between loneliness in space and changes in food taste?
A new study from RMIT University examines how loneliness in space affects astronauts’ taste in food. According to the findings of the study, the aroma of food directly affects astronauts’ taste experience.
It was also emphasized that loneliness and isolation can also play an important role in this situation. “A greater sense of loneliness and isolation may also play a role. The results of this study provide important insights into how isolated people smell and taste food.”
Another reason why food tastes bad in space is the swelling of astronauts’ faces and nasal congestion. The zero-gravity environment on the ISS causes body fluids to be drawn from the bottom to the top, giving astronauts symptoms of a head cold and affecting their sense of taste and smell.
However, these symptoms usually disappear within a few weeks. The researchers simulated the ISS using VR and tested how participants perceived different odors. They found that some odors, such as vanilla and almond, were more intense in the space station, while the smell of lemon remained just as strong.
The main goal of this research is to understand why food tastes bad in space and to identify foods that can offer astronauts a better dining experience. Such findings are especially important for long-duration missions such as the upcoming Artemis lunar missions.
The findings and detailed analysis of the research are published in the latest issue of the International Journal of Food Science and Technology. What do you think? Please don’t forget to share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.
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