SIO517: How Is It That 9 Days in Space Means Weeks of Rehabilitation?

SIO517: How Is It That 9 Days in Space Means Weeks of Rehabilitation?

Author: seriouspod.com June 9, 2026 Duration: 1:04:22

Thomas is joined by Dr. Jenessa Seymour to dig into the brain science behind a surprisingly strange phenomenon: why do astronauts who spent just nine days in space need weeks of physical therapy to walk normally again?

The answer turns out to involve ancient calcium carbonate ear stones, the same material crabs use for shells, a multi-layered sensory system your brain is constantly running without your knowledge, and a wild evolutionary theory about why motion sickness exists at all. Also: why pilots fly perfectly good planes directly into the ground, and what deaf NASA research participants revealed about how proprioception actually works.

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The conversations on Serious Inquiries Only start from a simple premise: that complex ideas deserve clear, thoughtful examination without sacrificing wit or approachability. Host Thomas guides these explorations, sitting down with experts and thinkers to untangle questions from the realms of science, political discourse, philosophical debate, and skeptical inquiry. What you’ll hear isn’t a stiff interview or a lecture, but a genuine dialogue that values curiosity over confrontation. The tone is friendly and the pace is engaging, allowing for both depth and detours, ensuring that even the most rigorous topics feel like a compelling chat rather than homework. This podcast operates on the belief that serious subject matter doesn’t have to be dry or inaccessible, and that humor is a powerful tool for understanding. Each episode is built on a foundation of critical thinking, aiming to dissect arguments, examine evidence, and navigate the nuances of issues that shape our world. It’s a space for listeners who want to engage with substantive content but appreciate a conversational, human touch in the process. You can find Serious Inquiries Only, created by seriouspod.com, within News podcast categories, where it offers a blend of intellectual substance and relatable delivery.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Serious Inquiries Only
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