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Antarctica And Space

Studies of the effects of isolation on scientists working in Antarctica have implications for long-duration space missions, according to Professor Tony Taylor of Victoria University's Psychology Department. Taylor was part of a team that studied the effects of stress, group dynamics and conflict resolution amongst Antarctic scientists.

"Scientists are human beings, though some may like to think of themselves as brains on stilts," maintains Taylor.

The human foibles were apparent in the study, with the subjects threatening to disrupt particular experiments, providing misleading responses or withdrawing completely.

The International Biomedical Expedition to the Antarctic study found that personnel needed to have stability and compatibility to provide group cohesion and mutual support under trying conditions.

The isolation and demanding routines are similar to those encountered by astronauts, although little work has been done on the psychological reactions of space travellers.

"To a behavioural scientist, the signs of potential stress among people in space are not exceptional, but the passing reference to its resolution -- and the absence of specific studies to discover the precise variables -- are," Taylor wrote in a book recently published concerning the research.

Taylor blames the lack of studies on the US space programme's traditionally dismissive attitude towards behavioural sciences.

"The Russians have mastered long-term flight," Taylor says, attributing their success to their lead in behavioural research. The US is beginning to appreciate the importance of this work.

With a manned Mars mission potentially on the cards for this decade, recognition of the importance of psychological elements will become necessary, according to Taylor.

"They won't be able to turn around and come back."