Network physiology in space: vision and perspectives on exploring physiological networks during spaceflight for the benefit of life on earth

Network Physiology provides a unifying framework for understanding how molecular, cellular, and organ-level systems integrate as a network to generate distinct physiological states and sustain human function. Spaceflight offers a unique environment-characterized by microgravity, radiation, isolation, and circadian disruption-that perturbs interconnected physiological systems and networks....

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No actionable change for audiology practice — this is a speculative framework review focused on spaceflight physiology with no direct audiology clinical application at this stage.

Network Physiology frameworks developed through spaceflight research could eventually inform understanding of multi-system sensory disorders, including vestibular and auditory dysfunction.

1. 01Network Physiology proposes studying how body systems (heart, brain, lungs, etc.) interact as an integrated network.
2. 02Spaceflight provides a unique extreme environment to study these interactions under stress.
3. 03Translational benefits for Earth-based medicine are speculative but broad in scope.
4. 04Vestibular and auditory systems could be relevant sub-networks in such frameworks.
5. 05This is a perspective/review article, not an interventional or observational study.

PMID

42109464

DOI

10.3389/fnetp.2026.1817815.

Journal

Frontiers in Network Physiology

Publication type

review

Evidence level

5

Population

Not applicable — theoretical/perspective review on spaceflight physiology

Intervention

Network Physiology framework applied to spaceflight physiological monitoring