TED-Ed: The mystery of motion sickness - Rose Eveleth

Motion sickness affects a third of the population and is thought to be caused by mismatched sensory signals between the eyes and the vestibular system in the ear. While the exact cause is unknown, theories suggest evolutionary reasons or difficulties in maintaining posture. Remedies exist but are not always effective, and motion sickness remains a challenge, especially in high-stakes environments like space travel.

What is the most common theory explaining why people experience motion sickness?

• Poor diet

• Excessive noise

• Lack of oxygen

• Mismatched sensory signals

Which part of the body is responsible for sensing balance and movement?

• The lungs

• The vestibular system

• The eyes

• The heart

Why might women be more affected by motion sickness than men?

• The exact reason is still unknown

• They are more likely to read in vehicles

• They have a different vestibular system

• They travel more frequently

What is one method that can help reduce the effects of motion sickness?

• Sleeping

• Eating spicy food

• Listening to music

• Changing body posture

Why is motion sickness a significant concern for astronauts?

• They have a restricted diet

• They travel at high speeds

• They lack gravity

• They have limited space