Hibernation scientists studying squirrels could get humans to deep space

Hibernation is a survival strategy evolved out of deprivation, present in animals as disparate as frogs and lemurs.

Scientists have their sights set on possibilities that can sound like science-fiction: improved organ transplantation, pharmaceutical treatments for anorexia, safer open heart surgery, stroke recovery, and even inducing hibernation-like states in people.

Hibernation is an intricate physiological process with many componentssystems have to shut down and reactivate in a coordinated fashion in response to internal and environmental cues.

Scientists aren’t exactly sure why these active periods occur, says Ni Feng , a former post-doctoral researcher in Gracheva ’s lab.

One idea is that it helps them retain organ and brain function in the long-term.

NASA and the European Space Agency have funded hibernation research for decades .

The idea of synthetic torpor’ for long-distance space travel first emerged in the 1960 ’s.

Back on Earth , the possibility of human torpor also holds promise for medicine.

Study could unlock secrets to living longer and healthier, and avoiding age-related declines.