Title

Jumpstarting Life: Applying Hibernation Strategies to Emergency Rooms and Long-distance Space Travel

Authors

Clark J. Cotton, College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's UniversityFollow

Document Type

Presentation

Publication Date

4-20-2015

Disciplines

Biology | Physiology | Zoology

Abstract

A large number of animals make use of hibernation to avoid harsh environmental conditions. The strategy employs significant metabolic depression leading to multi-day bouts of deep torpor. Due to decreased activity, fasting, and incredibly low blood pressure hibernators would be expected to experience significant muscle atrophy, bone loss, and impaired kidney function during the winter. Recent studies have consistently demonstrated that hibernators avoid these pitfalls by utilizing novel mechanisms that may be of interest to clinicians treating disuse atrophy, bone loss, and various renal disorders.

Recommended Citation

Cotton, Clark J., "Jumpstarting Life: Applying Hibernation Strategies to Emergency Rooms and Long-distance Space Travel" (2015). Saint John’s Outdoor University Lectures. 1.
https://digitalcommons.csbsju.edu/outdooru_lectures/1