Scientists have learned how to put animals into hibernation and now they want to move on to humans – why does this matter?

What is hibernation and what is it for animals

Hibernation is a very useful technique for surviving tough times. It helps some mammals and birds lower their body temperature and metabolic rate to sleep safely during difficult times. For example, in winter (hibernation), when there is not enough food. However, cases of falling into hibernation (aestivation) are also seen in the summer months.

Only certain animal species naturally hibernate. Although there is evidence that extinct ancient human species could do this, modern humans do not belong to them.

Scientists are investigating this process not only as a way to help some life-threatening patients, but also as a method of survival in the conditions of prolonged space travel. It will take years to fly to distant planets that we currently only dream of, which will require food, water, oxygen, and the crew in general will have to do something all this time. Instead, they can take a long nap to wait for the flight time.

animal studies

In the study, scientists created a hibernation-like state in mice using ultrasound to stimulate a region of the brain responsible for regulating sleep, body temperature and metabolism.

In addition to mice that naturally use this process, the researchers found a similar situation in mice that did not hibernate. Scientists say this is a safe and non-invasive method of influencing the central nervous system.

• The research team created a small ultrasound sensor to stimulate neurons in an area of ​​the brain called the preoptic area of ​​the hypothalamus.
• When the neurons in this area were stimulated, the mice’s body temperature dropped by about 3 degrees. Heart rate decreased by 47 percent.
• The mice also underwent a metabolic change, similar to the change they make during natural hibernation, switching from using carbohydrates and fats for energy sources to using fat only.
• It is interesting that all this happens not at the usual low temperatures, but at room temperature – about 22 degrees Celsius.
• The intensity of the ultrasound was also correlated with the depth of hibernation. As the sound pressure and duration of the ultrasound increased, the mice experienced a greater decrease in body temperature and metabolism – a condition called “ultrasonic hypothermia and hypometabolism” (USHG).

We developed an automatic feedback controller to achieve long-term and stable ultrasound-induced hypothermia and hypometabolism by controlling the output power of ultrasound. The feedback controller set the desired body temperature below 34 degrees, which was previously reported to be critical for natural hibernation in mice,
– scientists explain.

This made it possible to maintain the mice’s body temperature at 32.95 degrees for 24 hours. As soon as the ultrasound was turned off, the animals returned to normal.

Analysis of the activity of the neurons showed bursts corresponding to each ultrasound pulse that coincided with changes in the mice’s body temperature.

So while scientists are still a long way from using this technology in humans, it offers interesting possibilities and prospects for distant space travel and methods of treating disease.