Research into hibernation suggests genetic insights could enhance human health. Bears, during hibernation, burn fat and potentially build lean muscle, hinting at adaptation possibilities. Although humans do not hibernate, a study from the University of Utah isolated and modified genes in mice affected by torpor and metabolism. Findings indicated different effects on male and female mice, prompting questions about potential applications to human biology. Biologist Kelly Drew emphasized the significance of understanding these mechanisms for advancing future research into human health.
The study headed by the University of Utah's Christopher Gregg explored how the bodies of hibernating animals do things like protecting the nervous system and change their body's relationship to insulin.
The authors write that these genetic alterations "[affected] metabolism, torpor, obesogenesis, and foraging in distinct ways," revealing unexpected differences between male and female mice.
Biologist Kelly Drew noted that "uncovering these fundamental mechanisms in a tractable model like the mouse is an invaluable stepping stone for future research."
Collection
[
|
...
]