Thursday, February 24

Hibernation Techniques for Astonauts?

Maybe research on living in space can be done in places other than the International Space Station, such as that cave up the road.  A recent National Public Radio segment discussed the mechanics of hibernation and how the bears may have a few things to teach us if we want to travel long distances in space. 

Scientists at the University of Alaska were studying hibernating bear when they noticed that a 75 percent decrease in metabolism, slowed heart rate, and reduced breathing did not lead to a significant decrease in body temperature.  It seems body fat and heat generated through shivering was sufficient to keep the bear's body temperature at 90 degrees.  In addition, the bears did not lose bone strength over time because the body recycled waste and reused the calcium.

I am not sure if this has eliminated the need for treadmills on our trip to Mars, but a similar hibernation technique among humans could make space travel much easier and safer than we previously thought.  Something to consider on these long winter days.