Scientists Isolate Two Hibernation Genes

steelrat pointed at this article in The Independent , which says that Professor Gerhard Heldmaier of Germany's University of Marburg announced earlier this month the discovery of "two genes which are believed to trigger hibernation. The finding of the genes, which are involved in controlling, or 'switching' enzymes to equip the body for hibernation by allowing it to burn fat rather than carbohydrates, is the latest in a series of discoveries about human hibernation." While the research so far is only on animals, the story quotes University of Minnesota biochemist Matthew T Andrews, as saying "In the hibernation genes we have discovered, there are similar genetic sequences with those of humans." Eat less, sleep a lot ... maybe I can simply be awaked for major holidays and earthquakes.