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Sub-Zero Squirrels

Posted by michael on from the squirrel-on-the-rocks dept.

DesertFalcon writes "There's a Wired article about squirrels in the Arctic whose body temperatures drop below freezing when they hibernate. Scientists have the goal of applying this to humans in the long run. Could this be the answer to problems with long-distance space travel?" We had a previous story on this.

2 of 66 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Temperature is not an issue by Acidic_Diarrhea · · Score: 4, Interesting

    You may be completely correct. The only possible explanation of why this is more interesting than those fish (and I may be off in left field with this - so correct me if I am) aren't mammals. A squirrel is interesting because it is a mammal. Obviously the hibernation situation is the big step but I guess I see this as proof of concept that an animal similar to humans, moreso than fish anyway, can survive below freezing. Thanks for your comment nonetheless.

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  2. Re:Temperature is not an issue by Anonymous+Cow+herd · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Freeze an organism containing water and you'll rip cellular stuctures apart.

    Actually, there is a species of frog that freezes solid during the winter, and thaws out (and lives!) in the summer. More info here

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