Researchers at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks have discovered a way to induce hibernation in arctic ground squirrels
—by administering a substance that stimulates the brain receptors of adenosine
, a molecule involved in slowing nerve cell activity. Induced hibernation
could someday be used to preserve the brain functions of human stroke victims, though that's still a ways off as the current technique only works on the arctic ground squirrels
during hibernation season. [Read more at the Australian
and ScienceDaily
]
Image: Flickr/Threat to Democracy
