Prompt Cast
The Science and Possibility of Hibernation in Animals and Humans
TLDR Hibernation is a state of physiological changes that animals undergo to survive harsh conditions, such as food shortages or cold weather. While some animals have the innate ability to hibernate, the possibility of humans hibernating is still controversial, although NASA is researching the use of therapeutic hypothermia for long-distance space travel.
Timestamped Summary
00:00
Hibernation is the topic of discussion for this podcast episode.
04:27
Hibernation is a state beyond sleep where animals undergo drastic physiological changes to survive a rough period of the year, such as a shortage of food or cold weather.
09:16
During hibernation, an animal's brain still reflects the same type of waves as when it's awake, but they are somewhat suppressed, and animals often experience sleep deprivation and need to sleep for several days after coming out of hibernation.
13:51
Hibernation can be triggered by various factors such as temperature, food supplies, and changes in daylight, and some animals have an innate ability to know when it's time to hibernate based on their circannual rhythm.
18:48
Hibernating animals, such as bears, need to be partially exposed to the weather in order to be triggered to wake up from hibernation, and food storage is important as some animals will wake up occasionally to eat before going back into hibernation mode.
23:45
Hibernating animals undergo significant physiological changes, including a decrease in heart rate and respiration, a slowdown in metabolism, and a reduced need for oxygen, which allows them to survive without eating or drinking for extended periods of time.
28:17
Hibernation is not limited to mammals, as some fish and birds also undergo similar physiological changes to conserve energy and survive in extreme conditions.
33:04
The possibility of humans hibernating is controversial, with some scientists suggesting that humans have the latent ability to hibernate while others disagree; however, NASA is researching the use of therapeutic hypothermia to induce a hibernation-like state for long-distance space travel.
37:49
Russian peasants practice a form of hibernation during the winter months, conserving energy by sleeping and eating minimally.
42:14
Scientists have induced hibernation in lab mice using hydrogen sulfide gas, and they are now experimenting with roundworms and humans to potentially induce hibernation for space travel, organ transplants, and helping people in vegetative states.
Categories:
Society & Culture
