Can humans hibernate in space?

Researchers are studying the feasibility of astronauts mimicking animals to sleep their way to MarsWhat better way to pass a long stretch of time than by entering a deep sleep to shut down some bodily functions and conserve energy? Bears do it to get through cold winters. So do many smaller mammals, including squirrels and hedgehogs. Even thefat-tailed lemur (a primate cousin ofHomo sapiens), living in warm Madagascar, slows down for months when its food supply runs low. But for us humans, hibernation has been an unnecessary and impossible goal. Until now.Taking lessons from animal hibernators, scientists are using their tricks for medical therapies and may some day adopt them for space travel. Some physicians are employing therapeutic hypothermia – a lowering of the body temperature by a few degrees for several days at a time – to help treat patients with traumatic brain injuries or conditions such as epilepsy. And trials are under way to see if there is a way to lower the body temperature of people, keep them in a sleep-like state for d ays or weeks and then revive them with no ill effects, something that astronauts may have to do to travel deep into space.Continue reading...
Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - Category: Science Authors: Tags: Space Animal behaviour Neuroscience Medical research International Space Station Human biology Mars Nasa Source Type: news