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RandomFactor [soylentnews.org] writes:

Scientists in Japan have successfully triggered a hypometabolic (hibernation like) state in rodents [upi.com], which do not normally hibernate.

Mice don't hibernate in the wild. But in the lab, researchers were able to coax mice into a hibernation-like state by activating a type of brain cell called Q neurons.

"The mice exhibited distinctive qualities that met the criteria for hibernation," Takeshi Sakurai, researcher at the University of Tsukuba, said in a news release. "In particular, the body temperature set-point lowered from about 96.8 degrees Fahrenheit to about 81 degrees Fahrenheit, and the body functioned normally to maintain a lower body temperature around 71.6 degrees Fahrenheit, even when the surrounding ambient temperature was dramatically reduced."

The low energy state was also successfully induced in rats and was maintained for a week with lowered heart rates, body temperature, respiration and oxygen consumption.

Researchers say the experiment suggests it's possible humans possess Q neurons, or comparable brain cells, that could be manipulated to trigger a hibernation-like state.

If the research turns out to be applicable to humans, possible uses include medical transport, lengthy space flights, and treatment of severe pneumonia and other oxygenation affecting diseases.

Journal Reference:
Tohru M. Takahashi, Genshiro A. Sunagawa, Shingo Soya, et al. A discrete neuronal circuit induces a hibernation-like state inrodents, Nature (DOI: 10.1038/s41586-020-2163-6 [doi.org])

Original Submission