Hibernation Science

Hibernation science considers the ways different animals hibernate, and while there is some evidence that early humans may have hibernated to survive the winter months, most consider true human hibernation the stuff of science fiction. However, scientists are working on moving this concept from sci-fi imaginings to reality. Through interactive activities, comparative analysis and creative problem-solving, this course will cover topics that include: Hibernation Mechanisms: the physiological processes of hibernation, including metabolic suppression, thermoregulation (body temperature), and resistance to muscle and bone loss in species like bears, arctic ground squirrels, and wood frogs. Challenges of Human Hibernation: barriers to replicating hibernation in human bodies, such as managing glucose homeostasis and metabolic rates, cardiovascular adaptations (heart rate), and sensory deprivation, and discussing potential solutions. Applications to Space Travel: how traits from hibernating animals can address challenges like radiation exposure, isolation, and lean mass preservation during long-distance or deep space missions and long periods of space exploration.

• Analyze the health risks of space travel and imagine how hibernation could solve these hazards.
• Describe the risks of space travel summarized by NASA’s RIDGE acronym: Space Radiation, Isolation and Confinement, Distance from Earth, Gravity Fields, and Hostile/Closed Environments
• Analyze how hibernation can be used to protect from the hazards of space travel.
• Discuss human vulnerabilities to true hibernation and how to address these challenges for synthetic torpor
• Compare and contrast hibernation in animals, such as hibernating mammals and amphibians.
• Relate body size to overwintering strategies
• Discuss hibernation using the terms and definitions in the field