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What wintering squirrels can teach astronauts

Bears and ground squirrels hibernate in winter. They stop eating at that time. It lasts until spring by depending on the fat reserves they've stored up in their bodies. This prolonged fasting and inactivity can reduce the mass and function of muscle. But this...

Gut microbes help hibernating ground squirrels emerge strong and healthy in spring

Ground squirrels enter a state called torpor while hibernating. Their metabolism drops to as low as just 1% of summer levels. Their body temperature can plummet to close to freezing. Torpor reduces how much energy the animal needs to stay alive until springtime. Protein is important to...