Hibernation confirmed to slow aging

[BrianA]

"A new study shows that aging slows to a crawl when yellow-bellied marmots hibernate. These large ground squirrels are able to virtually halt the aging process during the seven to eight months they spend hibernating in their underground burrows, the researchers report.

...

All of these hibernation-related conditions -- diminished food consumption, low body temperature and reduced metabolism -- are known to counter the aging process and promote longevity, the researchers said. This delayed aging is likely to occur in other mammals that hibernate, they said, because the molecular and physiological changes are similar."

 

The secret to longevity? Ask a yellow-bellied marmot

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/03/220307131958.htm

[Clinton]

Thanks Brian - this is really interesting - and it makes sense in light of much of the evidence in Dean's cold exposure thread and what we know about caloric restriction.

[Sibiriak]

On 3/8/2022 at 9:22 AM, BrianA said:

All of these hibernation-related conditions -- diminished food consumption, low body temperature and reduced metabolism -- are known to counter the aging process and promote longevity

I'll gamble on that being true.

[BrianA]

This seems to now be confirmed in hibernating bats as well:

 

Bats show fewer signs of ageing while they are hibernating

https://www.newscientist.com/article/2332877-bats-show-fewer-signs-of-ageing-while-they-are-hibernating/

[mccoy]

Well, now, we only have to find effective hibernation-inducing techniques. Take a leave of absence from work and family, and enjoy the fewer signs of aging.

CR? I'm afraid that's not exactly the same identical thing.

[BrianA]

Interesting article about using torpor on humans (try incognito window if you run into paywall).

 

The Hibernator’s Guide to the Galaxy

https://www.wired.com/story/mars-hiberators-guide-to-the-galaxy/

[Saul]

Interesting.

But I'm extremely skeptical that, even a hibernating Arctic ground squirrel would do very well outside the Earth's magnetosphere -- I think that the ubiquitous cosmic rays of outer space would damage it severely.

So I'm skeptical about the ability of humans to get to Mars, and survive, whether in not in an induced torpor-resembling state.

  --  Saul

[BrianA]

Here's another recent article about how apparently slowed metabolism/hibernation reduces radiation damage, or at least the effects of radiation damage:

 

Safety in space: Synthetic hibernation could provide protection from cosmic radiation

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/11/221114111035.htm

[Saul]

Cosmic Rays, outside the Earth's magnetic field, are far more deadly than any form of radioactivity on -- or near -- our planet (Earth's magnetic field includes the moon and the International Space Station). 

I'm very skeptical about space travel by humans outside that field -- for example, on a trip to Mars.  It would be interesting to see how long a hibernating arctic squirrel -- the most extreme hibernating animal -- would survive -- while hibernating -- outside that field. 

My opinion -- it would be severely sick and then die.

  --  Saul