Scientists identify neurons in rodents' brains can be artificially activated

While some mammals naturally hibernate by lowering ir body temperature, a recent study identified neurons in brains of rodents that can be artificially activated to send animals into a ‘hibernation-like state’. According to research published in Nature, scientists from University of Tsukuba in Japan said that y ‘revolutionised’ understanding of how brain regulates body heat. 

scientists initially looked at mice, which do t hibernate, however, y go into a similar often short-term state called ‘torpor’. As per research, scientist genetically modified mice in which y could activate a set of neurons in hypothalamus, named Q neurons, using chemicals or light. researchers ted that once y genetically modified rodent, it became less active and ir body temperature also fell ten degrees or more to below 30 degrees Celsius. 

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As mice remained in a state similar to that seen in hibernation, scientists also ted that ir pulse slowed considerably, ir metabolic rate reduced and ir breathing also became shallow. rodent remains in state of torpor for more than 48 hours, after which y behaved rmally with signs of physical harm. Furrmore, researchers also reproduced test technique in rats, which also do t rmally hibernate. 

Artificial hibernation believed to be beneficial 

In study published, researchers said that ability to induce such a state in n-hibernating animal was a ‘step forward’ in understanding of neuronal mechanisms of regulated hypometabolism. technique furr also allowed researchers to map wider circuit of neurons involved in process. 

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While animals that naturally hibernate lower ir body temperature to dramatically slow ir metabolisms and conserve energy often in winter months where re is a scarcity of food, researchers believe that recent technique to artificially induce this kind of hibernation-like state in humans would be beneficial for many medical applications. y also believe that research may be relevant to possibility of long-distance exploration in future as well. 

research also ted that re are still potential clinical applications that include reduction of tissue dam following heart attacks or strokes. However, scientists believe that if similar groups of neurons are found in humans n it could open a way for rapeutic hypormia to be induced in humans in a bid to slow down metabolic processes to help limit tissue dam. 

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