Lori K. Bogren, EJD, Ph.D.

Monday, September 12, 2016
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Back Right (SE part) of upstairs meeting room
Jack Quinn Pub
21 South Tejon Street

From placing the crew in stasis during trips to Mars to snatching a heart attack victim from the jaws of death, unlocking the secrets of hibernating animals has the potential to change our world. Small hibernating animals have a remarkable body. During winter, when in deep hibernation (called torpor), the heart beat and breaths of these animals both drop to less than 4 beats/breaths per minute. Their body temperature can fall below freezing and most of their body functions also “freeze.” During this time period, they also have "super-human” powers: they sustain no damage from heart attacks or stroke and are able to maintain bone density despite the long periods of “bedrest”. Amazingly, no one knows what triggers hibernators to go into this state of suspended animation in the fall or what causes them to return normal in the spring.

Come and learn about the cool world of hibernators, what is happening at the molecular level, and how we may be able to harness their super powers!