The Secret to Squirrels' Thirst-Free Hibernation
Researchers at Yale University have discovered how thirteen-lined ground squirrels manage to suppress thirst during their long hibernation periods. The squirrels maintain ion levels in their blood and use hormones as antidiuretics to conserve water. Despite being offered water during brief awakenings, the squirrels show no desire to drink, indicating a brain mechanism that prevents thirst signals from being processed. Understanding this mechanism could have implications for human space travel and medical procedures.