Weight and lifespan are associated with one another. Typically, a larger body size could mean a shorter lifespan. This observation applies to both humans and animals. Yellow-bellied marmots, however, seem to be exempted from this, as they live longer than expected from their body weight. The question is, what is their secret towards a longer life? The answer is found in their hibernation.
When yellow-bellied marmots hibernate for 7-8 months in their underground burrows, something intriguing happens within their bodies — their epigenetic age stop. A yellow-bellied marmot's epigenetic age only accelerates once again after the hibernation period.
It isn't "just hibernation" that slows down aging, however. The reason for delayed aging is hibernation-related conditions. These are diminished food consumption, low body temperature, and reduced metabolism. Scientists say that there could be some benefits in inducing hibernation conditions in humans or human cells.
(Image Credit: Inklein/ Wikimedia Commons)
#Hibernation #Epigenetics #YellowBelliedMarmots
