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 <a href="https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/03/220307131958.htm">hibernation-related conditions</a>. 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: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Marmot-edit1.jpg" class="on">Inklein/ Wikimedia Commons</a>) #Hibernation #Epigenetics #YellowBelliedMarmots

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