Can humans hibernate?

[Krazy Lobster]

So, my fellow aliens,

I work as a translator, and one of my clients is the Scientific American magazine. I've just finished working on this text for the Brazilian website, and I thought you guys would find it intriguing, interesting, amazing:

http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/...e-dwarf-lemur/

I surely did. It's a long read, but it's well worth your time. Thoughts?

[Aaron Gustaveson]

Its interesting but seems like they are simply using the recent story as an opportunity to garner interest in a topical paper that in truth has nothing at all to do with the stowaway incident. If she is actually proposing that hibernation can be triggered in a matter of minutes in humans then they should def strip her of her BS degree. (a joke ,they dont do that) Even a bear would go into hibernation in the amount of time it takes for an airplane to reach altitude.

I think this is most likely a case of the media exaggerating the environmental conditions inside the wheelwell in an effort to sensationalize the story. They are saying that the oxygen level is similar to that atop Mt. Everest. As we all know people survive climbing everest. I know they have equipment and are in great shape but they are also CLIMBING A FUCKING MOUNTAIN, not sitting still inside a wheel well.

I hate this type of pseudo-scientific info-tainment article. They have become extremely popular these days and are guilty of frequently misinforming the general public. The writing in this article is much better than is typical for this type of work though.

[Joachim Hoff]

Hypothermia.. When people go into hypothermia, the body consumes ridiculously low amounts of oxygen because the heart is beating slower. A LOT slower if it's severe hypothermia. So slow in fact, a human being can spend three hours under the ice, not breathing, and be brought to life again with first aid, mouth to mouth.. With little or no brain damage.

The first warning sign of hypothermia is uncontrollable shivering. The person stops shivering as they progress into severe hypothermia. The person may fall into a coma as the body temperature falls below 32 °C.

"Once the brain cools to around 30 °C, the structure that regulates body temperature (hypothalamus) stops working. The person’s breathing and heart beat slows severely until it becomes undetectable. The heart no longer pumps blood effectively and the body is starved of oxygen. This is eventually fatal without prompt treatment. However, people with severe hypothermia can demonstrate an amazing capacity to recover if managed correctly."

But I think it's a well established fact that humans can't hibernate like bears.. More like mimic hibernation while slipping into death.. Feeling all warm and fuzzy, having nice dreams.

I almost froze to death once, it was quite the trip! Wouldn't mind going that way at all! :}

[Aaron Gustaveson]

I much rather freeze to death than die of heat exposure, thats for sure.

[Joachim Hoff]

Agreed! :}

[Krazy Lobster]

One thing that really got me thinking was the last part, where the author talks about interstellar/intergalactic travel. Intergalactic travel is virtually impossible without some kind of wormhole or warp technology. However, the possibility of "hibernating" for long periods reminded me of Orson Scott Card's "The Worthing Saga", and it's fictional "Somec". Have you guys heard of it? Anyone read it?

[Kurzy]

I freaking LOVE Scientific American magazine! Will have to check this out.

[Krazy Lobster]

Hey, that's great to know! I've been working with them for about 5 years now. Let me know if you need anything, brother!

[Eddie Bravo]

Mexicans can hibernate at the drop of a hat

[Sergio Lozoya]

Mexicans can hibernate at the drop of a hat

Haha! True.