How do you sleep so warm and fuzzy? (A scientific study)⁣ ⁣ Arctic ground squirrels are unique because they hibernate for eight to nine months of the year while slowing their metabolism so much that their body temperature can drop below freezing without suffering from the usual side effects like freezing, muscle loss, or loss of bone density during the long winter months. Studying our fuzzy friends can help researchers understand how the human body functions in a weightless environment.⁣ ⁣ This research, done by Dr. Kelly Drew of University of Alaska supported by NASAArmstrong’s Space Grant, could be used to help future missions, from the extreme of medically induced hibernation for long term space missions, protecting astronauts from cabin fever, ionizing radiation and much more. It could also prove effective in preventing muscle and bone loss in zero gravity. These lessons could also have application in neurocritical care, which could mean that patients who have suffered from stroke ...