What if “bat blood” could enable human hibernation for interstellar travel?

The idea of ​​man Hibernation because long-term space travel has always been an integral part of science fiction 2001: A space odyssey To Foreigner. But now a new study offers a glimmer of hope that this dream could one day become reality. According to recent research, this is the key Hibernation– and with it the potential to make interstellar travel possible – could be hidden there blood from Bats.

A new scientific breakthrough in hibernation

NASA has been researching the possibility of this for years Hibernation Humans for long space missions, especially for travel outside our solar system. While some options like Generation ships While models designed for intergenerational travel are still in the theoretical stage, hibernation offers an alternative that could allow astronauts to survive the century-long journey. However, this technology remains elusive due to our limited understanding of the biological processes that control hibernation.

The latest research conducted by Scientists at the University of Greifswaldbrings light into the darkness blood of bats that reveal this Erythrocytesor red blood cells, play a crucial role in enabling these creatures to survive the extreme cold during hibernation. As explained by Popular mechanics,

“Their research found that a type of red blood cell called ‘erythrocytes’ may play a key role in inducing hibernation.”

How bat blood could enable humans to hibernate

In the study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), the researchers investigated Erythrocytes from two types of Bats in hibernation—Nyctalus noctula And Rousettus aegyptiacus– and compared them to human red blood cells. The results were groundbreaking: as temperatures dropped, the bats’ erythrocytes continued to function, adapting to the cold and maintaining their function elasticity. This skill is important for Hibernation because it allows blood cells to continue circulating and support metabolism at lower temperatures. As Gerald Kerththe study’s lead author explained:

“There are benefits to putting humans in a low temperature state during interstellar flight. We’re not saying this will happen in the next three years, but it’s an important first step.”

In contrast, human Erythrocytes become more viscous and less flexible when temperatures fall below normal body temperature, which could impede proper blood circulation and prevent effective metabolism slowing necessary for hibernation. However, the bats managed to keep their red blood cells in a supple state even at high temperatures up to 10°C.

Could Hibernation Do it for the long term Space travel Possible?

Imagine a spaceship with sleeping astronauts preserved in one Hibernation for decades or even centuries with minimal life support. It’s not as far-fetched as it seems. When scientists can recreate the unique blood Properties of BatsPeople could potentially enter a metabolic state in which oxygen Consumption and energy requirements are drastically reduced.

The implementation of Hibernation technique wouldn’t just render Long distance calls Space travel This would be a viable proposal, but would also help reduce the significant financial and resource costs currently associated with such missions. The potential impact of hibernation technology on the future of space travel can be illustrated as follows:

• Reduced resource consumption: With astronauts in it Hibernationthe need for Eat, WaterAnd oxygen would be drastically minimized.
• Efficient use of spacecraft: A hibernating crew would free up valuable space and reduce the weight of the spacecraft, making long missions easier to complete.
• Psychological benefits: Astronauts could avoid the psychological strain of long-term isolation, such as the condition of Hibernation would minimize their awareness of the passage of time.

The Road to the Future: From Bat Blood to Human Hibernation

Although the idea of ​​human hibernation for space travel still seems a long way off, the study offers one first step on the way to making this dream come true. Researchers hope that understanding how bat erythrocytes can retain their functionality at lower temperatures could ultimately lead to medical advances that could slow humans down metabolism and enable space travel over large interstellar distances.

In the near future, the practical applications of this research could be seen in medical fields where Hibernation-like Treatments could be used for patients who require intensive care or face long recovery periods. However, there is still a long way to go before space exploration. As Gerald Kerth states,

“We don’t expect this to happen in the next three years, but it is a very important first step.”

While we wait for this technology to catch up, we may still have to settle for it Science fiction– I dream of one day being able to sleep through the long winter or perhaps being able to travel to distant planets in such a state Hibernation.

Source: New scientist