More today from the LARGE CONSERVATION LAB at Washington State University------How do Grizzly and Black Bears hibernate for up to 5 months and still keep their muscle fitness and overall health?.........How do they carry 30 to 40% body fat which would be deadly for a human being?..............The research that WSU researchers are conducting could aid us in preventing and curing diabetes, osteoporosis, strokes and general body aches...............So when folks ask you readers why you are so passionate about rewilding and giving all wild animals a chance to flourish, start em off with this primer-----"Every cog and wheel"--Aldo Leopold.

 

Washington grizzly bear research could help remedy human diseases

By Kevin Maki nbcmontana.com

Grizzly bear research could open doors to better understand and treat human diseases.

Scientists at Washington State University's Bear Center in Pullman are studying grizzly bears and hibernation.The center studies both captive and wild grizzly bears, and is the only program in the world to house adult grizzlies for research.The scientists' findings could help remedy human maladies like heart disease, diabetes and osteoporosis.

Scientists want to understand the way they put on fat, and how it affects their heart functions and hibernation quality. Scientists want to know how nutrition affects the grizzlies health, reproduction and hibernation. "Things that are learned here," said the doctor, can be applied to "wild bear populations."

wants to know how they can remain healthy when they can have 30 to 40% body fat, which would be very unhealthy for humans.


Griz in hibernation

If humans spend four or five months in bed, like bears do in their cozy nests, their muscles would weaken and bone density would diminish. But bears can rise from their winter naps and lumber right back to what bears do.

WSU researchers have found that bears are able to keep their muscles and bones healthy by frequent exercise, even as they sleep. The grizzly might be a good teacher for humans in helping to fight health problems like heart attacks and strokes, diabetes, osteoporosis and our every day aches and pains.

For more on WSU's Bear Center, click here.