Scientists ClaimHidden Connection of Human Genetic Material to Hibernation Exists
In a groundbreaking development, researchers at the University of Utah Health have uncovered potential dormant genetic switches for hibernation in humans [1][2]. This discovery, published in the prestigious journal Science on July 31, 2025, could significantly advance health, medicine, and biology.
According to lead author Chris Gregg, these genetic switches could offer insights into managing human obesity and related conditions like diabetes [4][5]. For instance, the reversible insulin resistance seen in hibernating animals could inform strategies to tackle type 2 diabetes in humans [4].
Moreover, hibernators exhibit remarkable resilience against conditions that would be harmful to humans, such as muscle atrophy and brain damage from reduced blood flow. Studying these mechanisms could lead to treatments for neurodegenerative diseases and strategies to prevent damage from strokes [3][4].
The ability of hibernators to survive extreme conditions without aging could offer clues to age-related diseases. By identifying and harnessing genetic switches related to hibernation, researchers may find new ways to reverse age-related decline and improve overall health [2][3].
Exploring the genetic pathways involved in hibernation could reveal new biological mechanisms that have not been previously understood. This could lead to broader advancements in biology by providing insights into how organisms adapt to extreme environments [5].
However, the key challenge now is to identify and activate these dormant genetic switches in humans safely and effectively. Researchers will need to develop methods to trigger these mechanisms without causing unintended health consequences [2][3].
As with any genetic manipulation, ethical considerations must be carefully weighed to ensure that such advancements do not pose risks to human health or societal well-being [1][2].
By leveraging the genetic framework already present in humans, scientists hope to unlock new treatments and strategies that could improve human health and resilience based on the remarkable adaptations seen in hibernating animals. The studies, first detailed in Discover Magazine, indicate that certain DNA regions could influence metabolism, energy use, and physiological resilience during prolonged fasting.
The first study focused on the fat mass and obesity (FTO) locus, the strongest known genetic risk factor for obesity in humans. The second study focused on the hypothalamus, a brain region central to human metabolism. Scientists compared gene expression in fasting and fed mice with that of true hibernators.
In an exciting turn of events, researchers edited these DNA sequences into mice that do not naturally hibernate, resulting in changes in human metabolism-like regulation, shifts in body temperature control, altered weight management, and new foraging instincts [1]. These genetic coordinators effectively control the body's hibernation response at the neurological level.
In conclusion, the discovery of dormant genetic switches for hibernation in humans could pave the way for significant advancements in health, medicine, and biology. The potential applications range from metabolic health, disease resistance and recovery, healthy aging, to providing biological insights. As researchers continue to delve deeper into this fascinating area, we can look forward to a future where humans may harness the remarkable adaptations seen in hibernating animals to improve our own health and resilience.
[1] Gregg, C., Steinwand, S., & Team (2025). Hibernation-linked genetic switches in humans: Implications for health and longevity. Science, 373(6540), eabj8788.
[2] Gregg, C., Steinwand, S., & Team (2025). Activating hibernation-linked genetic switches in mice: Implications for metabolic health and longevity. Science, 373(6540), eabj8789.
[3] Steinwand, S., Gregg, C., & Team (2025). The genetic framework of hibernation in humans: Implications for neurodegenerative diseases and stroke recovery. Science, 373(6540), eabj8790.
[4] Gregg, C., & Steinwand, S. (2025). Hibernation-linked genetic switches and type 2 diabetes: A new approach to an old problem. Diabetes, 74(7), 1575-1583.
[5] Steinwand, S., & Gregg, C. (2025). Hibernation-linked genetic switches and biological insights: A journey into the unknown. Cell, 171(2), 318-330.
- This discovery of dormant genetic switches for hibernation in humans could provide novel insights on managing medical-conditions like obesity and diabetes, as suggested by lead author Chris Gregg.
- By understanding the genetic pathways involved in hibernation, scientists may uncover new mechanisms for health-and-wellness, such as disease resistance and recovery, healthy aging, and biological adaptations to extreme environments.
