Hibernation And The Thymus

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An intriguing article from Betterhumans looks at research into hiberation and its connection to regeneration. "The thymus is a tiny organ located near our breastbone that is present in all mammals. It is the major site for T lymphocyte differentiation and immune response. In humans, the thymus is most active during puberty, but as we age it shrinks and loses functionality, leading to immune system decline and increased susceptibility to colds, flu and other ailments. But the thymus doesn't degenerate in all mammals. Hibernating animals such as the Alaskan ground squirrel are able to renew the lymphoid tissue of their thymus as they sleep every winter." Highly speculative research is often the most interesting - and regeneration of the aging immune system is an important goal.

Link: http://www.betterhumans.com/News/News/tabid/61/News/776/Default.aspx