These Arctic squirrels recycle bits of their own bodies to survive winter
The secrets of the animals’ metabolism during hibernation could someday help human medicine
![Arctic ground squirrels](https://i0.wp.com/www.sciencenews.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/121120_cw_arctic-squirrel_feat.jpg?fit=1030%2C580&ssl=1)
Hibernating in a state akin to suspended animation, Arctic ground squirrels (Urocitellus parryii) breathe just once a minute, and their hearts beat five times a minute.
Carla Frare, S. Rice