Study of enhanced radio-resistance induced by hibernation

During hibernation/torpor, mammals show an enhanced resistance to radiation. This effect, whose mechanisms are still unclear, could have important applications in radiotherapy and for space travels. In recent years a procedure to induce a state mimicking torpor (synthetic torpor) was described for non-hibernators (rats), renewing the interest in possible human applications. The multi-disciplinary HIBRAD experiment was conceived to test the possible radio-resistance induced by synthetic torpor and investigate its molecular mechanisms, focusing on the early response. Analysis of tissue damage and gene expression indicate that synthetic torpor reduces radiation damage, possibly by the activation of specific gene pathways.