I think some mornings this creature is looking back at me from the mirror.
December 14, 2009
Anonymous said...
he might be freezing xD, i think he looks kinda cute :)
December 14, 2009
Meg said...
Just for the record, mammals don't go without oxygen in utero. They get it dissolved in blood via the umbilical cord. Mammals only need to breathe when they're born because the umbilical cord is broken and mom can't breathe for them any more.
June 21, 2011
I know I just posted on the naked mole-rat, but my favorite animal has just made the news yet again, so it deserves another mention.
Recent research has shown that naked mole-rats have set yet another record (among many): they can go the longest of all mammals without oxygen. Their warrens are disgusting and stuffy--high in carbon dioxide and low in oxygen. But still they thrive. In fact, they can go six times longer in a hypoxic conditions than other rodents.
We mammals have all endured low oxygen environments: the womb. But somehow, the naked mole-rat, who is also immune to pain, is able to maintain an infant-like ability to go without oxygen. This has great significance for humans, as further research into this ability might be able to help those who have suffered damage from low-oxygen conditions, such as those caused by heart attacks and strokes.
Oh, and this rodent is one of the longest living of their kin: the pregnant female below is 15-years-old.
8 Comments
Close this window Jump to comment formwow. i've never seen anything quite like it--especially the full body shot of the preggo nudie...
December 11, 2009
This image is about 32 different varieties of gross...
December 11, 2009
Haha, she looks like a stuffed olive. I love it. Look at that healthy glow!
December 11, 2009
Immune to pain??? I wish I was! = )
December 12, 2009
terror too
December 13, 2009
I think some mornings this creature is looking back at me from the mirror.
December 14, 2009
he might be freezing xD, i think he looks kinda cute :)
December 14, 2009
Just for the record, mammals don't go without oxygen in utero. They get it dissolved in blood via the umbilical cord. Mammals only need to breathe when they're born because the umbilical cord is broken and mom can't breathe for them any more.
June 21, 2011