Squirrels Feel Touch at -32°F Rival
Yale study finds thirteen-lined ground squirrels can detect touch as low as 4°C, outperforming humans and most mammals
Thirteen-lined ground squirrels can detect touch in conditions as low as 4°C (39°F), according to a new study published in Current Biology. This is a significant finding, as prolonged exposure to cold can permanently damage nerves in many mammals, including humans.
The researchers, led by co-principal investigator Elena Gracheva, Ph.D., and co-investigator Slav Bagriantsev, Ph.D., incubated mechanosensory neurons at 10°C and stimulated them to measure the electrical signals produced. The results showed that the nerve cells from squirrels produced a robust response to stimulation at 10°C.
To test the squirrels' sense of touch in real-life conditions, the researchers gently touched hibernating squirrels at 4°C (39°F) with a paintbrush, which was enough to awaken each one. This demonstrates that the squirrels' mechanosensory neurons are adapted to survive at low temperatures and retain their signaling capabilities.
The study builds on previous research by Gracheva and Bagriantsev, who discovered in 2017 that thirteen-lined ground squirrels don't perceive cold in the same way as other mammals. This unique adaptation allows them to survive and thrive in cold environments.
## Why it matters The ability of thirteen-lined ground squirrels to detect touch in cold temperatures has significant implications for our understanding of how sensory systems work in different species. The findings of this study could also have potential applications in the development of new treatments for nerve damage and sensory disorders in humans. As Gracheva noted, this is the first time that any mammalian species has been shown to detect touch at such a low temperature, making this a groundbreaking discovery in the field of neuroscience.
The study's results highlight the remarkable adaptability of thirteen-lined ground squirrels and demonstrate the importance of continued research into the unique characteristics of different species. By uncovering the secrets of these animals' sensory systems, scientists can gain a deeper understanding of the complex relationships between environment, physiology, and behavior.
