Hibernating bears protect bones by reducing resorption

Even a short period of inactivity can be extremely bad for our bones, and for astronauts facing months in zero gravity, the risks are serious. But there is an animal that has already solved all of the problems faced by immobile humans. Black bears routinely hibernate for 6 months without stirring, and although it can take several weeks for them to regain their full metabolic vigour, their bones seem largely unaffected by the lengthy period of inactivity. Yet, how these impressive beasts protect their bones was a mystery, with previous studies yielding contradictory results.

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