Depth whales could one day save human lives according to scientists

Their dives are dizzying. For example, Their bodies challenge human biology. However, And yet, we know them so little. Similarly, THE Cuvier whaleschampions of extreme immersion, could inspire new treatments against stroke, cancer and even Alzheimer’s. Nevertheless, Here is how these mysterious cetaceans of depths upset medical research.

These cetaceans survive without oxygen thanks to a radically different metabolism – Depth whales could one day

They dive to more than 3,000 meters of depth. Similarly, They sometimes stay More than three hours without breathing. Consequently, THE Cuvier whales (Ziphius Cavirostris), depth whales could one day that some nicknames the ” Ocean Bulldogs“, Have a set of physical and genetic adaptations. Nevertheless,

The latter make them almost invulnerable to thehypoxiathis oxygen deprivation so dangerous for us.

While we lose consciousness, they continue to hunt calmly in the abyss. Their secret? A Metabolism set as a clockand doubled blood volume compared to ours. a overpowered hemoglobinand a Ability to slow their heart rate up to 10 beats per minute.

Thus. researchers from Duke University, led by Wislian Wisse et Nicola Quickhope to unravel these secrets to apply them to the human medicine.

Indeed. the same cellular mechanisms are involved in AVCTHE cancersor Neuronal degeneration : Holding energy without oxygen, depth whales could one day reduction in oxidative stress, control of inflammation.

Samples of skin and brain reveal new mechanisms of cell survival

To understand these adaptations, we must take living samples. However, approaching these elusive whales is a feat. Indeed, they pass 90 % of their immersion time. When the Wisse team manages to locate one. they have Less than two minutes To pull a dart and recover a fragment of skin.

Then, once in the laboratory, the epidermal cells are exposed to extreme hypoxia conditions. And there, surprise: they continue to consume high level oxygen.

It is the opposite of human cells. cattle. In addition, researchers also discovered unique mitochondrial genes. These genes maintain energy production even in an oxygen atmosphere.

The most fascinating is undoubtedly the brain. Norwegian teams Lars Folkow have identified depth whales could one day in whales a rate of Neuroglobin 15 times higher to that of beef. This protein protects neurons from oxidative stress. She acts as a Cellular antidote against stroke.

Towards treatments against stroke. cancer inspired by extreme diving mechanisms

What Cuvier whales naturally accomplish, doctors dream of imitating it. Thus, according to Jason SomarelliOncologist in Duke, marine mammals would have separated their inflammatory reaction from their sensitivity to oxygen. It is a biological feat. It could allow finer and safer treatments.

Therefore, we already imagine Bio-inspired drugs. They could protect the brain during surgical interventions. Or reduce stroke damage.

Or slow down certain tumors. Moreover, other teams work on DNA repair systems Boreal whales. Some explore their Resistance to Alzheimer.

Of course, everything remains to be discovered. However, depth whales could one day the sea, once again, could be the largest natural laboratories.

And perhaps one day, when a patient will repeat a stroke thanks to a treatment inspired by a whale, we will think back to this minute and a half. This suspended moment, when an abysmal creature met the gaze of a scientist, in silence, off the North Carolina.