Tiny Creatures Gorge, Get Fat, and Help Fight Global Warming

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While global warming continues to wreak havoc on the earth, two recent studies have found encouraging news.

Introduction

It's no secret that rising temperatures and climate change are causing drastic weather changes and destroying ecosystems. But, research from two different universities has found that fatty tissue worms and mice could actually help combat these effects.

How Fatty Tissue Can Help

The first study discovered that fatty tissue in worms quickly adapts to cooler temperatures and maintains hydration, allowing them to survive climate change conditions for at least an extra five days. The second study on mice revealed that energy-storing lipids in fatty tissue can delay the effects of overheating and dehydration, extending their lifespan by nine days.

Potential Applications

Scientists and researchers are hoping that these discoveries can be translated into practical applications for the real world. Dr. Richard Kitney, a professor at the University of York and co-author of the worm study, is excited about the potential benefits of manipulating worm fatty tissue as a way of helping other species and themselves to adapt to colder environments. While Professor Jon Ramsey, a researcher on the mice study, suggests that activating brown fat in humans could have similar lifesaving effects without the need for diet or exercise.