Why diving marine mammals resist brain damage from low oxygen

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UCSC researchers found that some animals including bottlenose dolphins may be able to endure low oxygen levels due to enhanced amounts of proteins called globins in their brains. Here researcher Beau Richter monitors the breath-holding cabability of  ...
UCSC researchers found that some animals, including bottlenose dolphins, may be able to endure low oxygen levels due to enhanced amounts of proteins called globins in their brains. Here, researcher Beau Richter monitors the breath-holding cabability of Puka, a bottlenose dolphin at Long Marine Laboratory. Photo by T. M. Williams

No human can survive longer than a few minutes underwater, and even a well-trained Olympic swimmer needs frequent gulps of air. Our brains need a constant supply of oxygen, particularly during exercise.


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All News summaries for December 19, 2007

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