Foul Asleep
Stink bomb gas puts mice into suspended animation
Suspended animation has been deliberately induced in a species of mouse which does not naturally hibernate. It is the first time such a feat has been achieved, say the procedure's pioneers.If a similar response could be triggered in humans, there would be major healthcare benefits and the futuristic idea of putting astronauts into suspended animation on long-haul space flights could move a step closer to reality.
The mice were induced to fall into their deep sleep after being exposed to hydrogen sulphide - the gas which gives rotten eggs and stink bombs their characteristic foul odour. The animals later revived in ordinary air.
I suppose all those sci-fi movies that depict spaceship crewmembers emerging from hibernation will have to be redone with a lot more gaggging and grousing about the stench.
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