cientists have decoded the genome of the western painted
turtle, one of the most abundant turtles on Earth, finding clues to their
longevity and ability to survive without oxygen during long winters spent
hibernating in ice-covered ponds.
Understanding the natural mechanisms turtles use to protect
the heart and brain from oxygen deprivation may one day improve treatments for
heart attacks or strokes, the researchers say. Both can lead to severe
disability or death within minutes in patients deprived of oxygen.