23 July 2026 · The Guardian
Can Humans Hibernate for Mars Travel?
Scientists are exploring hibernation as a way for humans to survive long space journeys to Mars, potentially reducing health risks and resource needs.
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Adapted from The Guardian, 14 July 2026, and rewritten at three levels by Newslish. Newslish is not affiliated with the source. Read the original.
Key vocabulary
hibernate
to go into a deep sleep for a long time
“Bears hibernate during the winter months.”
physiological
related to the functions of living organisms
“The physiological changes during hibernation help animals survive.”
metabolism
the process by which the body converts food into energy
“Hibernation slows down an animal's metabolism.”
radiation
energy that comes from a source and travels through space
“Space travelers are exposed to high levels of radiation.”
psychological
related to the mind and behavior
“Living in confined spaces can have serious psychological effects.”
Quick quiz
01What is one major health risk of long-term space travel?
02What physiological strategy do animals use to survive scarcity?
03What could hibernation help reduce during space travel?
04Who is funding research into human hibernation?
Discussion
What are the potential benefits and risks of inducing hibernation in humans for space travel?