James Gallagher, BBC Health Editor, reports on some fascinating research published in the journal Nature about what happens to the brain when mammals hibernate. According to scientists who carried out the experiments, almost a third of synapses – connections in the brain – are destroyed during hibernation to preserve vital resources over winter. In Spring, when the mammals start to revive, however, these connections ‘reform’ with no apparent loss of memory.

Dr Eric Karran, Director of Research at Alzheimer's Research UK, said the study was 'promising" and "highlights a natural process nerve cells use to protect themselves".

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-30812438

Embrace-learning: http://goo.gl/Di7ciT