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  Grizzly Bear Research

An estimated 10 million viewers tuned in on April 22, 2005 to watch WSU’s Dr. Lynne Nelson describe her groundbreaking cardiac research with grizzly bears. The stories aired on both Good Morning America and World News Tonight. The real challenge came in trying to get the two newest additions to the study, Peeka and Kio, a pair of 11-week-old grizzly bear cubs, to cooperate with the television crew. Fortunately, the other two young bears, Mica and Luna, have become seasoned pros at holding still for such critical steps as using an ultrasound to measure their heart function. “We came here to video these cute bears, but it turns out the science behind this study is solid,” said ABC reporter Neal Karlinsky. Dr. Nelson’s work focuses on cardiac changes in bears during hibernation. “The anatomy of a grizzly bear is close to that of a human,” said Nelson. “If we can learn how the heart recovers from hibernation, then we may unlock secrets that will help human patients suffering from heart disease.”
 

   
Possible Items for Donation to Bear Research Project
 
 

Department of Natural Resource Sciences Bear Center

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