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.”
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Grizzly bears helping experts study heart disease from KREM
September 2009
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Possible Items for Donation to Bear
Research Project |
Department of Natural Resource Sciences Bear Center
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photo for a larger image:
