Can humans "hibernate" to prevent disease & extend life?

As black bears exit hibernation in the coming weeks, let's examine the evidence connecting our species with the mysterious biological phenomenon of hibernation in big mammals.

Some animals use a puzzling strategy to survive winter, finding a den and entering a state of minimal activity marked by low metabolism and body temperature, slow breathing and depressed heart rate.

Months after taking the long nap, these animals come out of this catatonic state a little dizzy and starved, though fully aware and conscious, ready to eat f…