The unraveling of the shrew, in winter: Studies decode genetic basis of seasonal organ shrinkage in mammals

Some mammals hibernate to survive in winter, but the Eurasian common shrew (Sorex araneus) employs Dehnel's phenomenon to get through it. This is a metabolic process that enables shrews to conserve energy by shrinking their brain and other energy-consuming organs. In the spring, the organs grow back to normal size. Scientists are learning more about how shrews can do this, and their findings may help us understand certain metabolic and neurological diseases.