What we can learn from arctic ground squirrels: Part 1 of 2

Squirrels seem so ordinary, so every day. Go for a hike in the mountains and you'll hear them chattering in the trees or scurrying away from your dog's curious nose. But they don't make an impression, nothing like walking up on a bear.

Still, new science at UAA suggests we rethink the lowly status we assign to these squat, bushy-tailed mammals.

Study links arctic ground squirrels to human obesity: Learn more about UAA Professor Khrys Duddleston's investigation into human obesity by understanding more about squirrels' hibernation mechanisms.

Next week: Professor Loren Buck's deeper look at arctic ground squirrel circadian rhythms.