Professor Robert Streiffer’s photograph of a hibernating 13-lined ground squirrel has been selected as the cover image for The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). The image illustrates research by Matthew Regan et al. exploring how these remarkable animals survive their six-month hibernation through an ingenious partnership with gut microbes.
The study reveals that symbiotic bacteria recycle carbon from waste urea into acetate, providing crucial energy for both the microbes and their host during the extended fast. This discovery suggests that host-microbe mutualisms may play a widespread role in helping fasting mammals survive periods of food scarcity.
The cover appearance in PNAS, a leading peer-reviewed journal publishing high-impact research across biological, physical, and social sciences, represents a significant recognition of both the scientific importance of the research and the quality of Professor Streiffer’s photography.