Wild animals living in extreme environments have evolved fascinating adaptations to maximize their reproductive output, providing valuable insights into human reproductive health. Michelle Shero, an assistant scientist at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution’s Biology Department, has recently published an article shedding light on how studying seals can benefit human health by integrating various research findings.
Seals, particularly female seals, exhibit remarkable abilities that could offer significant insights into reproductive physiology, both in seals and humans. For instance, female seals can undergo lengthy fasting periods and lose up to 30% of their body weight while nursing their pups. They also possess the unique ability to hold their breath for extended periods during deep dives, showcasing their exceptional physiological adaptations.
One intriguing aspect of seal reproduction is their ability to “pause” pregnancy through embryonic diapause, allowing them to give birth in more favorable environmental conditions. This mechanism could potentially inform strategies for improving human reproductive health, such as in-vitro fertilization success rates.
Furthermore, seals challenge conventional notions of insulin resistance by demonstrating its potential advantages in breaking down fats while preserving muscle mass during extended fasting periods. This contrasts with the negative effects of insulin resistance in humans, especially in conditions like gestational diabetes, where glucose transfer between maternal and fetal blood can pose risks to the fetus.
Seals’ remarkable ability to withstand low oxygen levels during deep dives offers valuable lessons for managing oxygen deprivation during childbirth, which can have life-long or fatal consequences for human infants. Their efficient oxygen utilization, particularly in diverting oxygen to vital organs like the heart and brain, showcases nature’s innovative solutions to extreme challenges.
In conclusion, the study of seals and other marine mammals presents a wealth of knowledge that can revolutionize human reproductive biomedicine. By drawing inspiration from the adaptive strategies of wild animals, researchers can explore novel approaches to addressing pressing issues in reproductive health. The extraordinary feats of wildlife offer a fresh perspective on tackling complex reproductive health problems and pave the way for innovative solutions in human medicine.
For more information, refer to Michelle R. Shero’s article “How adaptive solutions from marine mammal life history could address pressing problems in reproductive biomedicine,” published in F&S Reports (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.xfre.2025.02.004.
This article is provided by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. Visit their website for more information: www.whoi.edu.
