How Studying Elephant Seals Could Treat Heart Attacks

The video explores the role of carbon monoxide in both humans and elephant seals. While carbon monoxide is harmful to humans, causing issues like headaches and dizziness, elephant seals naturally have high levels of it, which may protect them from reoxygenation injuries. These seals are extreme divers, holding their breath for long periods, which could lead to such injuries. However, their high carbon monoxide levels seem to prevent this damage. Understanding this mechanism could lead to therapeutic uses of carbon monoxide in humans, particularly for heart attacks, strokes, and organ transplants.

What is one reason why carbon monoxide is harmful to humans?

• It enhances the immune system.

• It causes immediate heart attacks.

• It binds to hemoglobin, preventing oxygen transport.

• It increases blood pressure.

How do elephant seals manage to dive for extended periods?

• They have a special breathing technique.

• They have larger lungs than other mammals.

• They reduce blood flow to non-essential tissues.

• They store extra oxygen in their muscles.

What is a reoxygenation injury?

• An injury caused by high blood pressure.

• An injury caused by excessive carbon monoxide.

• An injury caused by blood returning to tissues.

• An injury caused by lack of oxygen.

Why might carbon monoxide be beneficial in controlled amounts?

• It can increase the risk of blood clots.

• It can increase heart rate.

• It can cause cells to die prematurely.

• It can lower blood pressure and reduce inflammation.

What potential human applications are being studied for carbon monoxide?

• As a therapy for organ transplants and heart attacks.

• As a cure for cancer.

• As a method to improve lung capacity.

• As a treatment for diabetes.