• 8 minutes ago
And it could have far reaching medical implications.
Transcript
00:00This is what is known as a glass frog, a breed of amphibian, indigenous to Mexico and areas
00:10of South America and the Caribbean.
00:12They're called glass frogs because they can do this, literally become transparent when
00:16they sleep to give themselves some camouflage while they rest.
00:18And for the first time, scientists not only believe they've figured out how it works,
00:22but it could have far reaching medical implications for humans.
00:25The researchers found that glass frogs are able to separate 90% of their red blood cells
00:29and force it all into their livers, which just so happens to be mirror coated.
00:33Red blood cells are almost impossible to hide because they're extremely good at reflecting
00:37green light.
00:38With the researchers writing, quote, whenever the frog needs to become active again, they
00:42bring the cells back into the bloodstream, which gives them the metabolic capacity to
00:45move around.
00:46And they say that figuring out just how these creatures extreme physiology works might also
00:50help to solve some medical issues in humans.
00:53Blood clotting of red blood cells is an issue that can lead to heart attacks and strokes,
00:57meaning discovering the triggers that glass frogs employ to sort their blood could help
01:00doctors prevent blood clots in humans in the future.

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