Frozen frogs, tissues and cells — the health and environmental benefits of keeping it chill episode artwork

EPISODE · Jan 1, 2026 · 29 MIN

Frozen frogs, tissues and cells — the health and environmental benefits of keeping it chill

from Future Tense · host Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Rana Sylvatica is an unassuming wood frog with an extraordinary gift. In the depths of winter, it can slow down its metabolism, flood its cells with ice and remain in a state of suspended animation for months. But it's what it might be able to teach us about preserving human organs for transplant that has scientists really excited. Also, the menagerie in an icy test tube — San Diego's Frozen Zoo and the fight to preserve biodiversity.Original broadcast on October 27, 2024.GuestsDr Ken Storey — Professor of Biology and Biochemistry, Carleton University, Canada.Dr Saffron Bryant – Senior lecturer, Department of Physics, RMIT UniversityMarlys Houck – Curator, Frozen Zoo, San Diego Wildlife AllianceDr Justine O’Brien – Manager, Conservation Science,Taronga Conservation Society AustraliaFurther informationYoutube video of a frozen frog thawing

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Jan 1, 2026

Embed this episode

NOW PLAYING

Frozen frogs, tissues and cells — the health and environmental benefits of keeping it chill

0:00 29:06

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

No similar podcasts found.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Future Tense?

This episode is 29 minutes long.

When was this Future Tense episode published?

This episode was published on January 1, 2026.

Can I download this Future Tense episode?

Yes. Use the download control on the episode player to save the publisher-provided media file.
URL copied to clipboard!