Story perspectives

Record-High Mice Survive 6,700 m Using Fat Metabolism

7/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

Researchers published a Science paper showing Andean leaf-eared mice survive year-round above 6,700 m in Chile.
The field team captured more than 160 mice from sea level up to 6,739 m, including a live specimen on Volcán Llullaillaco.
Muscle analysis revealed unusually many mitochondria and a shift to fat metabolism that sustains heat production.
Genomic work found selection on toxin-detoxification genes, little large-scale change, and ongoing interbreeding among altitude populations.

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Story summary

Researchers published a Science paper showing Andean leaf-eared mice survive year-round above 6,700 m in Chile.
The field team captured more than 160 mice from sea level up to 6,739 m, including a live specimen on Volcán Llullaillaco.
Muscle analysis revealed unusually many mitochondria and a shift to fat metabolism that sustains heat production.
Genomic work found selection on toxin-detoxification genes, little large-scale change, and ongoing interbreeding among altitude populations.