The frog that freezes, then lives

Wood frog freeze survival

Wood frogs survive with roughly 65–70% of their body water frozen. That's the wild part. 🐸.

Wood frog freeze survival

Ice forms mainly outside cells. “Extracellular” means in the spaces outside them. 🧊.

Wood frog freeze survival

The liver releases glucose into blood as freezing begins. It helps limit cell shrinkage and lowers the risk of ice forming inside cells. 🍬.

Wood frog freeze survival

Metabolism, the body's energy use, sharply slows: breathing and heartbeat stop. Cells make energy without oxygen. That's the survival strategy. 🐸.

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