By , , andLink Copied!Ad FeedbackEditor’s Note: The views expressed in this commentary are solely those of the writers. CNN is showcasing the work of , a collaboration between journalists and academics to provide news analysis and commentary. The content is produced solely by The Conversation. — Science fiction is shifting into reality. With humanity’s plans to and further ambitions to travel to Mars in the next, we need to figure out how to keep astronauts healthy for these years-long missions. One solution long championed by science fiction is suspended animation, or putting...…By , , andLink Copied!Ad FeedbackEditor’s Note: The views expressed in this commentary are solely those of the writers. CNN is showcasing the work of , a collaboration between journalists and academics to provide news analysis and commentary. The content is produced solely by The Conversation. — Science fiction is shifting into reality. With humanity’s plans to and further ambitions to travel to Mars in the next, we need to figure out how to keep astronauts healthy for these years-long missions. One solution long championed by science fiction is suspended animation, or putting...WW…

provides funding as a member of The Conversation CA. provides funding as a member of The Conversation CA-FR.Science fiction is shifting into reality. With humanity’s plans to and further ambitions to travel to Mars in the next, we need to figure out how to keep astronauts healthy for these years-long missions. One solution long championed by science fiction is suspended animation, or putting humans in a hibernation-like sleep for the duration of travel time.We can turn to nature for guidance and a potential solution to this challenge.Space is unforgiving. In this freezing void of darkness...…provides funding as a member of The Conversation CA. provides funding as a member of The Conversation CA-FR.Science fiction is shifting into reality. With humanity’s plans to and further ambitions to travel to Mars in the next, we need to figure out how to keep astronauts healthy for these years-long missions. One solution long championed by science fiction is suspended animation, or putting humans in a hibernation-like sleep for the duration of travel time.We can turn to nature for guidance and a potential solution to this challenge.Space is unforgiving. In this freezing void of darkness...WW…