Thermography shows the body surface temperatures of mice exposed to the "smell of fear" are dropping gradually. The mice are in a state similar to hibernation and consume less energy than in an ordinary active condition, likely lessening the burden on their bodies. (Provided by Ko Kobayakawa, a specially appointed associate professor at Kansai Medical University) Paralyzing fear might be the key to keeping patients alive, a study of mice suggests, according to a team of researchers at Kansai Medical University. Mice exposed to the “smell of fear” were more likely to make it through a difficult-to-survive environment with little oxygen, the team discovered.