Mechanism
Supercooling
TL;DR
The paradox of temperature management: cooling is cheap, transitions are expensive.
Supercooling prevents ice crystal formation despite sub-freezing temperatures by eliminating ice nucleation sites. The Arctic ground squirrel's body temperature drops to 26.8°F (-2.9°C) - below water's freezing point. Its blood should crystallize, cells should burst. Instead, by eliminating ice nucleation sites, it survives. Every 2-3 weeks it reheats to 98°F for 12-24 hours, with rewarming costing 86% of winter energy budget while actual hibernation costs only 14%.
Business Application of Supercooling
The paradox of temperature management: cooling is cheap, transitions are expensive. Companies that understand this invest in stability rather than constant pivoting.