Scientists for the first time have induced a state of hibernation in mice, a technique that could lead to new treatments for diseases in humans.

Lead researcher, Mark Roth, from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center said the achievement, is the first demonstration of "hibernation on demand" in a mammal.

In order to force the mice into hibernation, researchers exposed the creatures to high levels of hydrogen sulfide gas. By allowing the mice to breathe fresh air the condition was reversed without any signs of harm to the animals.

The team reports that within minutes of breathing the hydrogen sulfide, the mice stopped moving and lost consciousness. Their breathing dropped from a normal 120 breaths per minute to fewer than 10. Their body temperature fell from the normal 37 degrees Celsius to 11 degrees Celsius.

If the technique can be replicated in humans, Roth and colleagues believe it could first be used to treat people suffering from severe fevers of unknown origin.