The team of Randall Johnson from the University of California found evidence that the skin of mice can actually sense oxygen levels in its surroundings. Mice's skin can actually stimulate its kidneys to produce erythropoietin (EPO).

I know, I know - what is EPO? It's a hormone which signals the body to produce red blood cells when oxygen levels drop. Now, imagine that: a mouse's skin can signal its body to produce those red blood cells.

Because mice are very central to the fight against human diseases, these findings have very  promising implications for man. For one, new means of treating anemia and other red blood cell-related diseases. As for endurance athletes (Go Mavs!), this may help improve their stamina even if they are in high-altitude or low-oxygen situations.

Now, on to the evidence. Johnson and his team of researchers created mice without HIF-1a (hypoxia-inducible transcription factors) in their skin. They were placed in a chamber with only 10% of oxygen. Their studies show that no EPO were produced by these mice.

Johnson discovered that the physiology behind the oxygen-sensing skin is an increase in the skin's blood flow. The team treated the mice with nitroglycerin (not for dynamite purposes but to increase blood flow), eventually, increased levels of EPO and red blood cells were noted.