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The brain cells needed for fever

Researchers at Linköping University identified the brain cells necessary for a fever reaction in mice, finding that prostaglandin production in these cells is both necessary and sufficient for triggering a fever response. This breakthrough sheds light on the body's defense mechanism against infection and inflammation.

SourceLinköping University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2022

Fishing for sharks: Hot or not?

New research reveals that shark fishing can cause rapid temperature spikes in caught and released sharks, with one blue shark experiencing a 2.7°C increase in just minutes. The study found that it took up to 40 minutes for the sharks to cool down after release.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalConservation Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2022

How to deal with sleep problems during heat waves

Researchers from the European Insomnia Network found that outdoor nighttime temperatures outside thermal comfort can affect human sleep. To combat this, try keeping a bedroom below 25 degrees Celsius, using fans instead of air conditioning, and staying hydrated during heatwaves.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Sleep Research·DateSep 8, 2022

‘Dangerous’ and ‘extremely dangerous’ heat stress to become more common by 2100

A new study predicts that record-breaking heat waves will become more frequent in places like North America and Europe by 2100. The research suggests that even if countries meet the Paris Agreement goal of limiting warming to 2°C, dangerous heat stress could double by 2100 in the tropics.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 25, 2022

Bat box design, placement matter for energy balance in endangered bats

Research finds that bat box design and landscape placement significantly impact the energetic balance of endangered Indiana bats. A study by University of Illinois researchers tested five bat box designs and four landscape placements to determine their effects on bat metabolism, development, and survival.

Building a better bat box: Temperature variation in rocket box designs

Researchers at the University of Illinois developed a new bat box design that provides more thermally appropriate roosting spaces for bats. The 'rocket box' style, with modifications to length and insulation, helps reduce the risk of overheating and provides space for bats to move and avoid extreme temperatures.

Lung model proves viability of spectroscopy technique

A lung model mimicking complex anatomy has enabled the assessment of respiratory volumes using a gas-in-scattering-media absorption spectroscopy (GASMAS) technique. The study demonstrates the feasibility of GASMAS to sense changes in gas volume in a controlled environment, paving the way for potential clinical applications.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2021

UMD associate professor awarded $1.5 million to examine the role of copper in heat generation and fat burning, with implications for human health

The University of Maryland associate professor will use genetics, cell biology, and pharmacology to examine the mechanisms of copper transport and its connection to thermogenesis and fat burning. The research aims to improve human health by understanding how copper relates to hypothermia, obesity, and diabetes.

A drop in temperature

Researchers have found a significant decline in average body temperature among healthy adults worldwide, with a drop of 0.09°F per year over the past two decades. The study, conducted in Bolivia and the US, suggests that improved hygiene, clean water, vaccinations, and medical treatment may be contributing factors.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalJournal of Mathematical Sciences Advances and Applications·DateOct 28, 2020

Bird feeding helps females more than males

A study found that female great tits can reduce their body temperature at night when fed supplemental food during winter, increasing survival chances. In contrast, male great tits do not exhibit a similar response, suggesting males prioritize access to food.

SourceLund University·JournalBiology Letters·DateJun 12, 2020

Hibernation in mice: Are humans next?

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba and RIKEN in Japan have identified specific cells in the mouse brain that can trigger a hibernation-like state when activated. This discovery has significant implications for potential human hibernation applications, including medical uses such as emergency transport or critical care situations.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalNature·DateJun 12, 2020

Drug researcher develops 'fat burning' molecule

Researchers have identified a small mitochondrial uncoupler called BAM15 that decreases body fat mass in mice without affecting food intake or muscle mass. The molecule also shows promise in reducing insulin resistance and oxidative stress associated with obesity and related diseases.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 8, 2020