Scientists have identified a decrease in the limits of human thermoregulation

Canadian researchers from the University of Ottawa have made a disturbing discovery: the human body's ability to maintain normal body temperature in extreme heat conditions is significantly lower than previously assumed by the scientific community.

The study takes on special significance against the backdrop of intensifying global warming, which threatens to create climate conditions where the combination of temperature and humidity may exceed safe limits for humans.

"Our research emphasizes that the real limit of thermoregulation is significantly lower than previously thought," warns the head of the research group, Glen Kenny. The scientific team emphasizes that the obtained data may have critical importance in the context of ongoing global temperature rise.

During the experiment, the group led by Robert Meade applied innovative thermal step protocols. Twelve volunteers were exposed to extreme conditions: air temperature reached 42 degrees Celsius with 57 percent humidity. Such parameters created a perceived temperature of about 62 degrees - conditions close to the limit for the human body.

The subjects remained in the extreme environment for 9 hours, which allowed scientists to study in detail the mechanisms of thermoregulation under stressful conditions.

The results of the experiment caused serious concern among researchers. The body temperature of participants steadily increased, with many volunteers unable to endure the entire test period.

"These data provide the first direct verification of thermoregulation protocols used for more than 50 years," notes Meade, emphasizing the revolutionary nature of the results obtained.

The researchers claim that their work not only supported theoretical models with actual data but also significantly expanded the understanding of the physiological stress that the human body experiences during prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures. In conditions of continuing global temperature rise, this knowledge becomes vital, especially for megacities preparing for abnormally hot summer seasons.

The scientific team has set an ambitious goal: to combine the obtained physiological data with climate models for more accurate prediction of health risks for the population during periods of extreme heat.

"Our goal is to prepare for possible health problems that may arise due to high temperatures," emphasizes Kenny, focusing attention on the practical application of the research results.