"Surviving the Freeze: Essential Tips for Adapting to and Staying Safe in Extreme Cold Weather"
Researchers, including biological anthropologist Cara Ocobock, are studying how the human body adapts to extreme cold, uncovering physiological changes such as metabolic adjustments and the role of brown adipose tissue. These adaptations, which can be a result of both natural selection and short-term acclimatization, are becoming increasingly relevant as climate change leads to more frequent and severe winter storms, as well as unpredictable weather patterns. The research also explores the implications of these adaptations for health in modern society, where traits beneficial in extreme cold may become liabilities as climates warm. Understanding these adaptations is crucial for preparing for the health impacts of climate change and supporting populations migrating to new climates.