Tag

Human Adaptability

All articles tagged with #human adaptability

"Exploring the Depths: The Fascinating World of Saturation Diving"
science-and-technology2 years ago

"Exploring the Depths: The Fascinating World of Saturation Diving"

Saturation diving involves prolonged stays at extreme depths in pressurized chambers, allowing divers to work at depths of up to 1,000 feet and remain under pressure for weeks. These professionals play a crucial role in maintaining offshore oil and gas infrastructure, despite the inherent dangers and challenges they face. While advancements in remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) pose a potential alternative, human divers' adaptability and versatility continue to be valued, especially in complex and unpredictable underwater environments. The future of saturation diving will likely involve a balance between human expertise and technological advancements, with a primary focus on safety and risk mitigation.

Surviving Extreme Heat: Understanding the Limits of the Human Body
climate-change2 years ago

Surviving Extreme Heat: Understanding the Limits of the Human Body

As extreme heatwaves become more frequent and intense due to climate change, scientists are studying the combination of temperature and humidity, known as wet-bulb temperature, to determine when it becomes too hot for normal daily activity. Recent experiments at Penn State University show that the upper limit for young, healthy adults is a wet-bulb temperature of about 87°F (31°C) at 50% relative humidity. Current heatwaves are already exceeding these limits, posing significant health risks, especially for vulnerable populations. Staying hydrated and seeking cool areas are important in high heat, but access to cooling centers and air conditioning remains a challenge for many. The evidence continues to mount that climate change is a pressing problem that requires immediate action.