Fever .

Fever .
Andre Willers
17 Sep 2010

Synopsis:
Hot stuff .

Discussion :

We know that chemical activity doubles with every 10 degree Celsius rise in temperature . But see what this does for even a moderate fever .

Temp Activity=2^deltaTemp
37 1.0
38 1.017
39 1.148
40 1.23
41 1.319
42 1.414
43 1.515
etc.

Organs literally starve to death .Especially the brain , the heaviest energy user .
They need fuel !
It is not the high temperature that kills the bugs . (Else they would have evolved past them . )
It is the body's defense systems going into overdrive .
For that it needs fuel . In order , Alcohol , Sugars , Proteins , Fats .
(Irish coffee , anyone? )

Cooling the Brain:
Cool packs of about 12 degree Centigrade around the neck should give optimal results
Once again we use the minimal error argument : about 1/3 of the range between 0-37 Celsius.

But why does it need cooling ?
Those pesky neurotransmitters . They take energy and materials . Higher temperature stimulates production , but not recirculation .

Intelligence :
A simple test .
Measure the heat-shock proteins inside the brain . This should show the level of activity in the brain for present humans .

The Shower :
Cools the brain , but keeps the body heated .
The recipe of Western dominance .

Global warming will decrease average human intelligence .

Keep cool , Man!

Andre