The United Kingdom recorded its highest ever June temperature, reaching 36.1 degrees Celsius in London. But the thermometer does not tell the whole story: the perceived temperature exceeded 39 degrees, turning the British capital into a furnace. The heatwave sweeping Western Europe is not only a problem for agriculture and infrastructure but also has a profound and still poorly understood impact on the human brain.
Biological mechanisms of brain hyperthermia
Scientific studies have shown that as temperatures rise, people become more irritable and violent. Firefighters struggle to concentrate after exposure to extreme heat. Researchers are trying to understand why. Experiments on lab animals suggest that excessive heat alters the function of chemical signals in the brain, the neurotransmitters. However, the exact mechanisms remain largely mysterious. Understanding these processes is crucial to protect the most vulnerable groups, such as children and people with mental health disorders, who are particularly susceptible to the effects of heat.
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Social and infrastructural impact of extreme heat
Heatwaves do not only affect the human body. Power plants are shut down to avoid overheating, and Italy's digital infrastructure suffered blackouts. The tech sector also feels the impact: according to an internal analysis, Apple lost 6% of its stock value after price increases, a symptom of economic tensions amplified by the climate. The need to cool data centers is driving costs up, with ripple effects across the supply chain.
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According to the World Meteorological Organization, heatwaves are among the deadliest natural disasters. As scientists continue to study the neurological effects, the need for immediate adaptation strategies becomes clear. It is not enough to hydrate and stay in the shade: a widespread awareness of the invisible effects of heat on our brain is needed.
