- UniScoops
- Posts
- Why do humans get fevers? 🤒
Why do humans get fevers? 🤒
PLUS: Life on Mars (Maybe), The Art of Letter Writing, and The Psychology of Stage Fright 🎭
My mother always used to say, “The older you get, the better you get, unless you’re a banana.”
Welcome to UniScoops! We’re the newsletter that’s more reliable than your mum’s “I told you so” when you forget your umbrella.
Here’s a taste of what we’re serving today:
Why do humans get fevers? 🤒
PLUS: Life on Mars (Maybe), The Art of Letter Writing, and The Psychology of Stage Fright 🎭
MEDICINE
Why do humans get fevers? 🤒
Fever is one of the body’s oldest responses to infection. From children with ear infections to adults fighting the flu, almost everyone has experienced their body temperature climbing. But why does the body deliberately make itself uncomfortable when sick? Is fever always helpful, or sometimes harmful?
Me when there is any minor inconvenience
The answer lies in evolution. Fever appears across many species, from mammals to reptiles and even insects, suggesting it has deep survival value. Its role is tied to defending against pathogens, boosting the immune system, and acting as a universal biological strategy.
💡 Things to consider
Pathogen defence: Many bacteria and viruses struggle to replicate at higher temperatures. By raising its temperature a few degrees, the body creates an environment less favourable for invaders. It’s like turning up the heat in a greenhouse to make weeds wilt. This may explain why fever is often one of the first immune responses to infection.
Your body during flu season
Immune system activation: Fever doesn’t just harm pathogens - it also boosts us. Elevated temperature improves the efficiency of white blood cells, speeds up the production of antibodies, and enhances communication between immune cells. Essentially, fever helps the immune system coordinate a faster, stronger attack.
The white blood cells fighting back
An ancient, conserved response: The fact that cold-blooded animals like lizards bask in the sun when infected, raising their body temperature, suggests fever is a universal strategy. Its persistence across evolution shows it offers a real survival advantage. Of course, fevers can become dangerous if they rise too high, which is why doctors sometimes recommend treatment, especially in vulnerable patients.
On his way to get some sun
🔎 Find out more
🍒 The cherry on top
🚀 Life on Mars (Maybe): NASA’s Perseverance rover has been quietly collecting Martian rock samples that could be key to discovering ancient microbial life. This Scientific American feature dives into how the rocks might one day come home to Earth and what they could reveal. Great if you’re into Physics or Geology!
✒️ The Art of Letter Writing: In a digital age, handwritten letters have become a lost art. This article explores the art and personal significance of letter writing, with examples from famous correspondences. A must-read for fans of Literature or Personal History!
🎭 The Psychology of Stage Fright: Why do even the most seasoned performers get nervous before stepping on stage? This TED-Ed video unpacks the biology and psychology behind performance anxiety, and how to trick your brain into turning fear into focus. A fascinating watch if you like Psychology!
👀 Keep your eyes peeled for…
Wednesday 12th November
Thursday 13th November
Monday 17th November
🗳️ Poll
How was today's email?We'd love to hear your feedback! |
That’s it for this week! We’d like to thank this week’s writer: Rob Folkard.
💚 Like UniScoops?
Forward this edition to someone who’d love to read it for extra kudos!
📢 Want to tell us something?
Reply to this email to tell us what you think about UniScoops, or to give us any suggestions on what you’d like to see.
🧐 New to UniScoops?
Get your weekly fix of academia with our fun, thought-provoking newsletter. No jargon, no fluff, just the good stuff. Subscribe today.
Reply