this post was submitted on 07 Jul 2025
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Science Memes

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[–] Lucky_777@lemmy.world 107 points 2 weeks ago (3 children)

Humans' ability to sweat is something outstanding.

[–] Viking_Hippie@lemmy.dbzer0.com 62 points 2 weeks ago (3 children)

That what I keep saying, but people still seem thoroughly unimpressed by my ability to sweat profusely the moment I get a little hot!

[–] Agent641@lemmy.world 36 points 2 weeks ago

Interviewer: What would you say is your biggest strength?

Me:

[–] Donkter@lemmy.world 24 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

Sweating is such a powerful ability for humans when compared to the animal kingdom. I mean, not only does my sweat keep me cool, I can clear out an entire room with it if it's a little too hot!

[–] PalmTreeIsBestTree@lemmy.world 9 points 2 weeks ago

Unless it’s a 100% humidity day with a heat index above what is typical

[–] boonhet@sopuli.xyz 4 points 2 weeks ago

It's just that we're so powerful, we need the extra cooling!

[–] khannie@lemmy.world 32 points 2 weeks ago (2 children)

The other advantage we have while running is that we're not constantly slamming our intestines into our other vital organs and lungs because we're upright.

Humans can out-distance a horse. A fucking HORSE. Incredible animal the oul' human.

[–] FelixCress@lemmy.world 34 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

Humans can out-distance a horse

Speak for yourself, I cannot out distance a hamster lately.

[–] khannie@lemmy.world 18 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

Oh I am most definitely not speaking for myself. Neigh. Not one bit.

I think that's mostly down to our comparatively sedentary lifestyle though. Skinny AF, fit because I've had to run down a horse once a week and mid-20's me could hopefully out-distance a horse. A small cow anyway.

[–] ChicoSuave@lemmy.world 11 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

Neigh. Not one bit.

Are you a horse?

[–] khannie@lemmy.world 10 points 2 weeks ago
[–] IncogCyberspaceUser@lemmy.world 5 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) (2 children)

Is that really a limiting factor for animals that are not upright? They have to stop going because their intestines slam into other vital organs, and they need a break, lest they get damaged?

[–] exasperation@lemmy.dbzer0.com 19 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

One big advantage is that we can run while breathing out of sync with our steps. Four legged running pretty much requires each inhale and exhale to sync with the compression and expansion of the torso with each stride. Humans, on the other hand, can run full speed while taking multiple steps per breath, depending on terrain and fatigue, which gives more options for pacing.

[–] DragonSidedD@monero.town 1 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

Interesting, that dynamic is in line with the 'radiator' theory of human brain evolution.

From a more recent article:

the shift to an aerobic, hunter-gatherer lifestyle in early Homo, including long-distance running, exerted selection pressures that favored both increased endurance and enhanced brain growth

Edit: ... so, we're not batteries. We're cooling fins.

[–] khannie@lemmy.world 7 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

I saw it in a documentary but it was a good while ago so to be honest I can't remember what the exact mechanism was or if it was just a contributing factor over longer distances. I just remember storing it away as little nugget that made sense when presented.

It's very late here and now you have me curious so I'll probably have a dig around in the morning.

Edit: I don't think it's the break thing though. Organ damage is definitely better than death if you're being chased.