![Researchers have recently found evidence that warmer body temperatures can help prevent contracting the common cold. In a study published on July 11 in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, a team of Yale University researchers found that body temperature levels can affect how the immune system responds to the common cold virus. The researchers, led by immunology professor Akiko Iwasaki, examined human airways cells because they produce vital immune system proteins called interferons which inhibit the ability of cold viruses to reproduce, according to Tech Times. Their experiment involved infecting the cells with the cold virus, which researchers maintained in their laboratory at two core body temperatures of either 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (normal human body temperature) or 91.4 degrees Fahrenheit. The researchers found that the cells infected with the cold virus tended to make fewer interferons than did regular, uninfected cells. When there were no interferons, infected cells incubated at both 98.6 and 91.4 degrees Fahrenheit still controlled the virus. However, through the team’s mathematical models, it was discovered that when the infected cells were maintained below normal human body temperature, the cold virus replicated very quickly. But when the infected cells were placed under normal body temperatures, the cold virus died faster and did not replicate as fast as it did in the cooler cells. “All (infected cells) are more optimal at 37 degrees (Celsius-98.6 Fahrenheit),” Iwasaki stated according to Tech Times. Additionally, warmer body temperatures enhanced the activity of an enzyme called the Ribonuclease L (RNAseL), which destroys and attacks viral genes. There are also other mechanisms at play that strengthen the immune system against the cold virus. The new findings contribute much to Yale's previous research conducted on mice, which found that at a few degrees below the core body temperature, interferons were less capable of performing their job in attacking the viruses. Cooler temperatures allowed the cold virus to spread more quickly in the cells of the mice. According to Iwasaki in a Yale news release, the combined research suggests that "there are three [immunological] ways to target this virus now." “Although I was always told that being warmer lowered the chances of getting a cold, it is interesting to know that there is actually scientific reasoning behind this idea,” sophomore at Beverly Hills High School Claire Kim said in response to this study. Iwasaki believe that the discoveries of both studies can possibly offer scientists new strategies to develop treatments against colds in the future. However, we now know that having warmer body temperatures can lower the chances of getting a cold.](http://www.jstudentboard.com/reporter/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/warmth-8-2.jpg)
In a study published on July 11 in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, a team of Yale University researchers found that body temperature levels can affect how the immune system responds to the common cold virus. The researchers, led by immunology professor Akiko Iwasaki, examined human airways cells because they produce vital immune system proteins called interferons which inhibit the ability of cold viruses to reproduce, according to Tech Times.
Their experiment involved infecting the cells with the cold virus, which researchers maintained in their laboratory at two core body temperatures of either 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (normal human body temperature) or 91.4 degrees Fahrenheit.
The researchers found that the cells infected with the cold virus tended to make fewer interferons than did regular, uninfected cells. When there were no interferons, infected cells incubated at both 98.6 and 91.4 degrees Fahrenheit still controlled the virus.
However, through the team’s mathematical models, it was discovered that when the infected cells were maintained below normal human body temperature, the cold virus replicated very quickly. But when the infected cells were placed under normal body temperatures, the cold virus died faster and did not replicate as fast as it did in the cooler cells.
“All (infected cells) are more optimal at 37 degrees (Celsius-98.6 Fahrenheit),” Iwasaki stated according to Tech Times.
Additionally, warmer body temperatures enhanced the activity of an enzyme called the Ribonuclease L (RNAseL), which destroys and attacks viral genes. There are also other mechanisms at play that strengthen the immune system against the cold virus.
The new findings contribute much to Yale’s previous research conducted on mice, which found that at a few degrees below the core body temperature, interferons were less capable of performing their job in attacking the viruses. Cooler temperatures allowed the cold virus to spread more quickly in the cells of the mice.
According to Iwasaki in a Yale news release, the combined research suggests that “there are three [immunological] ways to target this virus now.”
“Although I was always told that being warmer lowered the chances of getting a cold, it is interesting to know that there is actually scientific reasoning behind this idea,” sophomore at Beverly Hills High School Claire Kim said in response to this study.
Iwasaki believe that the discoveries of both studies can possibly offer scientists new strategies to develop treatments against colds in the future. However, we now know that having warmer body temperatures can lower the chances of getting a cold.
