Lewis Dean
The Physiological Society

https://doi.org/10.36866/pn.91.14b

6 April 2013, Edinburgh International Science Festival, UK

What does it feel like to be on the top of Mount Everest? How do reaction times change with altitude? Why are some populations better adapted to live at high altitude? These questions and many more were answered, for the benefit of the general public, at Out of Thin Air, The Society’s panel discussion on physiology at altitude. The event took place at just 30m above sea-level, at the Edinburgh International Science Festival.

The session, which attracted over 60 people, explored the effect of high altitude on the body, the mind and individual cells. High altitude presents unique challenges for the human body. Reactions can range from mild nausea and confusion to life-threatening conditions affecting the heart, lungs and brain. Indeed, altitudes over 8000m above sea level have been dubbed the ‘death zone’ as oxygen levels are too low to support human life.

In March 2011, at his second attempt, Geordie Stewart summited Mt Everest and became the youngest Brit to have conquered the Seven Summits (the highest mountain on each continent). From his first-hand experience Geordie described what it feels like to be on the roof of the world.
Whilst altitude sickness is often regarded as a single condition, Kenneth Baillie discussed how his research and that of others suggests that it is, in fact, several different illnesses. Psychologist Dominika Dykiert described a study in which she worked with a group of mountaineers to examine how their reaction times varied. The final speaker was Amira Mahmoud who discussed research on oxygen sensing in cells.

Following the presentations, there was a wide-ranging discussion amongst the panel and audience, chaired by The Society’s Lewis Dean. Topics ranged from the genetic adaptations of communities that live at high altitude, to the ethics of taking medication to minimise altitude sickness.

We are sad to announce that Lewis Dean has now left The Society to resume his research career at The University of St Andrews, Scotland, where he is working working with Andrew Whiten on the evolution of human cognition.