Research conducted in EuracResearch's terraXcube, an extreme environment simulator, shows that humans are less than 1 degree Celsius sensitive to temperature changes. The recent experiment, carried out by Laura Battistel, involved four climate chambers with temperatures controlled between 23 and 25between degrees Celsius. The study included 26 participants, an equal number of 13 men and 13 women. The volunteers were tasked with comparing pairs of climate chambers by moving between them, and then judging which climate chamber felt warmer and which felt colder.

Each person made 120 comparisons between a pair of rooms, for a total of 3120 comparisons. Data analysis showed that the average threshold for sensing temperature differences was 0.92 degrees Celsius. Furthermore, all participants showed very similar temperature sensitivity. "This suggests that this may be an innate characteristic of our species," Batistere said. We all have significant sensitivity to ambient temperature, even if we are not aware of it."

Andrea Eccher, terraXcube technician, conducts human perception experiments in one of the climate chambers. Image source: EuracResearch/AndreaDeGiovanni

The idea of ​​using terraXcube to study human sensory capabilities was the brainchild of Massimiliano Zampini, full professor at CIMeC at the University of Trento. The goal of this research is to find out how well we perceive our surroundings.

"Only in this way can we deepen our understanding of how the environment affects the way we think and behave. In this sense, this study is consistent with the research line of "basic cognition." According to this scientific theory, our knowledge of the surrounding environment is inseparable from our sensory perception of the world itself. In other words, according to this theory, when we reflect, try to recall life experiences, or approach our surroundings, our senses are activated and affect our thinking.

The findings have potential implications for the heating, ventilation and air conditioning sector of buildings. From an energy sustainability perspective, it would be good for us and the planet if we could identify a temperature range in which individuals can remain comfortable while reducing the energy load on buildings," explains Riccardo Parin, head of work at Battistel.

Corridors connecting the four climate chambers of the small cube, one of the three environmental simulation areas divided by terraXcube. Photo credit: Schirra/Giraldi

"In our study, however, we did not focus on the thermal comfort of our participants. In fact, we are currently more interested in how our perceptions change when temperatures are higher or lower than what is generally considered comfortable. We will study this in future experiments," Palin concludes.

"Our infrastructure can be used for research in many fields. From clothing to mountain emergency medicine, from the automotive industry to climate change," says Christian Steurer, head of terraXcube. "The idea of ​​conducting human psychology research in climate chambers attracted me from the beginning. Now the project is starting to bear fruit. I'm looking forward to the next steps."

Compiled source: ScitechDaily