Cold temperature, as a biological process, refers to the exposure of organisms, tissues, or cells to low environmental or experimental temperatures that elicit specific physiological and molecular responses. These responses include activation of thermosensory pathways, alterations in membrane fluidity, modulation of ion channel activity (e.g., TRP channels), and changes in metabolic rate and mitochondrial function. Cold exposure triggers stress-response signaling, such as upregulation of cold-shock proteins, reprogramming of gene expression, and adjustments in lipid composition to preserve membrane integrity. In endotherms, it also induces thermogenic mechanisms, including brown adipose tissue activation and non-shivering thermogenesis, to maintain core body temperature.
You've just cleaned your teeth, you're feeling minty fresh and ready to climb into bed. You take a sip of water, but the water is icy cold, and your next breath feels cool and crisp.
Other
Jan 7, 2026
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37
The onset of sudden cold spells can threaten plant survival, especially during early growth phases. But how do plants detect low temperatures fast enough to initiate life-saving changes? Researchers at Chonnam National University ...
Plants & Animals
Dec 17, 2025
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21
Spiders of the Clubiona genus, which are among the most important natural enemies of pests found in orchards, are active during the winter. New research in The FEBS Journal reveals the characteristics of antifreeze proteins ...
Plants & Animals
Nov 19, 2025
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20
A new study published in Plant Physiology opens the door to developing more robust and cold-resistant tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) varieties. The findings reveal that increasing glycosylated sterol levels in tomato enhances ...
Biotechnology
Nov 3, 2025
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342
New research from Queen Mary University of London reveals how fruit fly larvae have repeatedly evolved their temperature preferences, shedding light on the intricate ways animals adapt to their environments. The study, published ...
Evolution
Jul 21, 2025
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23
Despite a warming climate, bone-chilling winter cold can grip parts of the U.S. In a study appearing in Science Advances, researchers found that two specific patterns in the polar vortex, a swirling mass of cold air high ...
Earth Sciences
Jul 11, 2025
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425
A polar air mass has brought record low temperatures to Argentina, Chile and Uruguay, causing at least 15 deaths and forcing governments to restrict gas supplies and activate emergency shelters.
Environment
Jul 4, 2025
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106
