Why has our average body temperature declined?

Written by Francesca Lake (Editor-in-Chief)

average body temperature declining

Cold hands, warm heart… cooling body? New research sheds light on why we’re cooling down. The average body temperature is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (or 37.0 degrees Celsius) – and has been for nearly two centuries, when it was established by Carl Wunderlich. This temperature is now widely used as a standard to diagnose fever; however, studies have suggested our average body temperature is in decline. A 2017 UK study analyzing 25,000 adults found the average body temperature to be 97.9 degrees Fahrenheit (36.6 degrees Celsius). A 2019 study of adults from Palo Alto (CA, USA) found the average body temperature...

To view this content, please register now for access

Join our member community for FREE to access a collection of journal and online-only features, including:

  • Exclusive access to educational videos, eBooks and insights into top BioTechniques journal articles
  • The latest news and journal updates delivered straight to your inbox when you want it
  • Personalized recommendations for the latest member-exclusive podcasts, interviews and expert opinions
  • Priority registration to webinars, panel discussions and events
  • Access to competitions and journal publication discounts, including 10% off open access fees when you sign up today!