Annals of Adventure Medicine–Shrinkage: There’s one risk Wally probably never figured on as he planned this year’s Everest attempt. According to ExplorersWeb, a rather unusual Base Camp study has shown that high altitude decreases testosterone and sperm counts in male climbers…for a period up to two years after an expedition. Post-7800 meter sperm were also determined to be abnormally shaped (were they shivering, too?), a bizarre effect which fortunately rights itself after a few months. The sample size was understandably limited to three climbers, given the fact that Everest climbers have quite enough going on at Camp 3 and above without having to, ummmmm…..I mean, the logistics are daunting. You’re talking really cold hands (mittens?) and….okay, I’ll stop. No word on who the three horny heroes are, or whether women climbing team members were available to assist in the research. Doctors at Base Camp would like to continue the study, however, so next year Everest may become home to a “Five Mile High” club…….and climbers will have to start knocking.



Frigid Temps Caused Unusual Research Problems: “Hey, Doc, I’m done…Do you have a scraper?”