physiology observations

[dkogan]

• Hybrid Muscles: We were doing hills Saturday (up and down a moderately steep trail, maybe 1/5 mile each way) at the morning HKD workout.
  It ocurred to me that I could really use a set of organs with the recharge capacity of gas-electric cars. Going downhill should reclaim a decent fraction of the energy used up going uphill. I'd settle for 50-75% efficiency. If cars can do it, why can't we?
  
• Countercurrent Exchange: My heart & lungs are no good; I was out of breath by the middle of the first ascent.
  Humans need countercurrent exchange between the lungs and blood. Sure, the lungs will need extensive modifications, but if fish can do it, why can't we?
  
• Fasting: Moving on to today...
  Body: I'm hungry.
  Brain: Meh.
  Body: Thirsty, too.
  Brain: I said, meh.
  Fasting just isn't that big a deal these days. Probably a bad idea to go to class tonight, though...
  Update circa 5pm: Okay, now the body's really starting to complain. I wonder how two days would feel...
  Fortunately I never had ascetic inclinations, so I'll most likely never have to find out.