Twin Brothers Recreate Historic Everest Climb in Modern Experiment
Twin brothers, Hugo and Ross Turner from Christow, Devon, are embarking on a unique expedition to Mera Peak in Nepal. One brother will be outfitted in modern climbing gear, while the other will wear a replica of the clothing and equipment used by British explorers George Mallory and Andrew Comyn Sandy Irvine nearly a century ago. The experiment aims to compare the effectiveness of historical versus contemporary gear in extreme mountain conditions.
The Experiment: Old vs. New
The Turner twins' adventure is more than just a climb; it's a physiological experiment. By comparing their bodies' reactions to the extreme environment, they hope to gain insights into the advancements in mountaineering clothing and equipment over the past century. They chose Mera Peak over Mount Everest to ensure a less crowded environment conducive to scientific research.
Preparation and Scientific Backing
The twins have been rigorously preparing for their expedition at the Extreme Environments Laboratories at the University of Portsmouth. This involved spending time in a cold chamber at -24C, allowing researchers to take medical measurements and assess their body's response to extreme cold while wearing both the modern and replica historical gear. Hugo Turner described feeling the cold, particularly around the neck, but noted the need to adjust to the older kit's specific requirements.
The Scientific Significance of Twins
Associate professor Joe Costello from the Extreme Environments Laboratories emphasized the unique value of using twins for this experiment. Since twins share nearly identical genetics, the comparison of the clothing's effectiveness becomes much more accurate. "It allows an authentic comparison because the phenotype and the genotype of the twins are so similar," he explained.
Expedition Details
The Turner twins departed for Nepal on Monday and are expected to spend approximately three weeks on Mera Peak. The results of their experiment will offer valuable insights into the evolution of mountaineering technology and the enduring challenges of extreme environments.
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