ALBAWABA - New research from Ilmenau University of Technology in Germany, published by The Guardian, suggests that exposure to thunderstorm rain could provide a huge lifeline in the event of lightning strikes.
Lead researcher Rene Machts explains that moist skin acts as a protective layer, reducing the passage of current through the body during a strike.
The study involved models of human heads, which were subjected to lightning simulations, with one model kept dry and the other moistened with a solution to simulate rainwater. The wet head showed a decrease in electrical current during the strike, leading to fewer signs of damage such as scalp punctures and cracks.
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Observations in the animal kingdom have also shown that animals with moist skin have a higher chance of survival during lightning strikes. This further supports the idea that hydrated skin may play a big role in protecting against the dangers of lightning.
Future research plans include studying the effectiveness of headgear in reducing current in the head, particularly for people who may find themselves amid a thunderstorm and at the risk of being struck by lightning.
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Overall, this study not only shows the importance of skin hydration as a potential safety measure during lightning strikes but also opens up the door for developing innovative strategies to lower the risks posed by such natural phenomena.
