Thermogenesis
The production of heat by metabolic processes. Endotherms use thermogenesis to maintain body temperature; various forms include shivering, brown fat activation, and hormonal metabolism increases.
Used in the Books
This term appears in 3 chapters:
"This is the body conserving energy, stretching reserves further. This phenomenon has a name: adaptive thermogenesis. Phase 3: Protein Catabolism (weeks to months) By week three of starvation, your body starts eating itself. Not metaphorically."
"...ure (thermal stress): - Core temperature drops during cold immersion (shivering, vasoconstriction) - Adaptation: Brown fat activation (nonshivering thermogenesis), improved insulin sensitivity - Dose-response: 10-15 minutes at 50°F beneficial, 60+ minutes at 32°F (hypothermia) harmful Fasting** (metabolic s..."
"Logistics needs moderate warmth for growth. Same company, four different operating temperatures. Adaptive Thermogenesis: Generating Heat on Demand Newborn mammals can't shiver. They lack muscle mass for shivering thermogenesis."
Biological Context
Shivering thermogenesis generates heat through involuntary muscle contractions—fast but exhausting. Non-shivering thermogenesis (brown fat, hormonal) is more sustainable. Newborn humans have brown fat for thermogenesis since they can't shiver effectively. Social thermogenesis occurs when animals cluster for warmth.
Business Application
Startup thermogenesis: generating organizational 'heat' (activity, output, growth) during crises. Airbnb demonstrated this in 2008—activating 'brown fat' (creative funding via cereal boxes), increasing metabolic rate (100-hour work weeks), pivoting rapidly. Some thermogenesis is sustainable; some burns out quickly.