Rudolph's red nose not a myth, researchers find


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SALT LAKE CITY — Apparently, Rudolph was not the only reindeer with a red nose.

Researchers in the Netherlands and Norway solved the mystery of Rudolph's red nose by employing thermal imaging techniques of both reindeer and humans. What they found, as outlined in British Medical Journal, is that reindeer's noses have a rich supply of red blood cells and a dense microcirculation system in their nose, both of which help them maintain an "optimal nose climate" during the North Pole's extreme weather and temperatures.

In their observational study, the researchers used handheld vital video microscopy devices to measure blood circulation on both reindeer and human noses.

They found the vascular patterns in reindeer were similar to those in humans, though the vascular density of the reindeer's nasal mucosa — a type of tissue lining the nasal cavity that are moistened by mucus— was 25 percent higher than that of humans.

The higher density of blood vessels there benefits the reindeer because circulation in the nasal mucosa helps process inhaled hair by heating, filtering and humidifying it, and controls inflammation, among other disease-preventing steps.

For a reindeer facing the cold North Pole and the highly-elevated areas around the world, their nose helps them fly around the world without catching cold, the researchers said.

"Rudolph's nose is red because it is richly supplied with red blood cells, comprises a highly dense microcirculation, and is anatomically and physiologically adapted for reindeer to carry out their flying duties for Santa Claus," they wrote.

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Celeste Tholen Rosenlof

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