If you're an athlete (and I can only discuss this as an outsider) you understand your body is often the limiting factor in its own physical development. In other words there's just so much exercise and training you can do before your body says "Stop!" It's normally internal core heating that brings this on. But what if you could exert yourself and keep from overheating?

That's the concept behind CoreControl from Avacore, a device that cools you down from your palms. Weird concept, I know. We'll get back to your palms in a moment. First, a look at the science.

"CoreControl helps keep core body temperature within normal range for optimal muscular performance. If you stay cool, less blood is shunted to the skin for heat dissipation, making more blood available to service working muscles with delivery of oxygen and nutrients, and removal of metabolic byproducts. CoreControl has been shown to enhance an athlete's work capacity during both aerobic and strength training, especially when the athlete is working at or near maximum performance levels." - Avacore.com

We and our fellow mammals have ways of getting rid of excess body heat. A dog sticks out his tongue. Some other animals have large blood filled surfaces exposed to the environment like the ears on a rabbit. They're all just natural heat syncs--not very different from what you might put on a computer's CPU.

"In humans, some of these radiator surfaces are found in the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. When an athlete gets hot, blood flow naturally increases through these skin regions to dissipate heat through specialized blood vessels called arteriovenous anastomoses (AVAs). CoreControl enhances heat extraction through these radiator surfaces by amplifying local blood flow using a proprietary and scientific combination of carefully controlled temperature settings and slight vacuum. One doesn't really feel CoreControl effects so much as a cooling sensation, but rather as the sensation of being refreshed or less fatigued. "

The device is in use today by professional athletes. Monday's San Francisco Chronicle reported it being used at the 49'er - Lions game.

"Players for the San Francisco 49ers trotted off the field during Sunday's game against the Detroit Lions and grabbed for the requisite towels and Gatorade. A few went for something else on the bench, slipping their hands into a coffee-pot-like contraption that stops cramping and overheating."

The players call it "The Glove" and it will set you back $2,500. Developed by two Stanford researchers (where have I heard that before) CoreControl might be your best no-drug key to "increased speed, strength and endurance and reduced risk of heat and dehydration related injuries (e.g., cramping)."