Don't lick that cold metal pole in winter—if you do, don't panic
arstechnica.com/science/2026/03/exploring-the-science-of-tundra-tongueA 1996 case study coined the term “tundra tongue” to describe the phenomenon of a tongue sticking to a cold metal surface. Anders Hagen Jarmund, a graduate student, investigated the science behind this phenomenon, finding that the greatest risk occurs between -5° and -15° Celsius. Jarmund’s experiments with pig tongues revealed that pulling the tongue too quickly can result in tearing.