The highest laboratory in the world

A group of British health professionals are looking for volunteers to conduct research in what they call the world's highest laboratory - the Everest lab.

John Dick (left) & Mike Grocott (right) is exploring the mountains (Photo: ucl.ac.uk)

The Xtreme Everest team will conduct studies to understand the effects of elevation changes in the human body, including changes in the brain, lungs and heart. They needed 208 volunteers to participate in the 23-day trial on the Everest Base Camp - at 5,300 m above sea level. The test will take place early next year.

Lead researcher Dr Mike Grocott of the University of London's Institute for Human Health and Humanities - said the test results will be applied to the treatment of ' unpleasant ' diseases. , such as respiratory disease.

'By monitoring the health of individuals at a height of oxygen deprivation, we are able to understand physiological changes, which helps to improve health care in hospitals due to very low oxygen levels. often in cases of need for health care, ' Dr. Mike said.

If the study is successful, it may help people with diseases related to low oxygen levels in the blood, premature babies, cystic fibrosis and lung disease.

Everest is 8,844 m high, located on the Himalayan range between Nepal and China. It is expected that there will be at least 10 research groups on this peak.

T.VY