City researchers aim to reach new scientific heights with Bolivia trip

VOLUNTEERS in the Capital are being sought for a medical trial to test how the body copes with altitude.

Rather than a trip to the local hospital, however, anyone interested will need to dig out their passport and be prepared to fly off to Bolivia.

Researchers based at Edinburgh University are looking for 30 people to spend almost a month in a mountainous part of the South American country as part of new research which could help save the lives of climbers, and contribute to wider medical understanding.

The plea has been issued by fourth-year student Andrew Beck, who will organise the trip next summer.

He hopes to find out more about how the human body copes at high altitude where levels of oxygen drop, and needs people to come forward who are in reasonable health.

The 24-year-old from Marchmont said: "When you take people to that level the oxygen in the blood drops to about 70 per cent.

"We specifically want to study how leaky the blood vessels become at that altitude, and will do that by carrying out various fluid tests and looking at the results."

He explained that many mountaineers tackling peaks such as Mount Everest and Kilimanjaro suffer ill effects and even die as a result of sudden change in altitude.

If more is known about why, he added, drugs could be channelled to address the issue.

Initially tests will be carried out on those involved in Edinburgh, at sea level. The group will then travel to the Bolivian capital La Paz, the highest capital city in the world, where they will be tested again.

Four days later they will ascend to the world's highest laboratory at the Bolivian Institute of Physics, which is more than 5000 metres above sea level.

It is here the bulk of the work will take place, where conditions are comfortable, with showers and electricity.

Mr Beck, who is part of the charity Apex which is helping fund the mission, said: "This can teach us so much, not only about altitude but also wider health.

"It is difficult to test leaky blood vessels in older patients who are ill because so many other factors could be in play, it is far easier to analyse someone younger and healthier in this environment.

"Lack of oxygen in the blood can present in a lot of illnesses, which is why this study could help a great deal. The effects of altitude on the body are quite poorly understood."

It is expected volunteers will have to pay their own air fare, although organisers will be fundraising to help meet some of the costs. Anyone interested in taking part should visit www.altitude.org.