Sustainable Futures
Teesside University is partnering with the University of Portsmouth and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), to use biomarker analysis to study how environmental stressors, such as heat, cold, and low oxygen, affect the human body. This research focuses on developing insights into how these stressors impact individuals' health and performance, particularly in military, athletic, and occupational settings.
Extreme environmental conditions pose serious health risks, particularly to those working in high-stress environments like the military or sports. Understanding why some people adapt better to these conditions while others do not is crucial for improving health outcomes. Currently, there is limited understanding of the physiological and molecular mechanisms behind how the human body responds to stressors such as extreme temperatures and hypoxia.
Teesside University's National Horizons Centre (NHC) is applying advanced biomarker analysis techniques to measure human responses to environmental stressors. Using state-of-the-art equipment at the NHC, the team is analysing physiological and biochemical data to identify key markers of adaptation and injury in subjects exposed to stressors like cold, heat, and low oxygen. This data will inform new protocols to enhance resilience and performance in challenging environments.
The findings will have practical applications for military personnel and athletes, helping to optimise training and preparation in extreme conditions. The research is already informing protocols used by Team GB athletes, providing insights into performance and recovery. Long-term, the results could lead to significant improvements in safety and health for workers in extreme environments, ultimately reducing the risk of injury and illness.
