New lab to study altitude sickness and potential treatments

Published: 13-Aug-2014

In a collaboration between Qinghai and Utah universities in China and US


Qinghai University in north-western China is setting up a new laboratory with the University of Utah, in the US, for collaborative research into altitude sickness and potential treatments.

Dr Josef Prchal, a Professor of Medicine at the University of Utah, said a dedicated facility is to be established in Xining City, capital of Qinghai province.

The laboratory’s research areas will include treatments for high altitude sickness, with a particular focus on traditional Tibetan medicines used to treat acute mountain sickness, a sometimes fatal reaction to reduced air pressure and lower oxygen levels.

The partnership between the two universities began when Prchal was invited to Qinghai to collaborate on research into how the many ethnic Tibetans living in the province have adapted genetically to living at its high altitudes: Xining's elevation is 2,275m (7,464ft).

'They are also interested in getting access to more sophisticated pharmacology, which I think would lead to better medicines and would be mutually beneficial,' added Prchal.

It has not yet been established when the new laboratory will become operational, he said, adding: 'However, it has some support from the Chinese and local governments and the (Qinghai) university. It's about to be started.'

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