Scientific Services

We bring two major areas of expertise to bear on all problems and projects related to high altitude clinical research. We are experts in both high altitude medicine and exercise physiology at high altitude. Read more...

Fast Facts

Questions about Acute Mountain Sicknesses?

  • Am I at risk of developing AMS?
  • What can I do to prevent AMS?
  • When to seek medical help?
  • My heart seems to beat faster, is this normal?
  • I am in very good physical shape – doesn't that mean that I’m less likely to feel the effects of the altitude?

Click here for our Fast Fact answers...

Hypoxia in Action

What happens to your body when acutely exposed to lower oxygen:

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Funded Research

Brain response to low oxygen and relation to acute mountain sickness

Goal of the study is to determine the role of the brain in the pathophysiology of acute mountain sickness (AMS). This is done by using several new and innovative technologies to dissect the role of cellular, molecular, genetic and physiological responses in the pathophysiology of AMS.

We have found that brains are more swollen when someone with AMS (headache, nausea, dizziness at high altitude). We have been the first ones to identify where that swelling occurs in the brain. These findings might shed light on the causes of other types of headache.

PI: R. Roach, PhD.   Type: NIH RO1     Total Budget 2 million      Period: 2003-2009

General Decription         Research Abstract

Genetics of Acute Mountain Sickness
Studies are underway to apply genetic tools to predict who is susceptible to AMS. We think that a unique pattern of gene expression might exist which would discriminate between who gets sick and who does well at altitude.

PI: R. Roach, PhD.   Type: NIH RO1     Total Budget: 2.1 million      Period: 2003-2009

General Decription         Research Abstract

 

Genetics of Human Athletic Performance

This study tries to determine whether there are genetic differences between high performing endurance athletes and average amateur athletes.

PI: R. Roach, PhD.   Type: Butcher Foundation grant     Total Budget $51,000       Period: 2006-2009

General Decription         Research Abstract


Genetics of low birth-weight babies at high altitude
Low birth weight is a common problem in high altitude communities in Colorado and other high locations around the world. We are conducting studies to determine the underlying genetics that may help identify mothers at risk for delivery of a low birth-weight baby

PI: L.G. Moore PdD - C.G. Julian PhD.   Type: NIH RO1 (FIRCA)     Total Budget    Period: 2005-2010

General Description Research Abstract