Kathmandu, August 15, 2006

A group of medics is planning to conduct fitness experiments in what they say is the world’s highest laboratory — on the slopes of Everest. The experiments seek to find effects of high altitude on the human body. According to a report in bbc.co.uk, the Xtreme Everest team will comprise medics seeking to use the experiments’ findings in critical care treatment.

They want 208 volunteers for the 23-day expedition to Everest Base Camp — which is 5,300 metres above sea level — early next year. The expedition begins in the month of March. Candidates will need to have a good level of fitness, organisers say.

They will take part in fitness experiments which will include using exercise cycles on the base camp. Team leader Dr Mike Grocott, of University College London’s Institute of Human Health and Performance, said, “By observing healthy individuals at high altitude where oxygen is scarce, we can learn about physiological changes that can improve critical care at the hospital bedside because low oxygen levels are an almost universal problem in critical care.”

The equipment the team will use in their lab will have to be carried up by expedition members. “Conditions that will be helped by the research range from acute respiratory distress syndrome to ‘blue babies’, cystic fibrosis, emphysema and septic shock,” said Dr Grocott. “Although it’s been possible to simulate low oxygen levels in specially designed, low pressure chambers, studies are expensive and can produce variable results.

Pollution is killing Thamel’s laid-back charm

Kathmandu’s main tourist hub, Thamel, is losing its charm thanks to deteriorating environmental conditions due to rising air and sound pollution. Increased vehicular traffic and business activities are the main contributors to the problems.

These are facts revealed by a study report conducted by the Resource Centre for Primary Health Care with help from Thamel Tourism Development Board (TTDB). The study has found that the majority of Thamel residents are worried about the worsening situation and are in favour of regulating vehicular movement on the main streets of the area.

Of the total 300 respondents in Thamel, 84 per cent agreed to regulate vehicles on the six main streets of Thamel, while an overwhelming 97 per cent felt that the environment is degrading the area. With increased air pollution, 85 per cent respondents said that tourists are feeling uncomfortable during their stay in Thamel and shortening the length of stay.

“An interesting fact to note is that 83.9 per cent of the respondents, who own vehicles, agreed to regulate the traffic on the main streets of Thamel,” says Keshav Thapa.