New Zealand Researchers are Going to Develop New Test to Detect a Performance Enhancer in Players’ Blood Samples

New Zealand scientists have received a grant from the World Anti-Doping Agency to develop a test to detect the presence of erythropoietin in the players’ blood samples.

A team of New Zealand researchers is all set to develop a new anti-drug test to detect the presence of a performance enhancer protein, erythropoietin (EPO) in the blood.

Erythropoietin is produced naturally by the kidneys to stimulate the production of red blood cells. Many athletes use artificial EPO to boost their performance, as artificial EPO is indistinguishable from natural hormones.

Biological Passports to Combat Doping
This year biological passports will be introduced in tennis sport to keep tabs on players and flush out the drug cheats among them, say tennis authorities.

Associate professor Chris Pemberton and colleagues from the Christchurch Heart Institute and associate professor David Gerrard, from the Dunedin School of Medicine, were recently awarded a grant from the World Anti-Doping Agency to create a new test to detect a part of EPO, which was previously not measured.

According to the scientists, the success of the research would further strengthen the test procedures and help fight cheaters.

The research findings are expected to be presented to the agency within 12 months.

Doping Banned By UAE Camel Racing Group
A new resolution by the UAE Camel Racing Association says that camel owners may not by any means use any performance-enhancing drugs, whether natural or synthesized, in their racing camels.

Source-Medindia

Depression More Likely to Hit College Athletes Than Retired Athletes
Depression levels were found to be significantly higher in current athletes as compared to former college athletes, shown in a survey.

New Guidelines to Manage Brain Injury in Athletes
The American Academy of Neurology has announced revised guidelines to handle concussions among athletes.