Postprandial zinc isotope effect in human serum

Geologists are accustomed to studying geological processes, often using our knowledge of physics, chemistry, and biology to locate mineral deposits. However, a sub-discipline within geology, isotope geochemistry, is able to apply its expertise to not only locating mineral deposits, but also solving a wide variety of other problems, ranging from detecting doping in sport to diagnosing breast cancer. We do this by studying changes in the distribution of elements and their isotopes that occur due to different physical or chemical processes.

Blood zinc concentrations fall by 15% after eating, but gradually return to normal if no meals are consumed over the following 4-5 hours. This study will determine whether a fasting period is required before drawing blood in studies involving the measurement of Zn isotopes in blood. This research will help ensure the best representative sample is taken in future studies investigating the potential of Zn isotopes to detect diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

Faculty Supervisor:

Matthew Leybourne

Student:

Partner:

Imperial College London

Discipline:

Earth science

Sector:

Education

University:

Queen's University

Program: