In a groundbreaking partnership, Sport Integrity Australia is collaborating with The University of Queensland on a quantum science project to develop new methods for detecting synthetic erythropoietin (EPO) in athletes. EPO, a hormone naturally produced by the human body, is banned for use by athletes due to its performance-enhancing properties. However, distinguishing between natural and synthetic EPO has proven challenging, with only eight experts worldwide able to detect a positive test.
The University of Queensland has received $430,000 in funding from the Queensland Government’s Quantum 2032 Challenge to pioneer new quantum detection methods. The project aims to explore whether quantum sensors can be used to identify differences between natural and synthetic EPO, potentially leading to new detection mechanisms for a range of prohibited substances. Sport Integrity Australia’s Acting CEO Dr Sarah Benson and UQ’s Dr Igor Marinkovic are key figures involved in the research, which could have significant implications for anti-doping efforts ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Brisbane.
Quantum Technology in Anti-Doping: A New Frontier for Clean Sport
The pursuit of clean sport has taken a significant leap forward with the announcement of a new quantum science project aimed at detecting synthetic erythropoietin (EPO) in athletes. The Queensland Government has invested $53 million in funding to support the adoption of quantum and advanced technologies, including $8.5 million for the Quantum 2032 Challenge. As part of this challenge, The University of Queensland (UQ) has been awarded almost $430,000 to pioneer new quantum detection methods to identify synthetic EPO.
Erythropoietin is a hormone naturally produced by the human body that stimulates the production of red blood cells. Synthetic EPO, on the other hand, is a medication used to treat anemia in chronic kidney disease and is banned for use by athletes at all times. The challenge lies in detecting the difference between natural and synthetic EPO, which can be difficult due to their similarities in structure and low concentrations.
The Current State of Anti-Doping Testing
Currently, only eight experts worldwide are capable of determining a positive test for anti-doping violations involving EPO. This highlights the need for more advanced detection methods that can accurately identify prohibited substances. Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) plays a crucial role in protecting the integrity of sport by collecting samples from athletes and having them analyzed by anti-doping accredited laboratories to detect biomarkers indicative of performance-enhancing drug use.
The Potential of Quantum Sensors in Anti-Doping
The new research project led by UQ aims to explore whether quantum sensors can be used to detect differences between natural and synthetic EPO. If successful, this technology could lead to the development of new detection mechanisms for a range of prohibited substances. Quantum sensors have the potential to enhance the detection of individual EPO proteins that would otherwise be buried in background noise.
The project will be delivered by a multidisciplinary team with expertise in quantum optics, biotechnology, integrated photonic and nanofabrication. By partnering with anti-doping experts from SIA and the National Measurement Institute (NMI), UQ aims to create a new generation of anti-doping technology that can provide unmatched sensitivity to EPO.
The Future of Clean Sport: A Collaborative Effort
The collaboration between UQ, SIA, and NMI is crucial in supporting this project. SIA will provide ongoing anti-doping science expertise to the planning and design, along with the analysis and interpretation of results. This partnership could genuinely make a difference to the clean sport movement around the world, protecting athletes, sports, and communities from the harm of doping.
The grant has been funded through a Department of Environment, Science and Innovation Quantum 2032 Challenge aimed at supporting Queensland-based research and development of quantum technologies that can enhance the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This project marks an exciting step forward in the pursuit of clean sport, and its potential impact on the integrity of athletic competition cannot be overstated.
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