At the Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus, part of Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark’s most advanced metabolic chambers are paving the way for groundbreaking metabolic research. These state-of-the-art chambers, designed by Maastricht Instruments, offer unprecedented opportunities to study metabolism in near-real-life conditions.
Unveiling “Ånderummet”
Nicknamed “Ånderummet,” these chambers are small, hermetically sealed rooms where research participants can spend hours to several days. This innovative setup allows researchers to gain unique insights into how metabolism functions over an entire day, including activities like studying, working on a computer, exercising, and sleeping.
Medical student Lasse Gaardsted Kristiansen is one such participant. His time in the chamber has provided invaluable data on his metabolic processes throughout various daily activities. This holistic view is crucial for understanding how different factors affect metabolism over a prolonged period.
Advanced Measurement Capabilities
Each chamber, measuring 7 square meters, is equipped with sophisticated technology to accurately measure oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production. This capability is essential for understanding energy expenditure in the body, information that was previously difficult to obtain.
“These chambers allow us to closely monitor human metabolism without the need for numerous measuring instruments attached to the body,” explains Niels Jessen, Research Director at Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus. “Researchers can control all variables and eliminate uncertainties, making it possible to conduct precise measurements under conditions that closely resemble normal behavior.”
Unique Research Environment
The chambers are furnished with a bed, desk, chair, exercise bike, and toilet, providing all the necessities for participants during their stay. The identical chambers enable communication between participants and the outside world through an intercom system. All outputs from the chambers are meticulously measured by advanced instruments.
“While similar chambers exist at research facilities worldwide, situating them within a hospital environment is unique,” says Jessen. This integration allows for a seamless research process, enhancing the accuracy and applicability of the findings.
The CIRCLE Project
Dr. Simon Bøggild Hansen, a physician and Ph.D. student at Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus and the Department of Hormone and Bone Diseases at Aarhus University Hospital, is spearheading the first research project in these chambers. The project, named CIRCLE, investigates how circadian rhythms, cortisol, and metabolism interact under everyday conditions. This research is expected to yield new insights into how the body metabolizes sugar and fat at different times of the day.
The Future of Metabolic Research
These chambers, built in 2023, represent a significant leap forward in metabolic research. Supported by a 10-year grant from the Novo Nordisk Foundation, these facilities offer unparalleled opportunities for researchers to delve deeper into human metabolism and its implications for conditions like diabetes.
For more information on the chambers and Dr. Simon Bøggild Hansen’s research, visit stenoaarhus.dk.
Facts
- Each chamber is 7 m², equipped with a bed, desk, and toilet.
- Advanced technology measures oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production.
- Participants can spend from a few hours to several days (up to 5-10 days in some studies) in the chambers.
- Maastricht Instruments designed the chambers.
- The chambers were built in 2023 at Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus, funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation.
Explore the transformative potential of these metabolic chambers and their role in advancing our understanding of metabolism at stenoaarhus.dk.
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How can we help you with your research?
Maastricht Instruments creates equipment in the field for indirect calorimetry measurements. We provide support for studies, research and measurements alongside our indirect calorimetry products. Consult us about our indirect calorimetry metabolic cart, whole room calorimeter systems or accelerometry add-ons. Please contact us or find more information on our information pages.