The Iso-Analytical Student Awards for 2007 attracted entries of an exacting standard from 8 countries on 4 continents. After much deliberation our judges awarded the Gold Prize of $3000 worth of isotope analyses to:
Tamara Hew-Butler, University of Cape Town

Total Body Water Changes - Before, During and After an Ultramarathon

We are performing an investigation using stable isotopes, deuterium oxide (D2O), to directly quantify changes in total body water before and during prolonged endurance exercise. Prior evidence recently published from our laboratory suggests that bodyweight loss does not equate to total body water loss during exercise. Therefore, we hypothesise that bodyweight cannot be used as a surrogate marker on which to base current fluid replacement strategies. Evidence from this study - directly quantifying that changes in bodyweight may not correlate directly with changes in total body water through deuterium analysis - would have significant lifesaving consequences worldwide with regard to protecting athletes from fluid balance disorders during exercise.

On accepting the award Tamara said "I am very much honoured to receive this grant. We are very excited about our study. Our field trial will be held on Saturday (25th August, 2007)."

The Silver Prize of $2000 worth of isotope analyses has been awarded to:

Owen Daniels, University of Tasmania Hobart

Investigating the relationship between marine resources, foraging and reproductive success in two sympatrically breeding seabird species in Southern Tasmania

The development of non-invasive methodology to investigate diet of seabirds is a crucial component of larger studies directed at understanding the effects of climate change on marine predators. This study will directly compare stable isotopes in the blood as dietary markers with stomach contents (obtained using the non-lethal stomach pumping techniques) in two sympatrically breeding seabird species, little penguins and short-tailed shearwaters. By examining two species cohabitating in the same small area, an indication of three trophic components and three spatial scales will be obtained. An assessment of the diet along with reproductive characteristics is needed to model how these populations respond to changes in the marine environment.

On receiving the award Owen commented "I am very pleased to accept the Silver Award. I am looking forward to providing Iso-Analytical with a copy of my completed thesis and subsequent research publications."