RESEARCH toward improved operating techniques and cures for arthritis and osteoporosis has earned a top honour for a Massey University chemist.

Carol Taylor has been awarded the New Zealand Institute of Chemistry Easterfield medal for ground-breaking research into amino acids known as hydroxylated prolines. The acids are found in collagen contained in human skin, nails and cartilage, and problems in their development or maintenance are linked to diseases, including arthritis and osteoporosis.

"There is very little understanding of arthritis and osteopororis at the molecular level," Dr Taylor said. "This research is helping to decode the workings of the hydroxylated prolines and there is potential to unravel some of the causes of the diseases."

Dr Taylor has been studying the hydroxylated prolines since they were first discovered in a sticky protein extracted from blue mussels. Their ability to remain sticky in water means they have potential use as surgical glue.

Dr Taylor and other graduate students at the Palmerston North campus have discovered how to make the acids -- a significant breakthrough.

The Easterfield medal -- given every two years to a New Zealand scientist aged under 35 -- includes a travel award that will allow Dr Taylor to undertake a lecture tour in Britain.

　　From Healthy.net