How telescope technology is helping treat heart disease

Research using space telescope technology that has ultimately led to better treatments for heart patients has won international recognition. Professor of Physics and Director of Durham University's Biophysical Sciences Institute , John Girkin , has been elected as a fellow of The Optical Society for his work using adaptive optics - normally used to observe far of stars - to study biophysical applications. Professor Girkin said: "I am very honoured to be recognised by the Optical Society in this way, as the core of my research is the development of optically based instrumentation to help understand biological activity. Life is a four dimensional process and to be able to observe, and therefore understand what is taking place requires the ability to image dynamically, in three dimensions, for extended periods of time in intact samples." Telescopes and zebra fish hearts To observe what takes place in cells in timescales ranging from thousandths of a second to multiple hours, Professor Girkin uses sophisticated optical technology originally designed for use in the world's largest telescope. Known as adaptive optics, the technology was developed by Durham University researchers to allow astronomers to overcome the distorting effects of the Earth's atmosphere on the quality of images obtained by the European Extremely Large Telescope. The high speed imaging allowed by adaptive optics was used by Professor Girkin to study the hearts of live zebra fish , which have the ability to repair any damage to their hearts.