Proteins are the workhorses of our existence.   These "helmsmen of the cell" are composed of amino acids, whose sequence is already defined by the heritable information in every living being and transport substances, convey messages and carry out vital processes in their role as molecular machines. 

The translation of this information during the production of proteins (protein synthesis) is determined by the genetic code and 20 amino acids form the standard set of which proteins are built.

Altitude training is a popular training method expected to improve the physical performance of athletes …and horses!  

Recently, several national football teams spent some time at altitude on the Austrian Alps in preparation for the World Cup.   Athletes from a number of endurance disciplines use altitude training as part of their yearly training program. However, scientific evidence is not clear at all as to whether altitude training is beneficial for human performance or otherwise.