Larina Im

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Larina Im is a distinguished researcher in proteomics and space biomedicine, with a focus on understanding how extreme environments—particularly prolonged isolation—reshape the human proteome. Her work centers on the plasticity of the urine proteome, demonstrating that biological factors, including confinement and stress, can trigger measurable shifts in protein expression. In her most cited study, conducted during a 105-day isolation experiment, Im and her team revealed that the human proteome is highly dynamic, responding to specific environmental pressures such as long-term isolation. This research, published in 2011, has garnered 4 citations and serves as a foundational contribution to the field of spaceflight analog studies, where understanding physiological adaptation is critical for astronaut health. Im’s findings underscore the sensitivity of urinary biomarkers to environmental change, offering a non-invasive window into systemic responses. Her work bridges proteomics and human physiology, providing insights that inform future long-duration space missions and terrestrial confinement scenarios. Through her rigorous experimental design and focus on real-world stressors, Im has established herself as a key voice in the emerging dialogue on how isolation alters molecular landscapes.