News & Opinion
May 9, 2017
Chronic disease prevention research receives significant budget funding boost
Australia’s efforts to prevent chronic disease have received a significant boost tonight with the Federal Government’s Budget announcement of a $10 million investment in The Australian Prevention Partnership Centre based at the Sax Institute. “We welcome the Federal Government’s significant commitment through the Medical Research Future Fund to support innovative… Read More
May 6, 2017
B vitamins reduce schizophrenia symptoms, study finds
A review of worldwide studies has found that add-on treatment with high-dose b-vitamins — including B6, B8 and B12 — can significantly reduce symptoms of schizophrenia more than standard treatments alone. The research — on the effect of vitamin and mineral supplements on symptoms of schizophrenia — is funded… Read More
May 4, 2017
Lung cancer risk prediction test developed using algorithm with almost 70pc success rate
Australian researchers say they are now capable of predicting which smokers and ex-smokers are most likely to get lung cancer, up to six years before a diagnosis, by using a newly-developed mathematical algorithm. Each year more Australians die from lung cancer than other cancer, and the lack of a safe… Read More
May 4, 2017
Australian researchers use whole genome sequencing to find unexpected genomic landscape in melanoma
By looking at the ‘dark matter’ of the genome, a new study published today in Nature has found that genetic changes in melanomas on the hands and feet (acral) and internal surfaces (mucosal) are completely different to the mutations found in skin melanoma. This confirms them as very distinct diseases… Read More
May 4, 2017
New test that detects bladder cancer could spare patients cystoscopy
A new test for bladder cancer could enable GPs to test a urine sample and spare patients the discomfort of a cystoscopy in hospital, according to UCL research published today in Clinical Epigenetics. The test, called UroMark, has been developed by UCL researchers and uses cutting edge genomic sequencing… Read More
May 4, 2017
NIH discovery in mice could lead to new class of medications to fight mid-life obesity
A team of scientists led by researchers from the National Institutes of Health has identified an enzyme that could help in the continuous battle against mid-life obesity and fitness loss. The discovery in mice could upend current notions about why people gain weight as they age, and could one day… Read More
May 2, 2017
Dames come together for mother and baby health research
What may be the biggest gathering yet of Kiwi Dames is taking place this Saturday night – just in time for Mother’s Day. More than 20 Dames are coming together for a unique event to celebrate the achievements of the Liggins Institute, which aims to give all babies a… Read More
May 2, 2017
Small increase in children’s physical activity could reduce obesity, avoid billions in medical costs
Increasing the percentage of elementary school children in the United States who participate in 25 minutes of physical activity three times a week from 32 percent to 50 percent would avoid $21.9 billion in medical costs and lost wages over the course of their lifetimes, new Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School… Read More
May 2, 2017
Scientists surprised to discover lymphatic ‘scavenger’ brain cells
The brain has its own inbuilt processes for mopping up damaging cellular waste – and these processes may provide protection from stroke and dementia. University of Queensland scientists discovered a new type of lymphatic brain “scavenger” cell by studying tropical freshwater zebrafish – which share many of the same cell… Read More
May 2, 2017
NIH research improves health for people with asthma
May is Asthma Awareness Month, and the National Institutes of Health is finding solutions to improve the health of the nearly 25 million people in the United States who currently have asthma. In recent decades, the prevalence of asthma has been increasing, resulting in millions of urgent medical visits and… Read More