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AAMRI welcomes Canberra’s fresh commitment to medical research funding
27 April 2006- Association of Australian Medical Research Institutes
Professor Suzanne Cory, President and Prof. Garry Jennings, President-elect of AAMRI, have welcomed today’s news from Minister Tony Abbott and Senator Nick Minchin that the Commonwealth government will increase funding for medical research in this year’s budget as a result of the sale of Medibank Private.
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Boost to health and medical research funding visionary
27 April 2006- Medicines Australia
A boost to medical research in next month’s Budget, as foreshadowed by Government ministers today, is very welcome and should position Australia well for the future, Medicines Australia said today.
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Medibank Private sale to boost medical research for all Australians
26 April 2006 - Research Australia
All Australians will benefit from the Federal Government’s commitment to boost health and medical research funding as a result of the sale Medibank Private, according to Research Australia.
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Eye camera donation sees the light
21 April 2006- Australian National University
ANU medical students will to stay up-to-date with the latest technology for eye examinations thanks to a major donation from the Lions Club.
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DVD to help young people with a disability
21 April 2006- La Trobe University
Physiotherapists at La Trobe University have produced a DVD to help young people with cerebral palsy.
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Discovery points to more effective ways of regulating cell signalling
20 April 2006- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research
A discovery made at The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute provides new insights into enhancing the function of the protein SOCS3, which regulates the response of cells to external stimuli.
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Tibetan chic: why Buddhism is so hot right now
20 April 2006- University of Western Sydney
Madonna made those little red Kabbalah bracelets cool for five minutes, and Tom Cruise talked up Scientology, but Buddhism firmly remains the religion du jour for Westerners looking for respite from a greedy, violent and stressed out world, according to a University of Western Sydney expert.
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Acrux granted first patent in Europe, triggering payment from Lilly
18 April 2006- Acrux Limited
Acrux (ASX: ACR), the Australia-based pharmaceutical company with unique technology for delivering drugs through the skin, today announced that the European Patent Office has granted the key core patent protecting Acrux’s drug delivery technology. Highlighting the significance of this patent, the decision triggers a payment of AUS$0.5 million from Elanco, the animal health division of the major US pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly and Company, which has licensed Acrux’s technology for the development and commercialisation of multiple animal health products worldwide.
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World first research to speed up cure for ear infections
18 April 2006- The Lions Ear and Hearing Institute
Fast tracking the healing process for common ear infections will be the focus of ground-breaking research by WA’s Lions Ear and Hearing Institute (LEHI).
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Curry colouring and fat mix could help diabetics
12 April 2006- The University of Queensland
Brisbane immunologist Dr Brendan O'Sullivan hopes to put a dent in skyrocketing rates of diabetes in Australia by creating a new treatment for Type 2 diabetes.
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Perth women needed for international cervical cancer vaccine study
12 April 2006- Telethon Institute for Child Health Research
Perth women are being invited to take part in a global study of an exciting new vaccine that could protect against cervical cancer -- one of the most common causes of cancer-related deaths in women worldwide.
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UQ research will move medicines to market more quickly
11 April 2006- The University of Queensland
Queensland is set to become a global leader in drug development, thanks to State Government funding of a $1.73M University of Queensland project to move medicines into the market more quickly.
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UQ leads new biomaterials alliance for improved health outcomes
11 April 2006- The University of Queensland
Collaboration between The University of Queensland and world renowned microscope maker Carl Zeiss has taken another leap forward in the latest round of Smart State Fellowship grants.
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No needles, no fear, says smart UQ Fellow
11 April 2006- The University of Queensland
People who fear needles may one day have no need to fear the doctor, with the help of a funding injection for The University of Queensland`s Professor Mark Kendall.
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New technologies to come from stronger links with industry
11 April 2006- The University of Queensland
Collaboration between The University of Queensland and world renowned microscope maker Carl Zeiss has taken another leap forward in the latest round of Smart State Fellowship grants.
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Spirited study aims to help older Australians
20 April 2006- University of Western Sydney
University of Western Sydney researchers would like to hear the pastoral care experiences of the elderly, their families and the people who are delivering the service to the community. The information will be used in the first detailed study of services that tend the spiritual needs of older Australians.
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Legume compunds may help cancer treatment
9 April 2006- The University of Queensland
The ARC Centre of Excellence for Integrative Legume Research (CILR) has lodged a complete patent application for compounds to treat cancer.
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Cancer vaccine developer honoured with fellowship
9 April 2006- The University of Queensland
University of Queensland (UQ) researcher Professor Ian Frazer has been awarded a $1.25 million Smart State Premier's Fellowship.
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UQ teams up with USA experts to detect diseases before they appear
6 April 2006- The University of Queensland
University of Queensland (UQ) researchers are hoping to revolutionise the way cancer and diseases are detected.
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Industry welcomes massive Victorian investment in medical research
5 April 2006- BioMelbourne Network
Melbourne’s biotechnology industry is excited by the Victorian Government’s announcement of a $230 million investment in medical research according to Tim Murphy, Executive Director of the BioMelbourne Network.
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Nurses and midwives come under microscope in unique e-cohort study
5 April 2006- The University of Queensland
University of Queensland (UQ) researchers are undertaking the largest and only longitudinal study of nurses and midwives ever attempted in the world.
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Novel and pioneering research offers hope for cardiovascular disease
5 April 2006- GlaxoSmithKline
Australian research is increasing our understanding of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of premature death in Australia,1 following the identification of key 'master regulator' genes (such as EGR-1) by Professor Levon Khachigian which control the thickening of arteries after balloon angioplasty.
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Brain power combined to form $125 million Institute
4 April 2006- Howard Florey Institute
In an effort to discover better treatments for brain disorders and create one of the world's top 10 neuroscience research institutes, the Howard Florey Institute, Brain Research Institute and the National Stroke Research Institute will amalgamate to form a new neuroscience institute in Melbourne.
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Teens turn to pot after parental bust-ups
3 April 2006- The University of Queensland
Splitting parents who shack up with new partners can unwittingly push their children towards cannabis use.
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Recruitment appeal! Volunteers needed for world-first trial to prevent childhood asthma
03 April 2006- Telethon Institute for Child Health Research
Australian scientists have today launched a world-first research trial into a treatment that could prevent asthma in high risk children.
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Nobel Laureate will discuss protein power
3 April 2006- The University of Queensland
Australian scientists will have a rare opportunity to learn about the future of biomedicine when Nobel Laureate Professor Robert Huber visits Brisbane tomorrow.
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One big biology question solved
31 March 2006- The University of Queensland
An Australian research team has solved one of biology's most fundamental questions – why males produce sperm and females produce eggs.
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Ventracor renounceable rights
30 March 2006- Ventravor Limited
Ventracor Limited (ASX:VCR) today announced five of its six directors will take up their renounceable rights received as a result of their shareholdings in the Company following the one for six renounceable rights issue announced on 13 March 2006.
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Listen Up – sound message for young people
29 March 2006- Orygen Youth Health
To celebrate Youth Week, thousands of young people are expected to turn up at Federation Square on Tuesday April 4 for The Listen Up Festival which aims to promote positive mental health messages among young people in a fun environment through music, dance and entertainment.
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UQ scholars win Fullbrights for nursing and cancer research
28 March 2006- The University of Queenland
A nursing expert and honorary cancer fighter of The University of Queensland have won prestigious Fulbright scholarships.
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Details of A$5.7 million fully underwritten non-renounceable rights issue
27 March 2006 - Avantogen
The Directors of Avantogen Limited (“Avantogen”; ASX:ACU) today released the details of a1:4 pro-rata non-renounceable rights issue to raise approximately AUD$5.7 million.
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Little improvement in aboriginal educational performance in over 30 years
24 March 2006- Telethon Institute for Child Health Research
The most comprehensive survey every undertaken of Aboriginal education has found little significant improvement in outcomes for children in more than 30 years.
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First human implant of HeartWare's HVAD
23 March 2006- HeartWare Limited
On 22 March 2006, a 48 year old male patient suffering NYHA Class IV Heart Failure became the first recipient of HeartWare’s HVAD mechanical circulatory assist device. The implant was conducted at the Vienna General Hospital and the surgical team was led by Dr Georg Wieselthaler, Clinical Director of Mechanical Circulatory Support at the University of Vienna.
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Life after Larry
22 March 2006- The University of Queensland
Cyclone Larry has left a physical and economic hole in North Queensland but more damage could be on its way, according to public health and psychiatry experts.
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Competition takes the winner for a ride
21 March 2006- Howard Florey Institute
As Melbourne is swept by sports fever, a new competition has been launched to promote a movie that demonstrates the gruelling mind and body tests that athletes endure.
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Curtin medal recognises epilepsy researcher
16 March 2006- The Australian National University
A neurologist who has helped many people by discovering an underlying cause of epileptic seizures, Professor Samuel Berkovic, has been awarded the 2005 Curtin Medal for outstanding contribution to Australian medical science.
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Avantogen and Hawaii biotech to combine vaccine businesses
14 March 2006- Avantogen Limited
Avantogen Limited (Avantogen)(ASX:ACU), and Hawaii Biotech, Inc. (Hawaii Biotech), a privately held company, today announced that they have entered into a Definitive Agreement to combine their respective vaccine businesses. The combined business, as yet unnamed, will be 50% owned each by Hawaii Biotech’s current shareholders and Avantogen Limited and will focus exclusively on prophylactic and therapeutic vaccine development.
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New Alzheimer`s research unit established
14 March 2006- The University of Queensland
A new research unit specialising in Alzheimer`s Disease and related disorders will be established in Queensland.
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Salt substitute significantly reduces hypertension amongst rural chinese
14 March 2006- The George Institute for International Health
A salt substitute specially formulated to be flavourful and effective has significantly reduced blood pressure among high-risk residents of northern, rural China, where home-pickled foods are a dietary mainstay and hypertension is rampant.
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University of Queensland researchers win four rotary grants
14 March 2006- The University of Queensland
Life may soon be just a little easier for parents of autistic children thanks to a parenting program being trialed at The University of Queensland (UQ).
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Study on brain injury in rugby players will enhance safety and recovery
13 March 2006- The George Institute
Coinciding with International Brain Awareness Week (13- 19 March 2006), The George Institute for International Health will launch the second phase of a large-scale study on mild-Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) among non-elite rugby union and league players in Sydney.
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Public support for science and innovation: Productivity Commission report
10 March 2006- Medicines Australia
In welcoming today’s announcement of a Productivity Commission study into science and innovation, Medicines Australia can point to many examples where spending on innovation provides long-term rewards to the nation’s economy and well-being.
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Chronic tinnitus and its impact on demanding cognitive tasks
10 March 2006- University of Western Sydney
Individuals with chronic, moderate tinnitus do more poorly on demanding working memory and attention tests than those without tinnitus, according to research conducted at the University of Western Sydney.
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Charity auction brings brains and bikes together
8 March 2006- The Howard Florey Institute
The Howard Florey Institute is holding its first online charity auction to raise funds for brain research and two great cycling prizes personally signed by Australian cycling legend, Phil Anderson OAM, are up for grabs.
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Australian Geneticist Receives Top Award
8 March 2006-The Australian National University
ANU evolutionary geneticist, Professor Jenny Graves, has received one of five international awards given to women scientists for her studies on the evolution of mammalian genomes.
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Proteome Systems Ltd and US-based Egenix Inc to develop semen-based test for prostate cancer
7 March 2006- Proteome Systems
Proteome Systems Ltd today announced the signing of an agreement with the New York-based biotechnology company, Egenix Inc to co-develop a semen-based diagnostic kit for prostate cancer based on the known proprietary Human Carcinoma Antigen (HCA).
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Genetic perversity: smoking & gene avert Parkinson's
6 March 2006- Queensland University of Technology
It has long been known that smoking offers some protection against developing Parkinson's disease and now a Queensland University of Technology PhD researcher has found out part of the reason why.
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Taipan venom no snake oil
6 March 2006- Queensland University of Technology
A blood-clotting protein in taipan venom has been identified by Queensland University of Technology PhD researcher Liam St Pierre to rapidly stop excessive bleeding during vascular surgery and major trauma.
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Getting students’ heads around brain science
6 March 2006- Howard Florey Institute
Cheltenham Secondary College (CSC) students are part of a unique and interactive co-operative education pilot project ‘24/7 Brain Science’, to be launched at CSC on 10 March 2006.
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Prime Minister Howard announces $50 million injection for WEHI expansion
3 March 2006- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research
The Prime Minister, Mr John Howard, today announced a Commonwealth government contribution of $50 million towards a seven storey building expansion program.
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Acrux patent portfolio advances in USA
1 March 2006- Acrux
Acrux has received notification of the grant of a US patent, which provides robust protection for its Metered Dose Transdermal Spray (MDTS®) applicator for delivery of drugs.
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CQ health research projects get $44,000 boost
27 February 2006- Central Queensland University
The Regional Health Research Alliance (RHRA) will distribute more than $44,000 amongst 18 health research projects in Central Queensland.
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ANU to name science centre after Jackie Chan
24 February 2006- John Curtin School of Medical Research
International movie star Jackie Chan has announced a further generous donation to The Australian National University to support the John Curtin School of Medical Research.
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Remote pools boost Aboriginal child health
24 February 2006- Telethon Institute for Child Health Research
A comprehensive study into the impact of swimming pools in remote Aboriginal communities has found significant health and social benefits for children.
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Health system reform 'like raising teens'
24 February 2006- Australian Primary Health Care Research Institute
Health system reform is comparable to raising teenagers, according to an ANU primary health care expert who says despite all the good work you put in, it may well spring surprises.
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Man-made prostate created by women
23 February 2006- Monash Institute of Medical Research
In a giant step towards understanding prostate disease, Melbourne scientists have grown a human prostate from embryonic stem cells.
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China partners with international expertise to improve road safety
22 February 2006- The George Institute for International Health
National and International members of the China seatbelt intervention Steering Committee will meet today in Beijing to discuss the progress of a leading project in the province of Guangzhou, which addresses the low usage of seatbelt wearing rates among drivers and front seat passengers in China.
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Male gene may explain higher incidence of Parkinson’s in men
22 February 2006- Prince Henry's Institute
Scientists at Prince Henry’s Institute, Melbourne, and the University of California, Los Angeles, have discovered that SRY, the male protein that forms the testes is also produced in the brain region affected in Parkinson’s disease. This discovery may explain why men are more likely than women to develop this degenerative disorder.
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UQ researchers help lead the way in bird flu research
20 February 2006- University of Queensland
University of Queensland researchers will lead two projects announced today as part of the Commonwealth Government's $6.5 million bird flu research program.
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Westmead leads Australian bird flu research
20 February 2006-Westmead Millenium Institute for Medical Research
Researchers at Westmead Millennium Institute are conducting urgent research into bird flu.
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Biggest ever private grant the catalyst for leading edge cancer research in Adelaide
16 February 2006- Australian Cancer Research Foundation
Adelaide scientists are well positioned to further cement their position as national and international leaders in cancer research, following today’s opening of the Adelaide Proteomics Centre at the University of Adelaide.
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ACRUX Acquires Rights to Commercialise World's First Contraceptive Spray
14 February 2006- ACRUX
Acrux (ASX:ACR), the Australian company with patient-preferred technology for delivering drugs across the skin, today announced an agreement with the New York-based Population Council, Inc. The agreement enables Acrux to progress toward commercialisation of a unique contraceptive spray,containing the new-generation contraceptive drug Nestorone®.
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Australian First to Save Sight
10 February 2006- Eye Research Australia Foundation
A new system of storing eye tissue, to be launched on Tuesday 14 February at the Lions Corneal Donation Service (LCDS), will help save the sight of hundreds of Victorians a year by extending the time between donation and needing to perform the transplant.
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Medicines are key to preventing poor health
09 February 2006- Medicines Australia
An approach to health care that focuses on using all available methods to prevent disease and poor health is to be welcomed, Medicines Australia said today.
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Sydney scientists discover & license breakthrough anti-inflammatory treatment
08 February 2006- Garvan Institute of Medical Research
Scientists from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research have developed what could be the next big blockbuster treatment for inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and asthma.
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Rockabye baby: research shows gentle singing soothes sick infants
08 February 2006- University of Western Sydney
A project led by a researcher from the University of Western Sydney has found that music therapy can help sick babies in intensive care maintain normal behavioural development, making them less irritable, upset and less likely to cry.
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Aussie of the Year Announces new vaccine trial
07 February 2006- The University of Queensland
The technology used in the world's first cervical cancer vaccine will be tweaked to fight the most common sexually transmitted disease, genital warts.
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Disposable catheter breakthrough, a world first
06 February 2006- University of South Australia
A unique low cost disposable solid-state catheter that can measure swallowing pressure has been developed by a University of South Australia research team using intelligent manufacturing processes that eliminate the infection risks posed by existing catheters.
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Better funding needed for chronic disease:expert
06 February 2006- The Australian National University
More funding, increased workforce resources and further reform of the health system are needed if the national chronic disease strategy is going to deliver better care to patients suffering from diseases such as diabetes, asthma and cancer, according to an international primary health expert.
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Avantogen and Innovate Merge Key Oncology Program, RP101
01 February 2006- Avantogen Limited
Avantogen Limited and Innovate Oncology, Inc today announced execution of a Definitive Agreement whereby Innovate will merge with a wholly-owned subsidiary of Avantogen, thereby acquiring Avantogen’s 50% interest in the promising pancreatic chemoresistance inhibitor, RP101.
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University of Queensland and Harvard Medical International to nourish the health workforce
1 February 2006- The University of Queensland
In an Australian first, The University of Queensland has teamed up with Harvard Medical International to deliver gold standard training to health and medical educators.
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Australian Biomedical Scientist Wins Top UK Award for Ovary Research
31 January 2006- Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research
Australian biomedical scientist Professor Jock Findlay AM has been awarded the UK Society for Reproduction and Fertility (SRF) Distinguished Scientist Award for 2006.
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Research shows brain’s ability to overcome pain and thirst
31 January 2006- The Howard Florey Institute
Researchers at Melbourne's Howard Florey Institute have discovered how the brain prioritises pain and thirst in order to survive - a mechanism that helps elite athletes to ‘push through the pain barrier’.
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Australian of the Year award to Ian Frazer salutes important win in the war against cancer
30 January 2006- The Cancer Council
Professor Ian Frazer’s selection as Australian of the Year 2006 recognises that while cancer is an increasingly serious global health issue, scientists can significantly reduce cancer mortality through hard work and innovation, the President of The Cancer Council Australia, Mrs Judith Roberts AO, said today.
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Fifth VentrAssist implant in US Feasibility Trial
30 January 2006- Ventracor
Ventracor Limited (ASX:VCR) today announced five American patients had been implanted with the VentrAssist cardiac assist system in the United States.
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Warning to government from biotech on PBS changes
30 January 2006- Medicines Australia
Stark warnings that the biotech sector could be damaged and patient health harmed by proposed changes to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme warrant careful consideration, Medicines Australia said today.
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Australian medicine again recognised in Australian of the Year
30 January 2006- Medicines Australia
There could be few more deserving winners of Australian of the Year than Professor Ian Frazer, whose breakthrough development of a vaccine for cervical cancer will save the lives of up to 200,000 women every year.
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UQ stff honoured in 2006 Australia Day awards
25 January 2006- The University of Queensland
Two senior members of The University of Queensland have been honoured in this year’s Australia Day Honours List.
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Online ear and hearing diagnosis to break sound barrier
25 January 2006-The Lions Ear and Hearing Institute
In an Australian first, an online ‘decision support system’ is being developed to enable general practitioners to speed up the diagnosis of ear and hearing conditions.
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Study Reveals Maori and Pacific Islanders Have Increasing Incidence of Stroke
24 January 2006 - The George Institute for International Health
A study published this month in Stroke investigating trends in stroke incidence in Auckland, New Zealand shows Maori and Pacific peoples are suffering more strokes than other ethnic groups.
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Healing from research: a real possibility
23 January 2006 - Centre for Eye Research Australia
An eye test that could one day help prevent heart attacks is being supported by a $300,000 grant from Australia's leading research-based medicines company.
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UQ scientist honoured for developing world's first cancer vaccine
21 January 2006 - University of Queensland
The Australian newspaper’s Australian of the Year recipient is not just leading the world with his research, he is changing it and hopes others will be inspired to do the same. University of Queensland scientist Professor Ian Frazer today received the prestigious award for developing a vaccine to prevent cervical cancer – the world’s first ever cancer vaccine.
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PC Health Report on Health Workforce Deserves Close Attention
19 January 2006- Medicines Australia
The worrying shortage of health professionals across Australia demands the close consideration of more preventative action to reduce the burden on hospitals and doctors, Medicines Australia said today.
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New program puts the breaks on depression roundabout
18 January 2006- Univeristy of Queensland
A University of Queensland researcher is offering people with depression a new, free program that is confidential and accessible to people across Australia, including those in remote areas.
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Siblings' Bad Habits Brush Off
13 January 2006- University of Queensland
Brothers and sisters are more powerful role models than friends or parents when it comes to teenage drinking and smoking, research has shown.
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GroPep starts Phase 1 infertility trial
10 January 2005- GroPep
GroPep’s program - to develop a treatment for a condition that potentially causes 50% of all miscarriages - reached a major milestone today with commencement of recruitment of healthy women volunteers into a Phase 1 trial of its infertility drug, PV903.
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Caring for cancer carers: Are women's needs different from men'
09 January 2006- University of Western Sydney
A cancer diagnosis can be a devastating experience for the person concerned, but for families and loved ones, who later become the primary source of support and care, it can be a stressful, life changing experience. A unique new study will explore the individual experiences of these unsung heroes and identify the support services they need.
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Review Highlights Need for Improved Treatment of Depression in Elderly Stroke Patients
09 January 2006- The George Institute
A review of the management of post-stroke depression in the elderly conducted by The George Institute for International Health calls for significant improvements to be made in the organisation of stroke services to address a major unmet need.
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Pharmaceutical companies the world’s most ethical, says Swiss study
06 January 2006- Medicines Australia
The three most ethical companies in the world are innovative pharmaceutical manufacturers according to a new and independent study by a Swiss-based organisation.
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Identified: DNA that controls the malaria parasite's disguise mechanism
03 January 2006- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute
Professor Alan Cowman, Dr Brendan Crabb and their research teams at WEHI have identified how the most lethal malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, is able to disguise itself from the human immune system.
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Experts help drinkers control the Christmas craving
22 December 2005- University of Queensland
Experts help drinkers control the Christmas craving Festive Season drinkers who feel they are losing control of their alcohol consumption can join an innovative drug-free program run by researchers at The University of Queensland.
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Portland Orthopaedics Lists at 12% Premium
21 December 2005- Portland Orthopaedics
Sydney-based Portland Orthopaedics Limited today listed on the Australian Stock Exchange closing the day at 28 cents, a 12 percent premium to its 25 cents issue price. The company opened at 28 cents and traded on a steady range of 27.5 to 28 cents.
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Million Dollar Life Savers
21 December 2005- Pfizer Australia
Two of Australia’s leading researchers have each won a million dollars to fund their ongoing cutting-edge Australian research into brain disorders, autoimmune diseases and leukaemia.
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Brain research wins $1 million
20 December 2005 - Howard Florey Institute
One of Australia's leading neuroscience researchers has been awarded $1 million dollars to fund his ongoing cutting-edge Australian research into brain disorders.
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GroPep completes final milestone of the PATH Malaria Vaccine Initiative
19 December 2005 - GroPep
Adelaide biotechnology company GroPep has completed the manufacture of two vaccine antigens as part of the project funded by the international PATH Malaria Vaccine Initiative (MVI). GroPep will supply these Vaccine antigens to the MVI for formulation and subsequent use in human clinical trials - expected to start in 2007.
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Spoonful of sugar helps wounds recover
18 December 2005 - University of Queensland
Two University of Queensland biochemists are leading the world in wound and bone repair from Singapore. UQ's Professor Victor Nurcombe and Dr Simon Cool are compiling a library of sugars in our bodies they believe will lead to improved human tissue and bone repair.
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Successful implant of left ventricular assist device (LVAD)
15 December 2005 - Ventracor
Ventracor Limited moved a step closer to completing enrolment in its CE Mark Trial announcing the successful implant of its left ventricular assist device (LVAD), the VentrAssist, at Norway’s Rikshopitalet University Hospital.
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GroPep to pursue promising asthma drug following preclinical study results
14 December 2005 - GroPep
Adelaide biotechnology company GroPep has completed preclinical efficacy studies of its T-cell peptide drug candidate, in models of psoriasis and asthma.
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Government’s preparation for bird flu outbreak welcome
14 December 2005 - Medicines Australia
The priority the Federal Government is placing upon preparation for the possibility of a bird flu outbreak is critical and timely, Medicines Australia said today.
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Health benefits of a Christmas brandy
14 December 2005 - Monash University
Drinking a shot of smooth full-flavoured brandy this Christmas could actually benefit your health, Monash University researchers have found. Dr Gordon Troup from the School of Physics said that, in moderation, brandy had been shown to have supplementary medicinal health benefits – and the better quality the brandy the greater the benefit.
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Parents advised to rethink dummy use
13 December 2005 - Telethon Institute for Child Health Research
A comprehensive review of scientific studies on the use of baby pacifiers (dummies) has found that they interfere with successful breastfeeding. The review was conducted by child health nurses led by researchers at the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research in conjunction with the Western Australian Centre for Evidence Based Nursing and Midwifery and Curtin University of Technology.
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Award winning eye-heart discovery
12 December 2005 - Centre for Eye Research Australia
Routine visits to an Optometrist may soon provide us with diagnosis of vision complications and screening for cardiovascular disease.
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Australians of the Year forge partnership for burns drug development
8 December 2005
An innovative drug treatment that could limit the damage caused by burns and encourage skin tissue regeneration is the focus of a new partnership between West Australian research groups headed by two Australians of the Year.
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More funding needed to fight Australia's biggest killer
8 December 2005 - Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute
The need to increase support for health and medical Research in Australia has been highlighted this week by the lack of funds for a major new initiative to address the causes of heart disease - Australia's biggest killer.
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Making the most of our precious nursing resources
6 December 2005 - Monash University
Hospitals could save hundreds of thousands of dollars, improve patient care and allocate fairer nursing workloads if they rostered nurses according to patients’ needs instead of by ratios, a Monash researcher has found.
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Government pledge on access to medicines welcomed
6 December 2005 - Medicines Australia
A Federal Government pledge today that consumer choice will not be affected by whatever decisions are made on reforming the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme has been welcomed by Medicines Australia.
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UQ researchers show traditional Chinese exercises can help combat diabetes
5 December 2005 - University of Queensland
A pilot study for Australia`s first clinical trial to evaluate the effectiveness of traditional Chinese exercises in preventing the growing problem of diabetes has produced startling results. The team from The University of Queensland found that by performing the Chinese exercises Qigong and Tai Chi, participants significantly improved several indicators of metabolic syndrome including HbA1c, blood pressure, bodyweight and waist circumference.
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Useful links
The following sites feature some of the latest health news.
Ninemsn Health
ABC Health Matters