Digital addicts contribute to scientific research on protein folding

'Foldit' is a multiplayer online game developed by molecular biologists enabling people to play competitivelyto fold the best proteins. The question is, can human players really help computers fold proteins? Humans have great pattern recognition and puzzle-solving abilities, which can be developed into algorithms for computer programs. So if you like to play 'Angry Birds' and like science, why not play 'Foldit' instead? See more at: http://fold.it/portal/info/about

Recent publications

Bourdin A, Mifsud NA, Chanez B, Chanez P, Snell G, Kotsimbos TC. Clara cells and injury post lung transplantation: an evolving story. Am J Transplant 2013 Mar 6. doi: 10.1111/ajt.12184. [Epub ahead of print].

Brew BJ, Gray L, Lewin S, Churchill M (2013). Is specific HIV eradication from the brain possible or needed? Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy 2013 Accepted

Immunology outstanding for mentoring postgraduate students

The Department of Immunology was identified in 2012 as an outstanding unit for postgraduate mentoring and supervision. The Department was ranked second in the entire University in the Postgraduate Research Student survey, and in the top ten for the 2011 Postgraduate Research Supervision Survey.

Master of Medicine in perioperative medicine in high demand

The Department of Anaesthesia and Perioperative Medicine has launched a Master in Medicine in particular for the area of perioperative medicine. The course description says, 'Surgical patients are getting older and sicker.' Which makes their care more complex, hence the demand for this course. The first unit starting this semester is fully subscribed with a wait list. See more detail about the course at www.masters.periopmedicine.org.au.

Grant to further heart transplant research

Professor Frank Rosenfeldt, Department of Surgery, has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the Health Market Validation Program (Health MVP) to continue his research on transplant donor heart preservation. The research is currently in the pre-clinical stage. The grant will be used to further develop the device for a donor heart to be resuscitated and evaluated for transplant.

CCAF Fellowship grant for cancer researcher Smitha Georgy

Dr Smitha Georgy has won a $100,000 grant to further investigate the mechanisms of head and neck cancers, in particular the signalling pathways to control proliferating cells. Smitha is a Senior Research Officer in the Epidermal Development Laboratory, Department of Medicine. The grant was awarded by the Cure Cancer Australia Foundation (CCAF).

Smart phone app for IBS sufferers

04/02/2013 A new smartphone app developed by the Department of Gastroenterology provides an on-the-go reference to help the one-in-seven adults who suffer irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) avoid the foods that trigger their symptoms.