Dr Justin Hamilton - NHMRC Project Grant for blood research

Dr Justin Hamilton, Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, is CIA on an NH&MRC Project Grant, 'Defining the function of the thrombin receptor, PAR4, on human platelets'. Justin is a senior research fellow in the ACBD. He is using novel genetic approaches to identify other potential targets for the development of anti-platelet drugs. For more about Justin, see his Monash research profile.

Vale heart surgeon Professor Don Esmore

Vale Professor Don Esmore. Long-time Alfred Health staff member and Monash Department of Surgery adjunct, highly regarded cardiothoracic surgeon and transplant pioneer, Don passed away in February following a long battle with myeloma. Don was instrumental in bringing transplant services to the Victorian community and helped many patients.

Infectious Disease researchers make HIV wake-up call

Infectious disease researchers have moved a step closer to finding a cure for HIV by successfully luring the “sleeping” virus out of infected cells. The researchers, led by Professor Sharon Lewin, have shown in a human trial that the cancer drug vorinostat alters how HIV genes are turned on and off and in effect wakes up “sleeping” virus that persists in patients on standard HIV treatment.

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.