Video: Monash Alfred Psychiatry research centre (MAPrc)

The Monash Alfred Psychiatry research centre has created a suite of videos describing their research. Pictured is Professor Susan Rossell, a cognitive neuropsychologist who researches the cognitive and neurobiological processes involved in psychosis. See the MAPrc playlist at http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL77QJnB61-H4mAV1ABlkL7uoZHqaX_4Ag

Review: Head injury prevention for bicyclists - helmets make a difference

Peter Cameron, Frank McDermott and Jeffrey V. Rosenfeld write in the 21 Oct issue of the MJA how wearing helmets does improve cyclists' safety in the event of accidents. "There is good evidence that preventing head injuries in cyclists will prevent most major morbidity and mortality... [H]elmet wearing appreciably lessens the risk of serious injury and death in bicycle crashes..." Link.

Congratulations: Andrew Guirguis wins Baikie Medal at Australian Haematology Conference

Congratulations to Andrew Guirguis, a PhD student in Prof David Curtis's lab in the Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, won the Baikie Medal and $3000. The HSANZ Albert Baikie Memorial Medal is given for the best oral presentation at the Annual Scientific Meeting by a new investigator. It was awarded on Wednesday 23 October at the Australian Haematology Conference (known as HAA, which stands for HSANZ / ANZSBT / ASTH) held this year in the Gold Coast. See more:
http://www.hsanz.org.au/resources/documents/2009HSANZAlbertBaikieAward.pdf

Lancet review: The end of AIDS:HIV infection as a chronic disease

Professor Sharon Lewin

 HIV infection is now no longer a death sentence, as antiretroviral (ART) treatment will hold the disease in check. However, the disease is not cured. ART must be taken for life as HIV is latent and may 'awaken' any time without ART. HIV-infected individuals have a higher risk of developing non-AIDS disorders, including chronic cardiovascular, kidney, liver, cancer and some neurological illnesses. Profs Steven Deeks, Sharon Lewin (HOD Department of Infectious Diseases) and Diane Havlir outline the issues in their Lancet review article.

Department of Immunology celebrates its first 50 years, and looks forward to the next 50

The Department of Immunology celebrated its 50^th anniversary with an entertaining and informative symposium, held in the AMREP Education Centre, Alfred Hospital on 4 October 2013.  The event was attended by 180 friends, colleagues, alumni and immunologists from far and wide. Pictured, Fabienne Mackay with one of the poster prize winners, Chindu Govindaraj. See Gallery for more.

High rates of bowel cancer in cystic fibrosis: Dr Ilana Gory, Department of Gastroenterology

Dr Ilana Gory, a PhD student in the Department of Gastroenterology, reported on her research at the Australian Gastrointestinal Week. Her topic was "Cystic Fibrosis is associated with an increased risk of colorectal malignancy and adenomas". As a practitioner, she and her team at Alfred Health had anecdotally observed high rates of cancer in patients with cystic fibrosis. Her scientifically based study found that patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) may be up to ten times more likely to develop colorectal cancer.

Fundraiser, 17 Nov: MAPrc hosting a classical guitar concert to raise funds for mental health research

Monash Alfred Psychiatry research centre (MAPrc) is hosting a fundraising event, “Classical Guitar through the Ages” at 2.30pm, Sunday 17 November 2013 for mental health research, with performances by the Classical Guitar Society of Victoria. Concert venue: Wyselaskie Auditorium, Uniting Church Centre, 29 College Crescent, Parkville, Melbourne. Book tickets.