Participants sought for research study on gaze pattern and mirrorneuron activity

The Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre (MAPrc) is looking for healthy right-handed adult participants aged 18-40 years to take part in a study investigating the relationship between gaze pattern and mirror neuron activity in the brain. The study involves the use of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a painless, safe, and non-invasive means of stimulating nerve cells in the brain.

Congratulations to Prof Paul Fitzgerald on ARC Linkage grant

Professor Paul Fitzgerald, Monash Alfred Psychiatry research centre, has been successful in obtaining an ARC Linkage Grant LP130100448, for $581,643 across 2013-2016. The title is 'The development and testing of a device to enhance the application of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)'. For more about Paul's research and the technique of TMS, see http://www.maprc.org.au/professor-paul-fitzgerald.

Participants sought: Does combining hypnotherapy and diet therapieshelp IBS sufferers more?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects approximately 15% of the population. While doctors are good at diagnosing IBS, they don't have a very good track record in fixing the problem. An abundance of 'cures' may well be touted in books and on the internet, but few of them have any scientific basis or have been proven to be effective.

Participants sought: Contraceptives, Mood and Cognition - Is there arelationship?

Volunteers required for a new study examining the impact of the Pill on emotions, learning and memory - If you are a female over 18 taking the Oral Contraceptive Pill, we'd love your help!  Participation involves two brief interviews over two weeks, including a computer-based memory task, with a total time commitment of two hours.  Participants will be entered into a draw to win movie passes, chocolate hampers and more.

Rheumatoid arthritis patients taking Abatacept may need long-term renalsurveillance

Dr Fabien Vincent, based in the Department of Immunology, together with a French rheumatology team presents the first published case report of a woman with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) suffering from a kidney disease named mesangial immunoglobulin A glomerulonephritis (IgA GN) after initiation of abatacept therapy. Abatacept is a biological therapy, of a selective T-cell co-stimulation modulator cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA4)-immunoglobulin.

FODMAP workshop for dietitians working with IBS sufferers

The CCS Department of Gastroenterology (DoG) held a workshop for dietitians on May 31. Entitled 'Manipulating FODMAP Intake, Gut Microflora and the Brain Gut Axis for IBS Management', this workshop provided valuable updates following recent departmental developments in the area of Translational Nutrition. The workshop attracted great feedback, particularly regarding the catered food which was all FODMAP friendly and prepared by DoG's research chef Debbie King, pictured.

Professor Frank Rosenfeldt wins Surgical Research Award

Prof Frank Rosenfeldt was awarded the 2012 Surgical Research Award in May 2013 at the 82nd Annual Scientific Congress of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS). This is an honour created by RACS to recognise the contribution of a pre-eminent surgical scientist who has made significant contributions to surgical research. One of Prof Rosenfeldt's major research interests is to increase the viability of donor hearts for heart transplants.