2019 CCS research highlights: Department of Gastroenterology

Low FODMAP diet enters US protocols;
Smart capsule captures gut data in humans

Monash University's Central Clinical School is at the cutting edge of medical research in national and international arenas.

We are publishing a series of our research highlights from across 2019. In this article we feature two highlights from the Department of Gastroenterology.

• Low FODMAP diet gains US tick of approval
• Travelling capsule provides new window into gut health

2019 CCS research highlights: Department of Immunology and Pathology

L-R: Profs Ben Marsland, Margaret Hibbs

Monash University's Central Clinical School is at the cutting edge of medical research in national and international arenas. We are publishing a series of our research highlights from across 2019.

In this article we feature two highlights from the Department of Immunology and Pathology.

• World-first study of newborn airways microbiome may help prevent childhood asthma  
• Study raises hope for new lung disease treatment

2019 CCS research highlights: Department of Infectious Diseases

L-R: A/Prof Edwina Wright, Prof Anton Peleg

Monash University's Central Clinical School is at the cutting edge of medical research in national and international arenas. We are publishing a series of our research highlights from across 2019.

In this article, we feature a highlight from the Department of Infectious Diseases.

• PrEPX study highlights need for greater STI testing
• Researchers crack superbug’s strategy for survival

2019 CCS research highlights: Department of Neuroscience

L-R: Drs Mastura Monif & Pablo 

Casillas-Espinosa

Monash University's Central Clinical School is at the cutting edge of medical research in national and international arenas. We are publishing a series of our research highlights from across 2019.

In this article, we feature two highlights from the Department of Neuroscience.

• Novel drug may be ‘Holy Grail’ of epilepsy treatment
• Cancer drug holds hope for brain tumour patients 

Video of the week: Prof Kit Fairley on the recent rise of syphilis

Links for Professor Christopher Fairley's public lecture, "Whose fault was it that Bob got syphilis? It's not as simple as it sounds", on 17 October 2019:

• Video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tx3S1yNIZs4&t=15s
• Powerpoint: www.slideshare.net/ccsmonash/2019-central-clinical-school-public-lecture-prof-christopher-fairley
• Photo gallery: photos.app.goo.gl/1Jhvknf19fLxN1Kn6
• Web page: www.monash.edu/medicine/ccs/events/2019-CCS-public-lecture
• Melbourne Sexual Health Centre (MSHC) research: www.mshc.org.au/ResearchEducation/ResearchEvaluation/tabid/124/Default.aspx#.XbpGUkGYO71

Pioneering lung researchers boost Monash physiotherapy

Professor Anne Holland joins CCS. 
Photo: Anne Crawford

by Anne Crawford

Central Clinical School (CCS) in partnership with Alfred Health has gained a powerhouse team of researchers in the field of non-pharmacological chronic respiratory disease rehabilitation, making it one of the few sites in the world that specialises in this field.

Professor Anne Holland, a practising physiotherapist and world-leading researcher, heads the group, which is focussing on research and clinical trials in rehabilitation for pulmonary fibrosis and on interventions to improve the wellbeing of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Breakthrough in treatment for brain trauma

L-R: Maria Daglas (first author), Maithili Sashindranath, Rob Medcalf

Monash University scientists have made a major breakthrough in understanding how our immune system response to head trauma leads to ongoing, long-term health problems.

A study by Australian Centre for Blood Diseases (ACBD) researchers finds an increase in immune cells in the brain following head trauma. These cells, when over-activated, contribute to deterioration in brain function over time. The findings open the door to potential developments for drugs to prevent long-term brain damage.