Around the Precinct – 16 December 2021

Alliance researchers hold their position at the forefront of groundbreaking medical research with this week’s announcement of a joint Alfred/Monash trial that could revolutionise burns treatment by using bioengineered skin. Other Monash researchers have been recognised for their work in transforming ICU care with the prestigious 2021 GSK Award for Research Excellence, and Burnet experts look at what the new COVID-19 variant, Omicron, means for Australia and our neighbours.

The Alfred Monash bioengineered skin

A trial of bioengineered skin due to start at The Alfred in 2023 could completely revolutionise burns treatment.

Alfred Health

Cancer trial gives new hope to Australian patients
An international study looking at whether high and very tightly controlled doses of radiation can cure cancers previously considered incurable is in progress at The Alfred, with the first patient completing treatment in the trial.
Read more

‘Holy grail’ of burns treatment a step closer
Researchers at The Alfred are moving to revolutionise burns treatment with the introduction of bioengineered skin.
Read more

Monash University – Central Clinical School

Vanguard Grant for novel method of measuring oxidative stress in diabetic vascular disease
Monash clinician-researcher Dr Tomasz Block was recently awarded a $75,000 Vanguard Grant from the Heart Foundation for research into early identification of at-risk patients for diabetic vascular disease.
Read more

The gut microbiome and immune systems influence bone growth after mild TBI
New research from the Monash Trauma group indicates that weakening of the gut microbiome with antibiotic treatment and repetitive mild traumatic brain injury each individually stunted bone growth and volume.
Read more

Bioengineered skin breakthrough to revolutionise burns treatment
Researchers from The Alfred and the Monash Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences are developing bio-engineered skin that will undergo a large trial in third-degree burn patients, starting in 2023.
Read more

Monash University – School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine

Poor social health a predictor for cardiovascular disease
A recent study using data from the School’s ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE) trial, and the associated ALSOP* sub-study, has found that among healthy older adults, social isolation and low social support are strong predictors of overall cardiovascular risk.
Read more

Life and Other Catastrophes turns 10
When Professor Jane Fisher first joined the then new host of ABC Melbourne’s Drive show, Raf Epstein, on a talkback segment tackling a wide range of topics affecting the lives of Melburnians, she had no inkling that the team would one day celebrate the show’s tenth anniversary.
Read more

Monash researchers revolutionising intensive care globally win major research award
Monash University public health researchers who have transformed the global approach to clinical research and treatment for critically ill patients in intensive care units (ICU) have won the prestigious 2021 GSK Award for Research Excellence.
Read more

Using data linkage for national surveillance of quality of care for people with dementia
Each year in Australia, thousands of families come face-to-face with the realities of dementia in a loved one. Following a diagnosis of dementia, people with dementia and their families will navigate a fragmented healthcare and support system that can be confusing and highly variable across the country.
Read more

Burnet Institute

Omicron: What the science says
As the world tries to come to terms with the Omicron variant and its impact, the Herald Sun has published a useful explainer to address key questions.
Read more

Victoria to become home of mRNA vaccine manufacturing
Burnet welcomes the announcement of mRNA manufacturing capacity to be based in Victoria and play a vital role in future pandemic preparedness.
Read more

Philanthropy Award for Miller Foundation
Burnet Institute warmly congratulates the Miller family and their Miller Foundation, winners of the Research Australia Philanthropy Award for 2020.
Read more

PNG a candidate for next variant if Australia doesn’t help boost jabs
Burnet Institute epidemiologist Dr Stefanie Vaccher writes for Nine Media on the urgent need to support vaccination programs in Papua New Guinea.
Read more

New insights into immunity to malaria in pregnancy
A new Burnet study reveals the role of specific proteins in the blood to prevent malaria in pregnancy, providing a potential new pathway for vaccine development.
Read more

Concerns over COVID impact on malaria mortality
Concerns about the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on efforts to eliminate malaria remain following the release of the latest WHO World malaria report.
Read more