This week at the Alfred Research Alliance, researchers from Monash University’s School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine have found an added benefit of cholesterol-lowering medication – it could help slow damage to knee joints. Also at Monash SPHPM, researchers have used data from more than 13,000 Australians to identify the common risk factors among those who had difficulty accessing healthcare for non-COVID issues during the pandemic.
Elsewhere on the precinct, Burnet researchers have highlighted the ongoing importance of PCR testing for managing both the current and future waves of COVID-19, and drawn attention to the global fight against malaria and the challenges posed by the pandemic in eliminating the disease.
A Monash survey has identified common risk factors among those who have had difficulty accessing healthcare for non-COVID related issues.
Monash University – School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine
Study finds that cholesterol-lowering medication may slow knee joint damage
A recent trial by Monash University into the effects of cholesterol-lowering medication (statins) on knee osteoarthritis has found that while not an effective treatment for that condition, had the added benefit of slowing the progression of knee joint damage.
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New data identifies Australians at most risk of missing out on non-COVID healthcare
A national survey of 13,829 Australians has identified risk factors common among people who faced reduced access to healthcare for non-COVID related health problems during physical distancing restrictions pertaining to the pandemic.
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3 in 4 people want to ride a bike but are put off by lack of safe lanes
Cycling is healthy and sustainable, but only 1.7% of trips in Melbourne are made by bike. Car use has soared since lockdowns were lifted. We surveyed over 4,000 Victorians and found more than three-quarters are interested in riding a bike, but only in infrastructure that separates people from cars (such as off-road paths or protected bike lanes).
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Burnet Institute
PCR testing remains integral, despite rush for RATs
As the COVID-19 death toll mounts across Australia, Associate Professor David Anderson urges governments to address the continuing shortages and delays in testing for the virus.
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The Lost Voice: How COVID-19 is affecting global efforts to eliminate malaria
Getting back on track to eliminate one of the world’s most deadly diseases.
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COVID in 2022: Is there room for optimism?
As the impacts of the Omicron variant intensify, Associate Professor David Anderson urges politicians to take a more proactive approach to the ongoing threat of COVID-19 in 2022.
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Burnet malaria researchers secure NHMRC grant
Federal funds bolster Burnet’s malaria elimination efforts, as the fight to stamp out the disease in the Asia-Pacific region continues amid the world of COVID-19.
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