Experts from Alliance member organisations weigh in to welcome the COVID-19 vaccine rollout as both safe and important; researchers find a way to regenerate cells with the potential to cure diabetes; friendship drives understanding and support for mums in PNG; and participants are sought to help progress research on a number of different fronts. Here’s just some of what’s happened this week at the Alfred Research Alliance.
ALFRED HEALTH
COVID-19 vaccine program begins!
Alfred Health staff are eagerly rolling up their sleeves as the health service assists with vaccinating frontline workers against COVID-19 this week. On Monday 22 February, key workers from Alfred Health’s pharmacy and nursing teams were among the first in the state to be vaccinated. These specially trained teams will go on to vaccinate staff working in Victoria’s hotel quarantine program, beginning with the Health Hotel this week. Read more…
Help tackle Crohn’s Disease by participating in this new study
The Alfred Department of Gastroenterology is seeking healthy volunteers to help test a new diet that may be used to treat Crohn’s Disease. By looking at what effect dietary components have on the intestine in healthy people, we can better understand how they may help people whose gut is affected by this disease. To find out what’s involved, read more here…
BAKER HEART AND DIABETES INSTITUTE
Fewer adults being diagnosed with diabetes in many high-income countries
A new global analysis of contemporary data reporting diabetes incidence over time has found the number of adults diagnosed annually with type 2 diabetes has been stable or falling in most high-income countries across Australia, Europe, the US, and Asia during the past decade. Lead researchers at the Baker Institute say preventive strategies, public health education and awareness campaigns may have contributed. Read more…
How friendship with a mum-to-be in PNG opened Margery’s eyes
Like many others who have spent time in Papua New Guinea (PNG), Margery Nash started supporting Burnet’s Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies (HMHB) Program after seeing with her own eyes the sort of hardship endured by expecting mothers in that country. It was a friendship made through volunteer work at a library in PNG that really encouraged her support. Read more…
BURNET INSTITUTE
COVID-19 vaccines welcome and safe, says Burnet Institute
Burnet’s Prof Mike Toole AM has welcomed the start of Australia’s vaccine roll-out, saying it’s an important initiative to help people protect themselves, their families and the community from the global pandemic. Australian’s can trust the TGA’s robust review process, he says, adding, “All the evidence suggests that it’s a very safe process.” Read more…
MONASH CENTRAL CLINICAL SCHOOL
Sleeping beauty beta cells may help cure diabetes
Monash CCS researchers have uncovered the barrier to beta cell regeneration that could pave the way for improved treatments for diabetes and diseases that involve organ and tissue damage. Humans have limited capacity to regenerate new cells or tissue after birth as the genes involved in development are switched off. Now, ‘sleeping beauty’ stem cell-like cells may be able to ‘wake up’ and become insulin cells to cure diabetes. Read more…
Participants sought to test the use of prebiotics to lower blood pressure
If you have high blood pressure but are not taking medication, Monash CCS researchers would love you to participate in a new study investigating the effect of prebiotic fibre on blood pressure. All you need to do is stick to a delicious diet, and help by collecting some samples, measuring your blood pressure daily and visiting the team for four tests over nine weeks. Find out more…
Take part to help your partner tackle bacterial vaginosis
If you’re the male partner of a woman who has had bacterial vaginosis – a condition which is not only unpleasant but can be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes and increased risk of STIs – your help is being sought by researchers at the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, who are investigating whether treating the male partners of women with BV will help prevent recurrence. Read more…
BAKER HEART AND DIABETES INSTITUTE
COVID-19 vaccines safe for people with heart disease and diabetes
Australian adults living with CVD and diabetes are encouraged to take whichever COVID-19 vaccine they are offered when it becomes available, says the Baker Institute. While specific concerns should be addressed to your doctor or health professional, you can find answers to common questions here, or check the Government’s latest information about the vaccination rollout here…