News
Glimpse the future of medical research at Garvan Open Day
MEDIA RELEASE:
18 Jul 2008
Garvan will open its doors on Sunday 17th August from 10am to 1pm for Open Day, giving the public the opportunity to meet and talk with leading scientists and learn about the future of science and medicine from some of the sharpest minds in Australia.
Potential to prevent loss of insulin in Type 2 diabetes
MEDIA RELEASE:
14 Jul 2008
Until now, it was thought that the processes leading to the death of insulin-secreting pancreatic cells were similar in both types of diabetes. Scientists at Garvan have now shown that the process is quite different in the two diseases. They have also identified a promising therapeutic target for people with Type 2 diabetes
Finding suggests novel ways to boost vaccination or natural defences
MEDIA RELEASE:
07 Jul 2008
Our bodies rely on the production of potent, or 'high affinity', antibodies to fight infection. The process is very complex, yet Garvan scientists have discovered that it hinges on a single molecule, a growth factor, without which it cannot function. This suggest ways to strengthen the body's natural defences.
Finding that could shed light on "golden staph", candida and allergies
MEDIA RELEASE:
01 Jul 2008
Recent scientific findings explain why people with Hyper IgE Syndrome, or ‘Job’s Syndrome’, are unusually susceptible to certain common infections. By revealing the exact molecular mechanisms involved, they also give us clues as to why some ‘healthy’ people are more prone to these infections than others, and suggest potential treatments.
Silencing of molecular 'conversation' may help curb severe allergies
MEDIA RELEASE:
30 Jun 2008
Scientists in Sydney have identified a process, a synergistic encounter between two molecules, that may account for the extreme allergic reactions some people experience. By silencing at least one of these molecules, it may be possible to treat allergies.
Are the benefits of growth hormone in the athlete's mind?
25 Jun 2008
A new study undertaken by scientists in Garvan's Pituitary Research Unit demonstrates the 'placebo effect' in sport. If athletes believe they are using a performance-enhancing drug, they may think their performance improves, and in some it can, even if they are actually taking a dummy drug.
Garvan cancer researcher wins Premier's Award
18 Jun 2008
Garvan researcher Rebecca Hinshelwood received the highly coveted $10,000 Premier’s Award for Outstanding Cancer Research Scholar at a gala ceremony last month. The award, from the Cancer Institute of NSW, is a form of educational scholarship.
Study shows that prostate cancer increases the risk of bone fracture
MEDIA RELEASE:
14 May 2008
As unlikely as it sounds, scientists at Garvan have shown that there is a link between prostate cancer and a higher risk of bone fracture. Their study suggests that men with prostate cancer face a 50% higher risk of fracture, which increases to nearly 100% if they are receiving androgen deprivation therapy for their prostate cancer.
Genotyping takes us closer to an osteoporosis fingerprint
MEDIA RELEASE:
30 Apr 2008
Garvan collaborated with the Icelandic genetics company, deCode, in an extensive multi-nation genome-wide search to find the genes linked to osteoporosis and fracture. Five regions of interest have been identified that appear to warrant further scientific investigation.
Targeting aggressive breast cancers by putting them to sleep
MEDIA RELEASE:
25 Mar 2008
Dr Alex Swarbrick, head of Garvan's Tumour Progression Research Group, has published findings that Id1, a gene produced by the most aggressive forms of breast cancer, can control breast cancer growth. He has shown that by 'switching off' the Id1 gene, it is possible to induce a state of 'senescence', or permanent sleep, within a tumour, preventing it from growing or spreading.
