News Archive 2007
Garvan student wins prestigious immunology award
17 Dec 2007
At its annual conference in early December, the Australasian Society of Immunology awarded Garvan PhD student, Sandra Gardam, its prestigious New Investigator Award. Sandra's research looks at B cells, the cells that produce antibodies. She has been investigating the mechanisms that ensure we have the right number of B cells in our bodies.
New Fellowship Strengthens Garvan Potential to find a cure for Type 2 diabetes
MEDIA RELEASE:
06 Dec 2007
We are very pleased to announce the establishment of the GlaxoSmithKline Don Chisholm Fellowship for Diabetes Research – a position dedicated to vital research into the causes, processes and treatments for Type 2 diabetes, one of Australia’s most common and serious diseases.
Creating indestructible insulin-producing cells
MEDIA RELEASE:
14 Nov 2007
Dr Shane Grey, head of Garvan's Gene Therapy and Autoimmunity Group, has received $350,000 from the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, as part of their Australian Islet Transplantation Program. The grant will help him genetically modify cells enabling them to defy the body's attempts to reject or kill them after transplant.
The molecule that can switch appetite off and on
05 Nov 2007
Researchers from the St Vincent’s Campus have identified the molecule responsible for the extreme weight loss common in late stage cancer. The findings published online in Nature Medicine suggest it may soon be possible to prevent this condition, giving people the strength to survive treatment. Conversely, the knowledge also suggests a way to switch off appetite in obese people.
How Garvan Tall Poppy searches for prostate cancer gene
MEDIA RELEASE:
18 Oct 2007
Dr Vanessa Hayes, head of the Cancer Genetics Group at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research, has received a prestigious New South Wales Young Tall Poppy Science Award in recognition of her research in prostate cancer.
Cancer genetics to combine forces with nanotechnology to fight breast cancer
MEDIA RELEASE:
04 Oct 2007
Associate Professor Susan Clark, head of Garvan’s Epigenetics Research Group, will play a leading role in a $5 million national research program called "Nanoscaled epigenetic biosensors: How combining two novel technologies will help Advanced Breast Cancer" announced today by the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
Solving a critical part of the insulin puzzle
MEDIA RELEASE:
04 Oct 2007
We are now one step closer to improved treatment of Type 2 diabetes following significant findings made by scientists at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research. The team from Garvan's Diabetes Signalling Unit, led by Associate Professor Trevor Biden and Dr Carsten Schmitz-Peiffer, has identified a very important biological target that will enable them to address one of the major underlying causes of diabetes.
Grant paves way to finding potential cure for Type 1 diabetes
26 Sep 2007
Dr Shane Grey, head of Garvan’s Gene Therapy and Autoimmunity Group, has been awarded a $3 M Program Grant, a joint initiative between the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) in Australia. Dr Grey aims to improve the success rate of‘islet transplantation’, a potential cure for Type I diabetes.
Garvan scientist wins L’Oréal For Women In Science Fellowship
26 Sep 2007
Senior Garvan scientist, Dr Jenny Gunton, was one of four inspirational early career scientists to be awarded an inaugural L’Oréal For Women In Science Fellowship in late August. The award will help Gunton pursue her interest in the link between Type 2 (adult onset) diabetes and Vitamin D.
NHMRC Program Grant gives Garvan the potential to find a cure for Type 1 diabetes
MEDIA RELEASE:
25 Sep 2007
Marcia Shines For Garvan
21 Sep 2007
At the 2007 Garvan Chairman’s Dinner held on 18 September, Marcia Hines thrilled our guests with exquisite renditions of some of her greatest hits in honour of Professor Don Chisholm – a leader in diabetes research and care for over 40 years….
First Leslie Lazarus Oration delivered by world-renowned diabetes expert
12 Sep 2007
Garvan held its annual International Fellow Symposium on 12 September, an event held each year to honour our major International Visiting Fellow. This year, diabetes expert Professor Ron Kahn, delivered the first "Leslie Lazarus Oration", in honour of Professor Leslie Lazarus AO, Garvan's first full time Director.
Uncovering the mysteries behind heart defects
MEDIA RELEASE:
29 Aug 2007
Until now, the reasons why some children are born with holes in their hearts, or faulty heart valves, have eluded doctors and scientists. Findings published online today in the prestigious PNAS journal may hold at least some of the answers.
Uncovering the mysteries behind heart defects
27 Aug 2007
Until now, the reasons why some children are born with holes in their hearts, or faulty heart valves, have eluded doctors and scientists. Professor Fabienne Mackay, Director of Garvan's Autoimmunity Research Unit, is hopeful that her findings, published online in the August edition of the prestigious PNAS journal, may hold at least some of the answers.
Have we uncovered a new form of Lupus?
MEDIA RELEASE:
21 Aug 2007
Findings published online today in the prestigious Journal of Experimental Medicine may offer new hope to people suffering from a previously unsuspected form of lupus. Professor Fabienne Mackay, Director of the Autoimmunity Research Unit at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research, has come to believe that a proportion of lupus patients may have a type of lupus that does not correlate with current knowledge about the disease, and therefore may not always be prescribed the best treatment.
Minister launches Garvan Alcoa community health partnership
08 Aug 2007
On 7 August, Minister for Science and Medical Research, the Hon. Verity Firth, officially launched an innovative partnership between Garvan and local aluminium recycler and manufacturer Alcoa. The Garvan Institute visited Alcoa’s Yennora plant to deliver customised interactive presentations to workers about diseases such as prostate cancer, osteoporosis and diabetes. The company hopes the education will benefit the health of employees and their families.
Managing the way our immune system remembers infection
01 Aug 2007
New Garvan research, published online in the prestigious PNAS journal, identifies which genes are involved in our bodies’ capacity to “remember” infection, and fight it the second time around. This knowledge could be useful in developing new vaccines.
Natural pain killers offer a new direction in weight loss research
01 Aug 2007
Researchers in the Eating Disorders Research Group at the Garvan Institute in Sydney have shown for the first time that dynorphins, the body’s natural version of morphine, play a significant role in regulating weight gain and weight loss.
Have we uncovered a new form of Lupus?
31 Jul 2007
Findings published in the July edition of the prestigious Journal of Experimental Medicine may offer new hope to people suffering from a previously unsuspected form of lupus. The research, undertaken by Garvan's Professor Fabienne Mackay, suggests a form of the disease that does not respond to current treatments. If proven to be correct, her findings will change clinical thinking and so bring about changes in patient management and in clinical trial protocols.
Natural pain killers offer a new direction in weight loss research
MEDIA RELEASE:
31 Jul 2007
Researchers in the Eating Disorders Research Group at the Garvan Institute in Sydney have shown for the first time that dynorphins, the body’s natural version of morphine, play a significant role in regulating weight gain and weight loss.
How we can stop stress from making us obese
MEDIA RELEASE:
05 Jul 2007
New findings on the mechanisms that trigger stress-induced obesity, published today in Nature Medicine online, could offer hope to millions. Professor Herbert Herzog, Director of the Neuroscience Research Program at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research, together with scientists from the US and Slovakia, have shown that neuropeptide Y (NPY), a molecule the body releases when stressed, can 'unlock' Y2 receptors in the body's fat cells, stimulating the cells to grow in size and number. By blocking those receptors, it may be possible to prevent fat growth, or make fat cells die.
How we can stop stress from making us obese
02 Jul 2007
Neuropeptide Y (NPY), a molecule the body releases when stressed, can ‘unlock’ Y2 receptors in the body’s fat cells, stimulating the cells to grow in size and number.
Persin - the avocado toxin that kills breast cancer cells
14 Jun 2007
Researchers in Garvan's cancer program have shown that a compound found in the leaves and fruit of the avocado tree can kill breast cancer cells
Genes and disease
08 Jun 2007
News reports today detail the discovery of genetic regions that contribute to the risk of developing seven of the Western World's common diseases.
Shining bright: Twenty years at Garvan
07 Jun 2007
Twenty years ago this month, Professor John Shine AO FAA joined the Garvan Institute as its Deputy Director.
Garvan thanks Vittoria coffee
07 Jun 2007
A generous donation by Vittoria Coffee has enabled Garvan to provide its staff with a dedicated, stylish, in-house café
Growth hormone does not improve sports performance or increase muscle
05 Jun 2007
Lead investigator and endocrinologist Professor Ken Ho said: “We were surprised to find that human growth hormone has no effect on muscle mass or sports performance
Growth hormone does not improve sports performance or increase muscle
MEDIA RELEASE:
04 Jun 2007
New research on the effects and the detection of growth hormone doping at the Garvan Institute in Sydney takes the international sporting community one step closer to stamping out drug cheats.
Dubbo congas in support of Garvan
03 May 2007
Dubbo’s senior citizens celebrate the 18th birthday of Garvan’s Dubbo Osteoporosis Epidemiology Study
Garvan Scientist wins Gustav Nossal Scholarship
30 Mar 2007
Each year the highest ranked applicant for an NHMRC (National Health and Medical Research Council) Medical and Dental Postgraduate Research Scholarship wins the Gustav Nossal Scholarship. This year’s recipient, Dr Sandra Biankin who is using the funds to undertake her PhD at Garvan.
Professor David James elected Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science
15 Mar 2007
The Director of Garvan’s Diabetes and Obesity Research Program, Professor David James, has been elected Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science in recognition of his outstanding contributions to science.
Convergence of Art and Science
13 Feb 2007
Art and Science converged at the Art Gallery of New South Wales on February 12, for an auction of artworks inspired by Garvan scientists. The proceeds of the auction, over $50 000, will help support our work.
Osteoporosis: Men told to watch their step
25 Jan 2007
Garvan scientists say that men need to realise osteoporosis is not just a disease of elderly women and that once men over the age of 60 have had a fracture, around one in three will have broken another bone within just a few years.
Osteoporosis: Men told to watch their step
MEDIA RELEASE:
04 Jan 2007
Garvan scientists say that men need to realise osteoporosis is not just a disease of elderly women and that once men over the age of 60 have had a fracture, around one in three will have broken another bone within just a few years. Leading study author, Dr Jackie Center says: “While women are initially twice as likely as men to have a fracture, once the first break occurs, the risk of a second substantially increases and the protective effects of being male disappear altogether.”
