Research breakthroughs and advances

Since 1963, Garvan’s scientists have pioneered major research developments in the diseases affecting society the most. Scroll down to discover some of the key advances we've made over the last 60 years.

 

 

2021

Researchers reveal a strategy for next-generation COVID-19 vaccines

Garvan-led researchers outline a strategy to generate future-proofed COVID-19 vaccines that can resist emergent new viral strains.

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2021

Pancreatic cancer ‘priming’ may make chemotherapy more effective

In preclinical models, a team at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research could enhance the tumours’ response to chemotherapy by reducing the stiffness and density of the connective tissue known as the stroma, and reduce cancer spread by up to 50%.

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2020

Sydney researchers develop rapid genomics strategy to trace coronavirus

A team of leading Sydney researchers pioneered the use of a fast genomic sequencing technology to help determine the source of hard-to-trace coronavirus cases.

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2020

Treatment linked to slowed cognitive decline

A six-year study of older Australians with type 2 diabetes uncovered a link between metformin use, slower cognitive decline and lower dementia rates

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2019

Psoriasis drug for osteosarcoma

A treatment for psoriasis could be repurposed to treat this rare but aggressive form of cancer. “There's been no real advance in treatments for four decades – we have uncovered a new target that can be modulated with an existing therapy."

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2017

MRI screens pick up early stage cancers

Our research, along with international efforts, showed that whole-body MRI screening can detect primary tumours throughout the body, at a curable stage, in people with high genetic risk of cancer.

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2015

Genomic diagnosis changes lives

Using whole genome sequencing, we diagnosed a previously mysterious immune disorder in a critically ill 5-year-old boy. Armed with this knowledge, clinicians changed Alan's treatment – radically improving his health and his outlook.

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2012

Unmasking the secrets of pancreatic cancer

We sequenced the genomes of 100 pancreatic tumours and identified new mutations that lead to pancreatic cancer.

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2011

Breakthrough study links Type 1 diabetes and Sjögren's syndrome

With collaborators, we discovered a new group of immune cells that for the first time directly link two autoimmune diseases, Type 1 diabetes and Sjögren's syndrome.

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2010

Gene silencing common in cancers

A group of Garvan scientists discover that extensive gene silencing is common in cancer, with up to 3% of the genome affected by epigenetic changes to DNA in cancer cells.

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2009

Our brains build bones

We showed that the brain, through the hormone NPY, helps control the building of our skeletons.

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2000

Belly fat link to diabetes

We uncovered the role of abdominal fat in determining risk of type 2 diabetes.

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1999 to 2005

Growing nerve cells

We developed methods to culture adult nerve stem cells capable of generating new brain cells, giving hope that some neurodegenerative diseases could be reversed.

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1993

Cyclins drive the progression of breast cancer

We made one of the decade’s most significant advances in breast cancer when we discovered the role of proteins called cyclins.

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1987

Genes contribute to bone health

We helped discover the first genetic factors that impact bone density of the spine and the proximal femur in adults.

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1973

Lifesaving insulin infusions

We developed an infusion technique that treats ketoacidosis, a potentially life-threatening complication associated with diabetes.

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1965

Measuring growth hormone

We developed an Australian-first ‘radioimmunoassay’ technique to measure growth hormone in people.

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