10 of the best Australian medical research projects

The successes of the Australian Government’s $700 million annual investment in health and medical research has been showcased in a new publication launched by the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler.

The 10 of the Best Research Projects 2010 booklet profiles the work done by some of the country’s leading researchers to improve health for all Australians. The research reflects the National Health and Medical Research Council’s (NHMRC) strong track record in supporting Australian universities working in medical health sciences.

The booklet covers diverse areas of research from post-traumatic stress disorder to cancer, and the research outcomes highlighted have been internationally recognised – and in some cases are leading the development of international practice. The booklet has been written for the general public to demonstrate the benefits of research resulting from public investment.

Mr Butler said that there is a growing recognition that health and medical research is a building block to better health, and allows for an earlier diagnosis and better treatment of serious conditions that can be the difference between a healthy, happy life and one filled with disability and limitations.

“A good example of the benefits of health and medical research benefiting Australians is the research into people affected by post-traumatic mental health conditions conducted by Professor Richard Bryant from the Brain Dynamics Centre at the University of New South Wales.

“Professor Bryant and his team monitored more than 1,000 people post-trauma and found that around 25% had a new mental health condition a year later.

“His research will pave the way to identify the risk factors and implement early intervention strategies to avert long term problems with the goal of improving treatment for all Australians that experience trauma.

“This is particularly relevant given the immense stresses that people afflicted by the recent floods, cyclone and bushfires have experienced,” said Mr Butler.

“Research like Professor Bryant’s and others highlighted in the 10 of the Best publication, lead to changes in treatment and practice – and then to better health outcomes for all Australians.

“I congratulate the researchers highlighted in the 10 of the Best and encourage them, as well as the next generation of researchers, to continue their important work and keep Australia on the cutting edge of health and medical research. The work they do is changing our system and changing lives”.

The top ten include include:

New Brainer: Refreshing memory with stem cells
Professor Perry Bartlett, Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland
This research examined the ways that the brain’s innate ability to remodel itself through the production of new nerve cells, and the formation of new connections (synapses) between these cells, is important to brain function and to repair the damage caused by stroke and dementia.

Targeting tumours: Starving cancer with creativity
Associate Professor Martin Lackmann, Monash University
An antibody has been developed that binds to the new tumour blood vessels, reducing blood flow and leading to the regression of tumours, in prostate, lung and colon cancer. These findings are about to be tested in human clinical trials, potentially leading to a new approach to cancer treatment.

Young entrepreneur: Helping cells take their medicine
Associate Professor Kevin Pfleger, Centre for Medical Research, University of WA
This research focuses on a group of proteins (G protein coupled receptors) that regulate how cells respond to hormones and neurotransmitters, with the goal of improving the bodies response to drugs, increasing effectiveness and reducing side effects.

Cardiac defender: Genetic detective on the heart beat
Professor Chris Semsarian, Centenary Institute, University of Sydney
Research into the most common cardiovascular genetic disorder, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy has identified new genes and studied how these gene faults lead to disease. This has led to new strategies to improve diagnosis and prevent sudden death in young patients with cardiomyopathy.

Shock tactician: Getting smarter at treating trauma
Professor Richard Bryant, Brain Dynamics Centre, University of NSW
The researcher and his team monitored more than 1000 people post-trauma finding around 25% had a new mental health condition a year later. They investigated a range of risk factors and the use of early intervention to avert long-term problems, with the goal of improving treatment for all Australian who experience trauma.

Memory saver: Balancing metals in the brain
Dr Anthony White, University of Melbourne
This research investigated the use of metal binding agents to modify neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and motor neuron disease. The findings have the potential to enable further development of metal complexes as treatment of the neurodegenerative disorders that affect an increasing number of ageing Australians.

NHMRC 10 of the Best Research Projects 2010 can be found at http://www.nhmrc.gov.au