Octopus research to help cancer treatment
Octopus venom research leading to potential new pain and cancer treatments and a study to improve stroke treatments are among 69 overseas research collaborations to share Government funding totalling $440,000.
“The Australian Government’s International Science Linkages program enables Australian researchers to participate in work on some of the great global challenges in North America, Europe and Asia,” Innovation Minister, Senator Kim Carr, said when announcing the grants.
“The grants help Australian scientists to access the latest technologies and research infrastructure.
“International science collaboration is a key priority for the Australian Government because global challenges require global solutions.”
The projects funded were selected by the Australian Academy of Science as part of the Australian Government’s International Science Linkages – Science Academies Program, which supports Australian collaboration in strategically focused, leading edge, international science and research.
They include work on:
- the molecular causes of stroke, the second leading cause of death in Australia, which may translate into new and effective therapies
- new grape and wine sampling methods to make it easier to identify differences between grapes, which may improve wine quality and add to knowledge for the early detection of medical and agricultural disease; and
- octopus and cuttlefish venom in rare species that may lead to new drugs to treat pain, allergies and cancer.
“All the projects selected will deliver benefits to the entire community and demonstrate the excellence and breadth of Australian science,” Senator Carr said.
A complete list of successful grantees and their projects can be viewed at http://www.science.org.au/internat/SAP-participants-2010-11(Round2).html.
