Treatments for chronic inflammatory diseases are one step closer as University of Queensland researchers discover a way to stop inflammation in its tracks. Associate Professor Kate Schroder and Dr. Rebecca Coll from UQ’s Institute for Molecular Bioscience and Professor Avril Robertson from UQ’s School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences led the study, which will inform…
Zika Study May ‘Supercharge’ Vaccine Research
Scientists looking at the genetics of Zika virus have found a way to fast-track research which could lead to new vaccines. The study, led by The University of Queensland and QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, used a new technique to uncover Zika mutations that help foster virus replication in mosquito hosts, while hindering its ability…
Cutting Off Melanoma’s Escape Routes
Supercharged Antibiotics Could Turn Tide Against Superbugs
An old drug supercharged by University of Queensland researchers has emerged as a new antibiotic that could destroy some of the world’s most dangerous superbugs. The supercharge technique , led by Dr Mark Blaskovich and Professor Matt Cooper from UQ’s Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB), potentially could revitalise other antibiotics. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria – superbugs –…
Researchers Show Aspirin Added to Cancer Drug Improves Effectiveness
Concern With Potential Rise in Super Potent Cannabis Concentrates
University of Queensland researchers are concerned the recent legalisation of medicinal cannabis in Australia may give rise to super-potent cannabis concentrates with associated harmful effects. UQ Centre for Youth Substance Abuse Research’s Dr Gary Chan, who led the butane hash oil study, said a significant proportion of cannabis users used the concentrate. “Butane hash oil…
Fanged Fish’s Heroin-Like Venom Could Lead to Pain Treatments
A fearless fanged coral reef fish that disables its opponents with heroin-like venom could offer hope for the development of new painkillers. University of Queensland researcher Associate Professor Bryan Fry said the venomous fang blenny was found in the Pacific region, including on the Great Barrier Reef. “The fish injects other fish with opioid peptides that act like…
UQ Opens New Era in Cancer Research R&D
New cancer-fighting drugs could emerge from The University of Queensland in coming years, thanks to a state-of-the-art imaging facility opened today. A $2.5 million grant from the Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF) enabled the purchase of a large-bore PET-CT scanner and an upgrade of the centre’s existing Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) facilities. The new ACRF…
Drug Could Slow Motor Neuron Disease
International Deal Brings New Treatment for Chemotherapy Patients Closer To Clinic
Patients’ Genes Could Hold Clue to Reducing Severe Sepsis
Patients’ genes could unlock urgently needed new treatments for severe sepsis, which kills three and a half times as many Australians as the road toll. Researchers from The University of QueenslandDiamantina Institute and the George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, are investigating whether genetic variation between critically-ill patients contributes to their susceptibility to bacterial infection, the severity of…