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Research

Temporal landscape of mitochondrial proteostasis governed by the UPRmt

Breakdown of mitochondrial proteostasis activates quality control pathways including the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt) and PINK1/Parkin mitophagy. However, beyond the up-regulation of chaperones and proteases, we have a limited understanding of how the UPRmt remodels and restores damaged mitochondrial proteomes. 

Research

Robust and Interpretable General Movement Assessment Using Fidgety Movement Detection

Fidgety movements occur in infants between the age of 9 to 20 weeks post-term, and their absence are a strong indicator that an infant has cerebral palsy. Prechtl's General Movement Assessment method evaluates whether an infant has fidgety movements, but requires a trained expert to conduct it. Timely evaluation facilitates early interventions, and thus computer-based methods have been developed to aid domain experts. 

Research

Following in Banting’s footsteps or straying from the path? Observations from contemporary diabetes innovation

While advancements in the treatment of diabetes continue to rapidly evolve, many of the newer technologies have financial barriers to care, opposing the egalitarian ethos of Banting who sold his patent on insulin for a nominal cost to allow it to be made widely available. Inequity in access to new therapies drives disparity in diabetes burden with potential for these gaps to widen in the future.

Research

Individual variation in vaccine immune response can produce bimodal distributions of protection

The ability for vaccines to protect against infectious diseases varies among individuals, but computational models employed to inform policy typically do not account for this variation. Here we examine this issue: we implement a model of vaccine efficacy developed in the context of SARS-CoV-2 in order to evaluate the general implications of modelling correlates of protection on the individual level.

Research

Cholera risk in Lusaka: A geospatial analysis to inform improved water and sanitation provision

Urbanization combined with climate change are exacerbating water scarcity for an increasing number of the world’s emerging cities. Water and sanitation infrastructure, which in the first place was largely built to cater only to a small subsector of developing city populations, is increasingly coming under excessive strain.

Research

The effect and control of malaria in pregnancy and lactating women in the Asia-Pacific region

Half of all pregnancies at risk of malaria worldwide occur in the Asia-Pacific region, where Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax co-exist. Despite substantial reductions in transmission, malaria remains an important cause of adverse health outcomes for mothers and offspring, including pre-eclampsia. Malaria transmission is heterogeneous, and infections are commonly subpatent and asymptomatic.

Research

The Health Outcomes and Health Service Needs of the Martu and Nyiyaparli People of Northwest Western Australia: A Grey Literature Review

Health outcomes for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait peoples are very poor. This is considerably worse in remote regions. The East Pilbara, where the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities of the Martu and Nyiyaparli people reside, is one such remote region.

Research

Composition and diversity of gut microbiota

The gastrointestinal tract has one of the most diverse and complex microbial communities in nature which is shaped by both external and internal factors throughout a human's lifespan. The gut microbiota and the host have coevolved and coexisted to create a mutualistic relationship as the bacterial community has many functions in the body.

News & Events

Ear Explorers shows latest video technology helps ear disease diagnosis

Findings from The Kids Research Institute Australia’s ‘Ear Explorers’ real-life research project undertaken as part of the 2019 Telethon weekend, found short videos were more helpful than photos when making a diagnosis.

News & Events

World-first study shows increased atmospheric CO2 levels damage young lungs

Australian researchers who have conducted the first study looking at the direct health impacts of predicted carbon dioxide levels say the results are worrying and highlight the urgent need for more research into the issue.