Hunter teens have $200,000 in unpaid fines, according to new report

BY SHY-ANN ARKINSTALL

According to data from Revenue NSW, Hunter residents under the age of 18 owe more than $200,000 in unpaid fines.

Researchers out of the University of Newcastle have been studying the trend, and say many young people are showing signs of financial stress including skipping meals and making late payments on bills.

Research has also found, many are turning to credit options to pay fines and bills leading to interest costs and further financial stress.

Senior Sociology Lecturer at the University of Newcastle, Dr. Julia Cook says most fines owed by those under 18 are transport fines for travelling without a valid ticket and believes most are likely not paying because they can't afford it.

"They may get a fine but also through that process they may become known to the transport officers and that means they may be likely to get picked up on that again and that can be a bit of a cycle," Dr. Cook said.

Dr. Cook also pointed out there is an assumption, parents will be able to pay fines if children cannot afford it, but said this is not always a case, especially amid the current cost of living crisis.

"Young people can have issues getting their L plates and their P plates; if they have outstanding fines that can be a roadblock to getting those sorts of things that young people are not always aware of. Particularly for young people who live in areas that may not have great public transport or if they have started a trade and they really need to be able to drive or just to have employment, it can be a real roadblock to their goals," Dr. Cook said.

Dr. Cook also said there are alternative methods of payments for fines which should utilised by young people struggling to pay fines, such as requesting a Work and Development Order where, through work, study, or financial counselling, you can get your fines reduced.

Work and Development Orders can be carried out at places such as PCYC and the University of Newcastle, among others.

"I think we need to look at why these people are accruing fines. If people are taking public transport and aren't paying their fare I don't think they should necessarily be receiving a fine for that. I think there needs to be some kind of further examination because even when people are on a low income they still need to be able to access essential services," Dr. Cook said.

Collaborative Artwork Between Newcastle-Based Artist and UON Researcher Unveiled at HMRI

BY OLIVIA DILLON

A Newcastle-based artist and reproduction expert have collaborated to produce a new piece of art unveiled at the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) overnight.

This year's HMRI Art Series is the product of a collaboration between Researcher of the Year, Professor Brett Nixon and visual artist, Mitch Revs. 

The University of Newcastle's Professor Nixon is a member of the HMRI Pregnancy and Reproduction team, and his research focuses on genetic and environmental factors which impact the quality of sperm. 

At the HMRI Community Seminar last night, Professor Nixon said seeing his work come to life brought tears to his eyes. 

"I've devoted my life to this research field, not for the accolades but more to try and improve the outcomes for people that are suffering from infertility," he said.  

"I'm very touched by what Mitch has brought out of our research. He's a genuine artist."

The one-off artwork titled "Seedling" aims to shed a light on the crucial need for more researchers in the fields of infertility and reproduction, and showcase the significant fertility research being run out of laboratories in the Hunter. 

Mitch Revs was specially chosen to produce the artwork for this year's Series, and said he couldn't be more grateful for the opportunity to be a part of a worthy cause. 

"My biggest fear was not being able to reflect him (Brett) how he needs to be reflected; I felt a lot of pressure around the objective because I wanted to do a good job," Mitch said. 

"To have my work displayed at HMRI is a massive honour and achievement for me; it's one of those boxes everyone wants to tick." 

"Hopefully we can raise some much needed funds when we auction the artwork in a few weeks." 

"Seedling" will be auctioned at the HMRI Ball on Saturday June 17th. 

The money raised from the auction will go towards funding more vital research projects in the Hunter. 

Image: Mitch Revs

Image: Michelle Lawson

Alzheimer's drug proves promising in Hunter trial

BY DAKOTA TAIT

A drug being trialed around the globe and at the Hunter Medical Research Institute is being hailed as a major breakthrough when it comes to slowing the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

Lecanemab is showing promise in helping the body's immune system get rid of amyloid plaques which impact the neurons in the brain.

Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia, but lecanemab is the first and only drug which has been proven to be effective in treatment.

University of Newcastle neuroscientist Professor Michael Breakspear says the next step will be another clinical trial with members of the community, in the hopes of nipping the disease in the bud.

"Either showing the very earliest signs of cognitive impairment, so they don't yet have dementia, but they might have memory problems, they might have a little bit of confusion, but they don't have dementia," he said.

"And other people who, because of their genetic risk, are known to be at very high risk of developing dementia, but don't have any cognitive impairment."

"The goal of this study, another international study, is to see if we can actually prevent people from developing dementia or halt it in its tracks at its very earliest onset, before there's been any underlying destruction of brain tissue."

Prof Breakspear describes the drug as adding an extra six months of cognitive function.

It's hoped lecanemab could soon win approval by the Therapeutic Goods Administration in Australia.

Margaret Williamson and her twin sister Meryl often take part in clinical trials as self-described "human guinea pigs", who researchers can compare.

The 68-year-old retired nurse says it was a shock to find out their own risk, but they're glad they're involved in the trial.

"Well, now I hope it will," she said. "We had no idea that we had high amyloid until we went to the study."

"No signs of dementia, nothing. Just very high amyloids."

"How far down the track would we have lost our minds? I don't know. It was a scary thing when they said it, and we went, 'oh well,' we'll go in the study and try and prevent it getting any worse." 

Image credit: Australian Dementia Network.

Hunter blokes trying out walk-and-talk therapy in new study

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Newcastle researchers are hoping to find out if walk-and-talk style, outdoor therapy could be a better option for men than sitting down inside.

The team includes members from all of the University's schools and colleges, and is the first internationally to explore the approach.

Dr Myles Young says it's important we have as many tools as possible to treat mental health issues.

"In Australia, one in eight men will experience depression throughout their life," he said. "In reality, it's probably actually quite a bit more, because many men don't seek help."

"During COVID alone, the prevalence of depression in Australia increased by about ten percent."

"Compared to women, men are less likely to seek help for things like depression or low mood, and when they do seek help and go to psychotherapy or counselling, they're less likely to stick with it all the way through. 

It's believed taking psychotherapy outside might make men more comfortable to open up, because of the natural environment, less eye contact, and the shared space.

Dr Young says the physical activity can also be great for men doing it tough.

"While we have all this evidence to show it may work, no one's ever really looked to see if it does work with men," he said. "It's possible that it might not be as appealing. No one knows that yet, because no one's done the research."

"And we're not sure not only does it work, but is it something that men find engaging and appealing and will stick with? That's what we're really interested to find out through our research."

The team's recruiting local blokes to take part until Friday 28 October.

You can find out more by contacting Dr Myles Young at myles.young@newcastle.edu.au.

Tropical trek to raise money for Hunter research into premature birth

BY DAKOTA TAIT

A seven-day trek is setting off across Costa Rica this Friday to raise money for Hunter research into premature births.

Borne HMRI is a collaboration between the Hunter Medical Research Institute and the UK initiative Borne, with the aim of finding answers for what causes preterm birth, and how to prevent it.

Former Wallaby Captain Dean Mumm helped found the local branch four years ago - he and wife Sarah have lost four children to pre-term birth.

"Would you walk across the country for your children?" he said. "We're a very literal group, it seems."

"You would walk across the country for your children - we just happened to choose one that's maybe a bit thinner than Australia."

Mr Mumm will join six other Aussies in the 280 kilometre coast-to-coast trek from the country's Caribbean to Pacific shores.

Seven Brits are also taking on the trek, as well as a doctor, a pair of guides, and former British SAS officer Allen Chambers.

Mr Mumm says it's an important initiative, and one which will always hit close to home.

"One in ten babies in Australia are born preterm," he said. "Roughly about 26,000 per annum."

"We as a family, my wife and I, we've unfortunately lost four children, simply because they were just born too early. If any of those things happened later in gestation, our children would've been here."

"Australian researchers are pretty excellent, and particularly those at HMRI. There's lots for us to do, and lots for us to collaborate on across the globe using Australian researchers."

Deer in the headlights of new Lake Macquarie research program

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Work is getting started on a new research project, looking into the size and species of deer populations across Lake Macquarie.

Lake Macquarie Council is funding the researchers at the University of Technology Sydney, who are hoping to get a better picture of feral deer in the region and their impact on the environment.

UTS Environmental Sciences Program Director Dr Leigh Martin says they'll use the data to help inform management strategies.

"We're pretty confident that there are deer present in western and north Lake Macquarie," he said. "What we don't know is which species are present and their precise abundance and distribution."

"It's important to know exactly where they are and what the impacts are. The main strategies that are used to manage deer are culling and excluding them sensitive environments, so that might include fencing off areas of sensitive vegetation to reduce those grazing impacts."

While deer are considered common in neighbouring Cessnock, the extent of the animals isn't clear on the Lake's western shores.

Anecdotal evidence suggests it's likely there are deer in Lake Macquarie, but the animals are often hard to spot in the wild.

Researchers are set to start field research in November.

"It's not especially glamorous work," Dr Martin said. "It involves doing what we call fecal pellet counts, which means going out and counting the number of deer poos that are present, and also using camera traps to identify where the deer are."

Hope for world-first pesticide as Hunter's varroa battle continues

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Researchers are developing a new pesticide which could be a game-changer for beekeepers across the Hunter and around the world dealing with the varroa mite.

A team from the University of Sydney and Hort Innovation have teamed up to work on the $1.2 million initiative.

According to Hort Innovation's Pollination R&D Manager Ashley Zamek, the project has exciting potential for the industry.

"This pesticide is actually a real innovation," she said. "Most chemicals are either broad-spectrum - so they kind of affect anything and everything."

"Even those that are quite selective tend to focus on a group of insects - those that suck or chew. This pesticide will only target varroa mite and won't be harmful to any other insects, including honey bees."

By targeting the hormone receptors of the mite, as well as the hive beetle, the pesticide interferes with the reproduction, development, and behaviour of the unwanted species. 

Those target receptors aren't present in honey bees or other vertebrates, meaning the pesticide is safe for the environment.

It comes as the State Government declares another biosecurity zone on the North Coast, after the varroa mite was detected near Nana Glen, north-west of Coffs Harbour.

Contact tracers say all the detections so far have been linked to existing cases.

The pesticide project's been in the works since before the varroa mite incursion in the Hunter, however, initially focusing solely on the hive beetle.

It's likely a few years away from widespread and commercial use, but there's hope it will be welcomed by farmers and beekeepers around the globe.

"The technology that's required to create this pesticide requires specialty expertise as well as laboratory facilities, and Australia's one of the only places in the world that can do that," Ms Zamek said.

"Not only will it be applicable for Australia, but it will be applicable worldwide, and that makes it really special in terms of having a commercial market."

Public forum exploring generational changes to women's health

BY SIOBHAN HARVEY 

Newcastle Institute are holding their first public forum of the year this Wednesday on Generational Changes in Women's Health. 

University of Newcastle academic Professor Julie Byles will share the insights into healthy ageing that she has found from conducting the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's health. 

The study started over 25 years ago and has involved surveying over 57 thousand women from all over Australia. 

During the study Professor Byles noticed that mental health generally tends to improve as women age however, it is clear that COVID - 19 has taken its toll on younger women. 

"Women now are more distressed than women the same age 25 years ago," she said.

"When COVID came along we found through surveying women every two weeks during 2020 and some of 2021, that the younger the women were the more they were distressed and the more they were distressed in relation to COVID." 

Professor Byles said over the past 25 years women across four generations have provided a wealth of data on their lives, their health, and their health care use. 

From her research there has been many interesting and useful findings, some hopeful and some concerning. 

"I've been really lucky because I've concentrated on ageing, and the things that surprise me there have been less concerning and more positive and hopeful about women's adaptability and their ability to reinvent themselves," she said. 

During the forum she will talk about the circumstances younger generations are facing and whether or not health care systems are up to par with women's health. 

"The other thing that I think is very important is looking at our health systems and our society and thinking whether or not we have the right shaped society for who we are as people and what our life course looks like." 

The forum will be held at Newcastle United Sports Club from 6pm to 7.30pm, the event is free and there is no need to book. 

University of Newcastle academic Professor Julie Byles AO 

Funding to Help Newcastle Researchers Catch Ovarian Cancer Early

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Newcastle researchers have been awarded $595,000 by the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation to continue their work into early detection methods of the disease.

The team studied local women with a family history of the disease in order to identify a blood-based protein biomarker which could help GPs catch the cancer early.

The money will help the team launch a larger trial on 2000 women, half with ovarian cancer and half without, to validate the biomarker as a diagnostic tool.

Professor Pradeep Tanwar says the technology could turn the tide against the disease.

"Currently there's no way you can predict who has ovarian cancer and who doesn't," Prof Tanwar said.

"And if you're diagnosed early, you have a much better chance of surviving, otherwise 50 percent of women will die in five years."

Ovarian cancer is currently considered the most lethal gynaecological cancer, mostly due to high rates of late diagnosis. 

It's thought an accurate early detection test could save around 8000 Australian women over a decade.

Prof Tanwar says the project has already been underway for four years.

"This will fund the staff for the next three years to work on this project," Prof Tanwar.

"It's really good to carry on those staff who have been spending time - and it's difficult time working on this project." 

Prof Tanwar says the team are "extremely grateful" to receive the grant and keep working toward saving women's lives.

"Every researcher from Australia is trying to get on of those grants, and naturally, they only award two or three every year," Prof Tanwar said.

"Being able to get one of these to the Hunter, beating all the big city counterparts, is quite a huge achievement for our university."

Hunter Researchers Hoping to Break Ground in Dementia Battle

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Hunter researchers are set to launch two new studies hoping to identify dementia risk in older people and even delay progression of the disease.

The studies will focus on finding out if the buildup of plaques thought to cause Alzheimer's will work as a predictive test. 

There's also potential new approaches to antibody therapy could help remove the beta amyloid protein which makes up the plaques, slowing or reversing dementia symptoms.

The efforts are part of a collaboration between the Hunter Medical Research Institute and the Australian Dementia Network, in conjunction with international drug companies.

Professor Michael Breakspear, the neuroscientist leading the team, says the trials are a great opportunity for the Hunter.

"This is what's really new about these clinical trials, and the one that we've got here in Newcastle," Prof Breakspear said.

"We can find people in the community who look like they're really on that dangerous path to dementia and they've got amyloid in their brain, and for the first time we can offer them a treatment that will stop that accumulation of amyloid."

Researchers are currently looking for local participants to sign up to the trials.

Prof Breakspear says the first trial will involve cognitive assessments, genetic studies, and brain scans, while the second will focus on finding out if the antibody treatments are effective.

"It would be great to be able to identify people in their late 50s, 60s, and early 70s, and say, we think you're highly likely to be developing dementia," Prof Breakspear said.

"Here are some treatments we can offer you at the moment that will delay or even reverse or prevent what otherwise might happen in 10 or 15 years."

People interested in taking part in the trial can find out more at https://www.australiandementianetwork.org.au/i-am-a-member-of-the-public-or-consumer/volunteer-for-trials/.

Newcastle Professor Uncovers Sugar Secrets and Opens the Door to Diet Fruit

BY DAKOTA TAIT

A University of Newcastle researcher has collaborated with Chinese scientists to uncover the secrets of sugar in plants - opening the door to the possibility of creating 'diet fruit'.

Professor Yong-Ling Ruan at the University's School of Environmental and Life Sciences, spent seven years on the groundbreaking study, examining the how, why, and where of sugar distribution in plant cells.

The team identified the indicators which decided how much sugar was transported and stored in different parts of a plant, such as the leaves or the fruit.

"The research basically is to unlock some of the secrets about how this transport works together to determine how much sugar should be getting in, or not," Professor Ruan said.

"Knowing that can put us in a position to potentially manipulate those processes to either increase or decrease the sugar levels in the plant itself."

Zooming in on apples and tomatoes, the team discovered two types of sugar transporters which moved glucose around on a molecular level.

Professor Ruan said the research could help farmers improve their crop yields or even to develop special low sugar fruit for diabetics.

"We could manipulate the sugar levels in say, tomato fruit, or apple, or peach, or sugar cane, and increase the yield for farmers," Professor Ruan said.

"Or we could potentially reduce the levels of sugars but still maintain the sweetness, the taste, so that it's a so-called diet fruit."

Professor Ruan said the potential of the research in agriculture and industry was huge.

"For this particular research we used apples and tomatoes as a model system," Professor Ruan said.

"But I can envisage the same or similar mechanisms in peach, pear, or chili - you name it."

Mark Hughes Foundation Joins Forces with Hunter Researchers to Trial Brain Cancer Support Forum

BY TAHLIA HALE

Mental health researchers at the Hunter Medical Research Institute and the University of Newcastle have developed a new online forum to help brain cancer patients and their families and friends find support.

With a grant from the Mark Hughes Foundation (MHF), the MHF Breathing Space app offers cancer patients, friends, and family members a safe space to access support from mental health professionals and people with lived experience of brain cancer.

MHF co-founder Mark Hughes says while his family were a big support when he was diagnosed with brain cancer, he still wondered, "Who was there for them?"

"This app will provide access to a vital online community that families and friends who are going through the brain cancer journey also need," Mr Hughes said.

The trial for MHF Breathing Space is looking to recruit 100 people to join and experience the app so it can be refined ahead of its launch to a wider audience.

The app is just one part of a larger research project from a team of mental health professionals which will help develop an online program to offer support and strategies for coping with the broader affects of brain cancer.

MHF co-founder Kirralee Hughes wants the MHF Breathing Space app to provide a safe and supportive online space for the family and friends of people with brain cancer.

"It's a really lonely place when someone's first diagnosed or when they do pass away from brain cancer," Mr Hughes said.

"You sometimes think you're the only person in the world that it going through what you're going through."

Breathing Space has already been trialed over the past month with people of the brain cancer community, some who have lost someone and some who are carers of those recently diagnosed.

"It's a space where carers can go on, like social media, but its a private site - you have to be a carer for or a family friend of someone diagnosed - where you can just talk about anything," Ms Hughes said.

"You can get on [the forum] and share your feelings, ask questions, and, because its other people who have gone through or are going through the same emotions that you're going through, a lot of people are finding that it helps that they're not the only one going through it."

Breathing Space is available to eligible users via the Apple Store and Google Play.

MHF Co-Founder Mark Hughes. 

University of Newcastle Graduate Lands Spot at Ivy League College

BY DAKOTA TAIT

A University of Newcastle graduate has landed a spot at Brown University, a prestigious Ivy League school in the United States and one of the world's leading research universities.

Sam Parker, an Electrical Engineering graduate, will pursue a PhD in Biomedical Engineering with a focus on research into brain computer interfaces - devices which are able to interpret the electrochemical signals of the brain into information used to control computers or prosthetic limbs.

Mr Parker was awarded Best Project at the University of Newcastle for his final year project work on developing a 3D-printed, brain-controlled robotic arm.

"When you want to move your hand or really do anything, your brain generates an electrical signal, and that electrical signal can be measured on your scalp," said Mr Parker. "What my project did, was it decoded those electrical signals and then was able to figure out whether you were trying to open your hand or close your hand."

With Brown University at the forefront of brain computer interface research, Mr Parker hopes the opportunity will bring him closer to his dream of helping amputees or sufferers of paralysis by restoring some of their lost limb function through the use of this technology.

"When I was in early high school I thought there was such an injustice, people could be in the prime of their life and and then be struck down by an injury or an illness and have reduced upper limb function, relying on other people for care, not able to feed themselves or clothe themselves," said Mr Parker.

"I thought about what I could do to try and help these people, give them a second grasp on life, and give them their independence back."

Mr Parker, a 2020 John Monash scholar, plans to relocate to Rhode Island this August to commence his studies.

"It's a little bit anxiety inducing, but I've got a pretty good support network over there," he said. "I've got a few friends and I've got some family over there, so I'm taking all the appropriate precautions."

"It's going to be a little bit scary, but I'm sure I'm going to be adapting pretty quick."

Electrical Engineering Graduate Sam Parker poses with his final year project.

Hunter Health Researchers Receive More Than Ten Million in Grants

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Six Hunter researchers and their projects have received a combined total of $10.6 million in the latest round of grants from the National Health and Medical Research Council.

The three NHMRC Investigator Grants and three Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Investigator Grants will be led by affiliates with the University of Newcastle, the Hunter Medical Research Institute, and Hunter New England Health, and will address critical areas of concern in chronic disease prevention and community health outcomes

Associate Professor Luke Wolfenden will receive more than $2.7 million over five years to examine methods of promoting positive health behaviours such as physical activity, a healthy diet and qutting smoking.

Professor Frances Kay-Lambkin will receive more than $2 million over five years to examine mental health treatment and potential usage of technology in improving access.

Associate Professor Kelvin Kong will receive more than $1 million to study a telehealth ear, nose and throat (ENT) model in the context of metropolitan, rural and regional Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services, focusing on improvement in Aboriginal children’s access to specialist care and a reduction in waiting times for treatment.

Dr Rachel Sutherland and Dr Nicole Nathan were each awarded $1.5 million to examine the effectiveness of chronic disease prevention programs within communities and schools.

Dr Vanessa Murphy was also awarded $1.5 million to fund research into asthma care during pregnancy and the implementation of this research into local, national, and international clinical practice.

University of Newcastle Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation), Professor Janet Nelson, said the funding success was recognition of the vital research being conducted across the Hunter Region.

“As we navigate a very challenging funding environment, it is incredibly encouraging to see our researchers continue to be recognised for their important work," Professor Nelson said. "While globally, there is a united focus on combatting COVID-19, it is essential that we continue to strive and invest in understanding and developing novel treatments for the vast array of health concerns that continue to affect our populations."

“I sincerely congratulate all our recipients of today’s announcement and I look forward to seeing the results of their impactful projects.”

Find out more about the research here.

                                      Image Credit: TOYBO Biotech

Newcastle Research Competitive on the World Stage

BY ALICE PEART
A national report evaluating the quality of research by Universities has ranked Newcastle as 8^th for research in Australia with 95 percent now assessed as 'at or above world standard'. 

The 2018 Excellence in Research Australia is a government assessment conducted every three years aimed at identifying how Australian Universities compare to the world standard of research. 

Newcastle achieved the highest possible rating for their research across 30 fields representing a steady increase since the first release of the rankings in 2010.  

Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky said it was particularly impressive to see 100 percent of their STEMM research areas, and almost 90 percent of CABLE research, rated as 'at or above world standard'. 

While predominantly receiving high ratings several areas of research have seemingly fallen through the cracks with Economics, Political Science, Computation Theory and Mathematics, Digital Media and Religious Studies assessed as below world average. 

One area, Interdisciplinary Engineering, received a rating of 'well below' world average, placing them in the one percent of Australian Universities to fall into that category.  

Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Deb Hodgson speaking to 2NURFM today said, "It allows us to see where we sit in the sector. 

So certainly that is the position of the institution now is to take stock, investigate where we're falling behind and invest in those areas". 

Of the 42 institutions assessed across Australia less than half had improved their ratings. 

The Link Between Diets during pregnancy and Healthcare costs

BY: ALEX MURRAY

An online survey is underway from dieticians at the University of Newcastle, investigating how diet impacts pregnant women and their babies.

Using the survey, researchers are able to assess mother's in their final trimester in the ways they are eating and whether there is a link between nutrition and healthcare costs.

This will help nutritionists know what to recommend to women at different stages of their pregnancy as well as whether these healthy eating theories are saving the health system any money.

The chief researcher from the University of Newcastle, Professor Clare Collins says:

"Pregnancy is a very important time for women and nutrition can become very confusing with too many recommendations of what to eat and what to avoid."

"At the moment it's really hard for mums to access nutrition advice so we're trying to come up with a rationale to say - it can save everyone time and money if we give mums advice while they're pregnant."

Women who can volunteer for the survey need to be between 28 and 36 weeks pregnant, are over the age of 18 and are delivering their baby at the John Hunter hospital. 

Researchers say what is recommended to eat during a woman's pregnancy can influence not only her health but the wellbeing of her baby. 

For those wishing to complete the survey the link directly for participants is:

 https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/pregnancyDQ#newspaper

For more information, contact the Hunter Medical Research Institute or the research team:

WEBSITE: https://hmri.org.au/
PH: (02) 4921 5646