Funding Towards Research into Concussion in Game-Play

BY CHARLOTTE LLOYD 

University of Newcastle researchers have received a total of $4.5 million as part of the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) ideas grant. 

Among those receiving funding is Dr Suzie Edwards looking at the effectiveness of tackle technique intervention to reduce the in-game risk of concussion. 

Specifically prominent in Rugby League Dr Edwards is using empirical based research in order to make the sport safer for the players and reduce the long-term effects repeated concussions can have. 

With a grant of just over $1 million Dr Edwards has been working with other researchers and rugby league professionals in order to understand the types of tackles involved in game play and the risks these pose. 

It has been found that Indigenous Australians and Pacifica players are of those most susceptible to injury with the league having a percentage of 57% of players falling in this category. 

With the help of professionals and medical experts this research will enable Dr Edwards to develop new coaching guidelines.

"Our research is looking at how we can change someone's tackle technique. So we've identified risk factors for how someone tackles. In a way we're re-teaching and coaching players to tackle differently that modifies their injury risk for concussions," Dr Edwards said. 

Hunter researcher awarded $380,000 to investigate Koala conservation

BY JARROD MELMETH

An early career researcher at the University of Newcastle has been awarded almost $380,000 to investigate stem cells in Australian species to improve conservation efforts of those that are endangered.

The research is the first of its kind and will look at how reproductive stem cells can be used as a conservation tool for endangered wildlife species through biobanking.

Biobanking is the cryopreservation or freezing of reproductive cells which is usually mature sperm or egg cells. This is done to preserve the different genetic information of animals to make sure the gene pool of the species doesn't become too small. When there is only a small population of animals, for instance when they are endangered, they start to become genetically similar which makes them more vulnerable to extinction.

The problem currently with biobanking is in some species the mature sperm cells that are cryopreserved don't survive the freezing process, which means they can't be used to create new individuals in the future and maintain the genetic diversity.

Lecturer in Biological Science, Dr Tessa Lord says one of the species that has this problem is the Koala and its really important to do some work on maintaining the population. 

"My research specifically is looking at the potential for biobanking the spermatogonial stem cells rather than sperm from species like the koala.

"This is something which hasn't really been done before and that's because we don't know a lot about these reproductive stem cells, particularly in wildlife species. We don't really know how to keep them alive in an invitro environment, in other words outside the body.

"My previous research has identified a molecular pathway that we think is important for the survival and maintenance of these reproductive stem cells and we have found the koala stem cells also seem to possess this pathway," Dr Lord said.

The funding for the project comes from the Australian Research Council which Dr Lord hopes to further characterise the molecular pathway.

Based on the results, the team wants to make the first attempts at maintaining the koala stem cells in a culture dish which would be the first pre-cursor step towards the biobanking approaches.

Dr Lord says we urgently need an intervention to make sure our koala population is not facing extinction and the biobanking of the reproductive tissue like the spermatogonial stem cells is one tool that can be used towards doing this.

Researchers Team Up to Fight Ross River Virus

 BY PATRICK ALDERTON 

Researchers from the University of Newcastle have teamed up with the CSIRO, the NSW Department of Health, and the University of Melbourne to tackle the mosquito-borne Ross River Virus. 

The three-year project will use genomic sequencing, aiming to inform suppression strategies for the Aedes Vigilax species in the Hunter, Lake Macquarie and Port Stephens areas. 

The Aedes Vigilax species, originating from coastal wetland areas such as swamps, mangroves and salt marshes, has one of the most widespread populations in Australia, and can fly many kilometres in a lifetime. 

CSIRO researcher Brendan Trewin says the project will be influenced by new advances in genomic sequencing to look at closely related mosquito populations and determine relationships between them. 

"Advances in technology mean we can sequence tiny amounts of DNA to track genetic differences of individual mosquito genomes and find distinct populations" Dr Trewin said. 

The CSIRO has extensive experience working to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases. 

Pictured: Aedes Vigilax mosquito 
Image supplied by CSIRO 

Social factors a big contributor to where students study

BY LAURA RUMBEL 

New research conducted on accommodation at Australian universities has shown that regional and remote students prioritise social factors when deciding where to study and live when relocating for university. 

The research led by Doctor Julia Cook from the University of Newcastle found on-campus accommodation provided a sense of connectedness, however was not always preferred by all students. 

The research which was funded by the National Centre for Student Equity in Higher Education (NCSEHE) conducted surveys and interviews indicating students' choice of university, based on factors including study programs on offer and cost of living. 

The research found that students who lived on campus reported higher levels of housing satisfaction and experienced more positive relationships. 

The research also found that on-campus accommodation was not always suitable or available to all. 

 "Students who are a little bit older, those who have dependence, families or those who are living with a disability are simply not wanting to live in a highly social environment," Dr Cook said. 

The research team recommends to student accommodation providers and universities to think about how to bring some of the benefits of social connectedness to students in all kinds of accommodation. 

"Some of the things we've recommended are orientation activities, social activities and programs that are specific to regional and remote students," Dr Cook said. 

Affordability of accommodation was also an important factor for regional and remote students when determining whether to live on-campus while studying at university. 

While students working one to ten hours weekly during the university semester reported little impact on their studies, the degree of impact was shown to increase depending on the number of hours worked. 

"Regional, rural and remote students coming from disadvantaged backgrounds are likely to suffer more in their studies, owing to the greater financial and time demands of long working hours," Dr Cook said. 

The potential of the research to shape future decisions and practices around students relocating to study was noted by NCSEHE Director Professor Sarah O'Shea. 

Source: John Holland

$7.5 million commitment for brain cancer research at the University Of Newcastle

BY JARROD MELMETH 

Brain cancer research will have a dedicated team at the University of Newcastle following a $7.5 million commitment from the Mark Hughes Foundation.

The announcement was made at the official launch of the 2021 NRL Beanie for Brain Cancer Round, and aims to dramatically intensify Australia's brain cancer research efforts.

The five-year philanthropic commitment to the University of Newcastle will support a dedicated brain cancer team to drive critical research, education and health care improvements at a national scale for brain cancer patients, their families and careers, and health professionals. 

Mark Hughes, a former Newcastle Knights NRL player, said the establishment of the team will build on the work of others, including MHF partners at the Hunter Research medical Institute and the Brain Cancer Group, to take the research to the next level.

"This is a commitment to building a bigger team to bring help and hope to people with brain cancer and their families.

"By partnering with the University of Newcastle we are expanding the support team around every brain cancer patient, not just here, but everywhere around the world.

"We are not starting from scratch either. There’s no time. This is about taking brain cancer research to the next level and quickly," Mr Hughes said.

Each year around 1,600 Australians are diagnosed with brain cancer and around 1,200 die. Formed in 2014 by Mark and Kirralee Hughes, after Mark was diagnosed with a high-grade brain cancer, MHF has played a significant part in addressing chronic underfunding of brain cancer.

University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Alex Zelinsky says the University is honoured to be given the opportunity to advance brain cancer research and education in the name of the Mark Hughes Foundation and is committed to the urgent pursuit of a cure.

“Working with the Mark Hughes Foundation is a reminder of how deeply personal and urgent this fight is.

“By establishing the Foundation, Mark has drawn attention to how prevalent brain cancer is in our region alone. We’re deeply committed to improving health outcomes in our region but we know that our discoveries and efforts don’t stop with us. What we achieve will have national and global impact," Mr Zelinsky said.

The University of Newcastle brain cancer team will cover the breadth of prevention, early detection, recovery and rehabilitation, and treatments and models of care for all stages of brain cancer. 

Pictured: Mark Hughes. 
Source: Supplies by UON.

Study Finds Wetlands are in Decline

BY SARAH BARONOWSKI

Researchers at the University of Newcastle have found coastal wetlands, which have existed for thousands of years, may now have the same average life expectancy as humans.

The new study predicted a lifespan of approximately 80 years for wetlands, with the possibility of serious deterioration after 40 years due to the restriction of water flow and sea level rise.

Senior Lecturer, Dr. Jose Rodriguez says attenuation, or the process of man-made structures restricting water flow, is also a prime cause of wetland decay.

"When you build a road across a wetland, the tide is allowed to move in and out to the other side of the road through culverts or bridges instead of freely flowing," he said.

"As a result, it takes more time and energy for the water to reach the other side. Vegetation is very sensitive to that so this is going to result in worse conditions for the vegetation."

But despite indications that the wetlands are decaying far quicker than previously thought, researchers believe there are ways we can still ensure its survival.

"One of the things that we can do is provide space for wetlands to move," said Dr. Rodriguez.

"With sea level rise, the vegetation will adapt and will try to move inland. The problem is sometimes we don't have those buffer zones in the upper area of the vegetation so we need to provide for buffer zones in that area.

"The other thing that we can do is try to provide adequate hydraulic conditions for the wetland and we can do that with gates and other ways of manipulating the flow within the wetland."

National Diabetes Week

BY JESSICA ROUSE

National Diabetes Week has kicked off in the Hunter with local researchers raising awareness for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

According to new research the Hunter is the fastest growing area in Australia for Type 1 Diabetes with just over 8,000 poeple or nearly 5 per cent of the population living with diabetes, but it's also an area where groundbreaking research into diabetes prevention is underway.

The Hunter Diabetes Centre is currently undergoing a study into using a multiple sclerosis drug which has the potential to reverse Type 1 Diabetes, if it's been triggered by a virus.

Marketing and Events Manager at the Hunter Diabetes Centre Gabrielle King says there are many studies continuing at the centre in a bid to bring the diabetes numbers down.

"We're doing a wide variety of research here for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. We've got a variety of clinical trials going from looking at preventing Type 1 diabetes in children so family members of people who have type 1 diabetes and then we're also looking at weight loss management in type 2 diabetes."

There are number of events happening at the centre for diabetes week as well including a Type 1 Diabetes screening day on Thursday where the public can go and see if they have the disease, particularly if they know a close family member has been diagnosed.

"We're having a range of educational events held by our diabetes educator. So we're having an exercise and medications talk so that will look at how exercise and medication can help you manage your diabetes and we'll be bringing in an exercise physiologist with our diabetes educator," said Gabrielle King.

New research into long-term effects of domestic violence

BY SARAH BARONOWSKI

Researchers at the University of Newcastle have found women who experience domestic violence often face long-term physical and mental health problems.

Their study examined three generations of women over 16 years and found the health of women who had lived with a violent partner was significantly worse than those who hadn't.

Professor of Public Health, Deborah Loxton says treatment for the health impacts of domestic violence often focuses on the initial stages of recovery.

"But implicit in that is once the violence has ended after a period of time, women will be doing ok so they will have recovered. What our data is showing is over a 16 year period there's still a deficit in physical and mental health for women who've ever lived with a violent partner," she said.

She says she hopes this research will help raise awareness among health providers about long-term health care.

"So that they may be able to see that some women have long-term health problems may actually have experienced abuse in the past and perhaps some mental health and stress that comes along with that is still impacting their health and wellbeing.

"So in terms of services, it would be very helpful to work out what would be helpful for these women who've experienced violence."

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, you can ring the domestic violence hotline on 1800 656 463.

100 years of Lions.

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Lions Australia is celebrating 100 years of work and the Lions Club of Newcastle - itself just 63 years young, will be joining in the celebrations.

The Newcastle branch is celebrating their achievements including buying white goods for women's refuge Jenny's Place, raising nearly $9,000 dollars for family refuge Respuctus and their legacy project is underway establishing changing room facilities for people with a disability throughout Newcastle.

"Getting people on the ground and helping in a real tangible way - we contribute around $50,000 a year to HMRI for diabetes research, we've just been involved with a partnership with Respectus to help refurbish and build a pretty large refuge in Newcastle," said Lions Club of Newcastle president Peter Graham.

Lions are a worldwide organisation who have been on the frontline for disaster and emergency relief since June 7th 1917. The organisation was started in Chicago by Melvin Jones and now boasts 1.6 million members worldwide, with Newcastle the 54th club to be chartered in Australia.

Peter Graham is proud to be a part of the largest service club organisation in the world.

"What it means to me is that I'm actually contributing to society in a real tangible way really helping people that don't live quite as well as you or I do. I've just been gobsmacked by the whole thing about domestic violence. At first I didn't think much of it at all but just talking with the people and working with the people doing the work we are only just scratching the surface," said Peter Graham.

Australia's BIGGEST Morning Tea

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Not that you ever need an excuse to enjoy a lovely cup of tea and a slice of spongecake, but today is the best excuse - Australia's Biggest Morning Tea raising vital funds for the Cancer Council.

Today thousands of people from across the Hunter hosted morning teas to raise money for cancer research and support programs throughout the region.

Now in its 24th year, Australia's Biggest Morning Tea is the Cancer Council's leading fundraising event and is the most successful of its kind in Australia. Throughout NSW, the organisation hopes to recruit 11, 100 morning tea hosts, including 1,100 in the Hunter alone, and raise nearly $5 million.

"It's one of the largest fundraisers for us at the Cancer Council in the Hunter and it's probably one of the easiest because people can get together, have a bit of cake and a tea or coffee and put a couple of dollars in the jar because very dollar raised goes to support people with cancer," said Hunter Manager Shayne Connell.

Cancer figures throughout Australia are staggering, one Australian is diagnosed with cancer approximately every five minutes - the length of an average tea break.

Before the age of 85, 1 in 2 Australians will be diagnosed with cancer and it's estimated that over 130,000 people will be diagnosed this year, an unbelievable 350 people per day.

Shayne Connell says all of the money is injected into cancer support services and research to help bring these numbers down.

"Things like transport to treatment here locally, financial assistance for patients, patient and carer accommodation as well as of course a whole range of research, 127 researchers, every dollar counts. Cancer Council is of course not government funded we are a completely independent charity so we completely rely on fundraisers like today."

Cancer Study Hits a Nerve

BY RACHEL STORER

Professor Hubert Hondersmarck and his team have made incredible discoveries in the field of cancer. 

A team led by University of Newcastle Biochemistry Professor, Hubert Hondermarck has found links between tissue regeneration, nerve growth and tumour development.

The study confirms which was once thought impossible - the nervous system is strongly involved in the onset and spread of cancer.

"What was shown in our lab and simultaneously in other labs is that the nerves are necessary to cancer," said Professor Hondermarck.

"Cancer growth did not occur if the tumour was denervated and does not metastasize," he said.

The phenomenon has been demonstrated by several teams around the world including Professor Hondermarck's in prostate, gastric, breast and pancreatic tumours.

This new research could be the future of the fight against cancer and Professor Hondermarck believes they can start to block the invasion of nerves in cancer to prevent growth.

"Now the challenge for the coming years is to translate into clinical practice and see if it works," he said.

One aspect that Professor Hondermarck found particularly interesting from the study was that the role of nerves in cancer progression is very similar to what is observed during regeneration.

"As we know, humans have very little regeneration capacity. If you take a salamander for instance, and they lose a limb or tail it regrows.

"In cancer, if there are no nerves, there is no regeneration in the tumour. We found that there are links between cancer and its ability to regenerate," he said.

This research has opened the door to potential development in diagnostic and prognostic tools for cancer.

Clinical Trial to Study Gender Difference in Type 2 Diabetes

BY TANYA DU PREEZ

Researchers at Hunter Medical Research Institute and University of Newcastle have found evidence that women may be less prone to type 2 diabetes than men when exposed to omega-3 fats.

PHD candidate Kylie Abbott conducted a cross-sectional study has found that omega-3 fats improve levels of insulin resistance in women, but not in men.

 “By targeting insulin resistance we might be able to prevent type 2 diabetes from developing in the first place,” Ms Abbott said.

A clinical trial is due to be conducted over the course of 3 months in order to understand why there is such a difference between genders.

To be eligible for the trial, participants must be aged 18-70 with a Body Mass Index of 25-45kg/m2, have no previous diagnosis of diabetes and must not eat more than two serves of oil fish per week.

Photo Courtesy of John Gollings