The Melbourne Newsroom

Four University of Melbourne scientists have been recognised for their contribution to research with the presentation of the Victoria Prize and three Victoria Fellowships.

The Centre for Neural Engineering (CfNE)  launched today at the University of Melbourne will tackle some of the challenging problems in the neurosciences and will increase our understanding of brain function.

The Victorian Government should be congratulated on the release of its Metropolitan Health Plan to 2022 announced today, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences at the University of Melbourne Professor James Angus said.

Recently, The Age reported in ‘DNA first gives hope on genetic diseases’ (see here)that research by Newcastle University in the UK had shown that embryos created with two mothers may offer a breakthrough that could eradicate a host of hereditary diseases.

Scientists have identified the evolution of venom proteins in lizards such as the Gila Monster, a discovery which could help provide clues to future drug development. The new study reveals extraordinary genetic rearrangements which have produced novel toxins in the Gila Monster and Beaded Lizard venoms. 

A University of Melbourne academic has been awarded US$150,000 in funding to help researchers in Asia and Africa better understand how fungi cause disease. Despite being one of the most significant health problems in many emerging countries, not enough is known about medically important fungi.