Murdoch Children's Research Institute in Parkville, Victoria, Australia | Education

Murdoch Children's Research Institute

Locality: Parkville, Victoria, Australia

Phone: +61 3 8341 6200

Address: 50 Flemington Road 3052 Parkville, VIC, Australia

Website: http://www.mcri.edu.au

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25.01.2022 Professor David Burgner from Murdoch Childrens Research Institute speaks to ABC Radio Australias The World Today program about how health authorities are on alert for a rare post COVID-19 complication in children. Its known as Paediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome, and while rare, identifying it early is important. Theres at least one confirmed case in Australia, and several other suspected cases.

25.01.2022 A Murdoch Childrens Research Instituteh led phase three global trial has shown a new drug boosts bone growth in children born with achondroplasia, the most common type of dwarfism. It found the drug, vosoritide, led to close-to-average bone growth rates for children with achondroplasia. The children who received daily injections of vosoritide grew an average of 1.57cm per year more than those who received the placebo. ... Achondroplasia is caused by overactivity of a protein, which slows bone growth in childrens limbs, spine, and the base of their skull. The trial found vosoritide, blocks the activity of the protein, potentially returning growth rates to normal. https://www.mcri.edu.au//new-drug-shown-improve-bone-growt #achondroplasia #dwarfism #childhealth #research

24.01.2022 The Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI) congratulates philanthropists Dr George and Mrs Joan Lefroy for being named Members of the Order of Australia (AM), as part of the 2021 Australia Day Honours List. Dr and Mrs Lefroy who were recognised for significant service to the community through philanthropic support initiatives. Amongst their many philanthropic contributions, the Lefroy’s had a key role in establishing MCRI’s Bruce Lefroy Centre in 2003. The Bruce Lefroy ...Centre conducts research into genetic diseases, particularly those that affect the nervous system as well as research into genetic testing, ethics in clinical genetics and study of genetic syndromes. Also recognised with a Member of the Order of Australia, was former MCRI Group Leader, Professor Amanda fosang, for significant service to medical research in the field of arthritis, and to international societies. Having conducted research on the Melbourne Children’s Campus for over 22 years, Amanda has led significant scientific discovery, notably a major arthritis finding where she identified a key cartilage-degrading enzyme. A big congratulations to all of MCRI’s Australia Day 2021 Honours List recipients!

23.01.2022 This week is Asthma Awareness Week in Australia. Asthma is the most common chronic illness in Australian children, affecting one in ten, but in most cases it is readily manageable with the right medication and follow up. Read Murdoch Childrens Research Institute Professor Harriet Hiscocks recent article for The University of Melbournes Pursuit, about asthma and staying out of hospital. ... #asthma #treatment #childhealth

22.01.2022 A new study led by Murdoch Childrens Research Institute has found Grade 3 students who watch more than two hours of TV daily or spend more than one hour a day on a computer experience a decline in academic results two years later. The research found heavy TV use at 8 to 9 years of age impacted on reading, equivalent to a loss of four months in learning by 10 to 11 years and heavy computer use predicted a similar loss in numeracy. There was no evidence of short or long-term ...links between videogame use and academic performance, despite finding that one in five children did not play videogames in Grade 3, whereas by Grade 5 this increased to one in four. The data is timely given the move to remote learning due to COVID-19 and raises important issues around the best way for students to transition back into classrooms. https://www.mcri.edu.au//heavy-tv-and-computer-use-impacts #childhealth #screentime #parenting

22.01.2022 A new study led by Murdoch Childrens Research Instituteh has found a substantial burden of #rotavirus infection in Australia among children aged 59 years and the elderly. Rotavirus is a major cause of severe diarrhoea in children under five years of age. But the disease burden in older children, adults, and the elderly is often overlooked. In 2010, rotavirus caused more than 360,000 cases of gastroenteritis and 9864 hospitalisations in Australia in those aged over five.... Despite rotavirus vaccine coverage remaining high in Australia at 89.5 per cent, the study found the occurrence of outbreaks highlighted that continued surveillance was required to understand different rotavirus strains, to ensure the continued success of vaccination programs. https://academic.oup.com///10.1093/infdis/jiaa430/5874485 #childhealth #research #vaccines

22.01.2022 Professor Sharon Goldfeld from Murdoch Children's Research Institute speaks to ABC Radio National presenter Fran Kelly about a new study highlighting the benefits of regular in-home nurse visits for new mums during pregnancy and for the first few years of a baby's life. Researchers are calling for the right@home program to be rolled out across the country. #nursevisits #mentalhealth #maternalhealth #newborns

22.01.2022 Murdoch Children's Research Institute’s world-leading allergy research showed that in Melbourne, 1 in 10 12-month-old babies had a food allergy; a rate much higher than previously suspected. Our vital allergy research has now been translated into an app and a podcast to help parents, caregivers and allergy sufferers get easy access to expert advice. In 2019, the AllergyPal app more than doubled its downloads, and the first release of the Allergies podcast saw it reach more t...han 50,000 downloads by year end. Now, our researchers are leading work to develop the skills of community paediatricians in treating children’s allergies to streamline allergy management and reduce pressure on hospital allergy clinic waiting lists. Visit the website for more information on app and podcast: https://mcriallergypal.com.au/ #MCRI #childhealth #foodallergies #foodallergyawareness

21.01.2022 Major new The Lancet Global Health study led by Burnet Institute & funded by UNICEF pinpoints early adolescence as a critical period to address gender inequality in 40 Asia Pacific low and middle income countries. Murdoch Children's Research Institute contributed to the study. https://bit.ly/3jkiHva #research #health #gender #adolescence

21.01.2022 INVITATION TO ONLINE PWS RESEARCH UPDATE: Wednesday 10 Feb at 8pm AEDT https://app.etapestry.com//Prader-Will/registration-1.html We are delighted to invite y...ou to register via the above link for a PWS research update. We are thrilled to have the below experts presenting, followed by the opportunity for a live Q&A. A/Prof David Godler Associate Professor, Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne and group leader of the Diagnosis and Development Laboratory at the Murdoch Children’s Research institute (MCRI). Australian First Chromosome 15 Imprinting Disorders Biobank: Aiming to Enhance Prader Willi Research and Clinical Practice Megan Iminitoff PhD candidate - Professor Marnie Blewitt’s laboratory at Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI) Investigating the epigenetic regulator SMCHD1 as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of Prader-Willi Syndrome Dr Lauren Rice Research Fellow at the Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney and The Children’s Hospital Westmead Clinical School Oxytocin, GABA and Mindfulness Projects Update Cara Schofield PhD candidate with Professor Nora Shields - School of Physiotherapy at La Trobe University Investigating the barriers and facilitators to exercise for people with Prader-Willi syndrome throughout the lifespan Dr Charlene Waryah, PhD Research Fellow, Cancer Epigenetics - Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research Epigenome editing to re-activate silenced PWS genes

20.01.2022 Murdoch Children's Research Institute will conduct a trial of a lead drug candidate in the treatment of anxiety, sleep and behavioural problems associated with FragileX syndrome (FXS). Biotechnology company Actinogen has today announced the collaboration with MCRI for the phase II trial to test the safety and effectiveness of its drug Xanamem in about 40 FXS adolescents aged 12-18. FXS is a rare genetic disorder that causes a range of developmental problems, including learnin...g disabilities, behavioural issues such as autism features, cognitive impairment, speech and language deficits, sleep problems, anxiety, and severe difficulties with regulating stress and emotions. The XanaFX study is the first study to target raised cortisol, a hormone that helps the body function well in times of stress, in FXS patients. MCRI A/Prof David Godler, one of the project leads, said the trial represented an innovative approach to addressing a significant unmet clinical need in tens of thousands of children and adolescents affected with FXS, that have no effective targeted treatment. #childhealth #research #FragileX #autism (The footage was taken before mask wearing was compulsory in Victoria)

20.01.2022 Only days after the federal government announced a A$1.7 billion vaccine deal to roll out COVID-19 vaccines to Australians in 2021, one of the two candidates has halted its phase 3 trials after a participant became ill. Murdoch Childrens Research Institute Vaccine Expert, Associate Professor Nigel Crawford, explains that the pause doesnt necessarily mean the drug is unsafe, but that the trial is unfolding as it should, with safety a key consideration. Further commentary on ...vaccines by Associate Professor Crawford can be found on the COVID19 Road to a vaccine podcast series: https://mvec.mcri.edu.au/podcasts/ #covid19research #vaccines #clinicaltrials

19.01.2022 Professor Fiona Russell, Group Leader for Asia-Pacific Health at Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, and committee member for Australian Regional Immunisation Alliance, will help lead the technical support for a roll out in the Pacific if, and when, a COVID-19 vaccine becomes available. Here she speaks with ABC Australia #PacificBeat about the cost of vaccines, access and logistics in lower income countries and the vaccine development process.

19.01.2022 Eczema affects 1 in 3 Australian infants children with eczema have an increased risk of developing food allergies and asthma. The The University of Melbourne and Murdoch Children's Research Institute are looking for new parents and babies to take part in a trial to help us find a way to determine if infant skin management can prevent eczema, allergies and eventually asthma. If you are pregnant (and due by the end of March 2021) or have a baby under 3-weeks old, have a fami...ly history of allergic conditions and live in Melbourne, we would like to hear from you! To register your interest or for more info: https://redcap.mcri.edu.au/surveys/?s=RM79YDWXA8 Or ph: 1800 875 127 #eczema #foodallergies #asthma #childhealth #research

18.01.2022 What are the concerns, where are the trials at, and what are the best ways to communicate positive community vaccine engagement? Dr Jessica Kaufman, a research fellow at Murdoch Childrens Research Institute speaks with ABC Radio Australia Overnights with Trevor Chappell about the importance of community engagement to promote vaccine uptake.

18.01.2022 Congratulations Murdoch Children's Research Institute’s Dr Jonathan Kaufman who has been awarded a prestigious grant for his work into the effective diagnosis of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in children. Dr Kaufman was one of four early career researchers to receive a $85,000 one-year Clinical Investigator Award from the Viertel Charitable Foundation. Dr Kaufman’s previous research has changed practice internationally for how clinicians collect these samples with a quick..., simple and non-invasive collection method. ‘The quick-wee method’ of gently rubbing a child’s abdomen with wet gauze, triggers bladder reflexes and urine voiding, so samples can be collected quickly. Dr Kaufman said this ongoing research would include a further randomised trial to determine the best way to collect a urine sample, continuing to improve care for children with this common condition. https://www.mcri.edu.au//researcher-recognised-work-urinar #childhealth #researcher #award

18.01.2022 Fiji’s national vaccine program against pneumonia, a serious lung condition, and rotavirus, a common disease which causes severe diarrhoea and vomiting, has reduced illness and death, new research shows. The research led by Professor Fiona Russell, from Murdoch Children's Research Institute and The University of Melbourne, underlines the importance of vaccines and how they can potentially reduce the impact of viruses such as COVID-19. https://www.mcri.edu.au//fijis-vaccine-p...rogram-reduces-chi #pneumonia #rotavirus #childhealth #COVID19

17.01.2022 A new study finds both a mother’s and father’s mental health are associated with increased risk that their baby will be born premature. The research led by Murdoch Children's Research Institute's Dr Elizabeth Spry and Prof George Patton, found men with persistent mental health problems through adolescence and young adulthood were more likely to have a baby born premature. Women with anxiety and depression during pregnancy were more likely to have a preterm birth. The study sh...ows the important role that fathers play in the health and development of their children and suggests that these links begin well before babies are conceived. The researchers say most research on children’s early development has focused on mums with men receiving very little guidance or support. The findings further strengthened the need for expanding mental health care to both men and women, prior to them becoming parents. https://www.mcri.edu.au//prospective-parents%E2%80%99-ment #mentalhealth #parents #pregancy #premature #baby

16.01.2022 Ataxia is a movement disorder caused by injury to the brains cerebellum area. Associated with many neurological disorders, treatments for the condition have been hampered by the inability to accurately measure symptoms. Murdoch Childrens Research Institute welcomes a recent $500,000 grant announced by Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt, allowing a team of researchers, including MCRIs Associate Professor Louise Corben, along with colleagues from Deakin University and Florey... Institute, to develop a prototype device to measure ataxia. https://www.mcri.edu.au//project-measure-movement-disorder #research #brainresearch #medicaldevice

16.01.2022 A new study has found a pneumococcal vaccine was effective at protecting children in Laos against the most severe type of pneumonia. The research led by Murdoch Childrens Research Institute showed that the PCV13 vaccine reduces hypoxic pneumonia & pneumonia requiring oxygen support by 37%. These findings provide compelling evidence to continue PCV13 vaccination in Laos and for its introduction into similar countries. The PCV13 vaccine has great potential to alleviate the bur...den of this disease on the most vulnerable. https://www.mcri.edu.au//vaccine-proves-effective-against- #vaccine #pneumonia #children

16.01.2022 Meet our brilliant minds. Murdoch Childrens Research Institute Paediatric Dentist and Clinician, Dr Mihiri Silva, tells us about her research into early life factors which impact oral health and broader wellbeing in children. #childhealth #research #paediatric #dentistry

15.01.2022 What is human papillomavirus? A/Prof Paul Licciardi (Team Leader) and Dr Ryan Toh (Research Officer) are part of the New Vaccines group at Murdoch Children's Research Institute and explain HPV infection symptoms, diagnosis and prevention. They are researching ways to make the HPV vaccination more accessible in resource-poor countries and in doing so, reducing the burden of cervical cancer.... Read more here: https://www.mcri.edu.au//b/what-human-papillomavirus%C2%A0 #humanpapillomavirus #vaccines #infection #childhealth

15.01.2022 "I developed a real interest in leukaemia, blood cells and stem cells when I was a teenager. I had bone cancer when I was 15...having survived that, I wanted to devote my career path towards improving cancer outcomes." Associate Professor Ngaire Elwood is the Director of the BMDI Cord Blood Bank at Murdoch Childrens Research Institute. Here she talks about becoming a researcher and highlights the enormous potential cord blood has in immunotherapy and regenerative medicine. https://www.mcri.edu.au//meet-our-brilliant-minds-ngaire-e

14.01.2022 A UNICEF report has examined the happiness and wellbeing of children in the worlds richest countries. Australia not only ranked 32 out of 38 overall but when it comes to the mentalhealth of our children, were doing even worse 35 out of 38 countries. Murdoch Childrens Research Institute Sue West and Monash University Dr Paula Gerber explore why children in "the lucky country" are not enjoying high levels of life satisfaction and what can be done to turn this around. ... https://www.mcri.edu.au//wellbeing-aussie-kids-among-worst #mentalhealth #wellbeing #happiness

14.01.2022 Congratulations to Dr Claire von Mollendorf from Murdoch Childrens Research Institutes who has been selected for a dynamic program that supports women wanting to progress or extend into leadership positions within the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) industry. Dr von Mollendorf was one of 34 mid-career emerging leaders chosen for the #veski inspiring women 2020 #STEMsidebyside program. Dr von Mollendorf, a medical epidemiologist currently working as a... senior research officer in MCRIS New Vaccines and Asia-Pacific Research Groups, predominantly manages surveillance programs in Mongolia but also provides support for other group projects in the Asia-Pacific region. Prior to this she worked in different research areas, including womens health, HIV and pneumococcal research in South Africa. https://www.mcri.edu.au//researcher-selected-dynamic-leade

14.01.2022 TB jab could help fight against COVID-19. Murdoch Children's Research Institute BRACE trial rolls out in the UK. The University of Exeter will lead the UK arm of the trial and will soon recruit healthcare staff and care home workers in the UK.

13.01.2022 The PrEggNut study is looking at how many eggs and peanuts a pregnant woman should eat to reduce the risk of her baby developing allergies. We are looking for pregnant women who are less than 22 weeks gestation and have at least two family members with/or with a history of medically diagnosed allergic disease (asthma, eczema, hay fever or food allergy). https://www.mcri.edu.au/research/projects/preggnut-study ... #childhealth #research #foodallergy #pregnancy

13.01.2022 UK researchers at the University of Exeter have joined Murdoch Children's Research Institute BRACE trial, testing the BCG (Tuberculosis) vaccine, to see if it can reduce COVID-19 severity. The UK's BRACE site will see 1,000 people enrolled as part of a global response. https://www.bbc.com/news/health-54465733 #covid19response #research #healthcareprofessionals #bracetrial

13.01.2022 For many families, jumping on a bike and going for a ride during lockdown has been a fantastic way of keeping active. We encourage everyone to continue cycling and for any little mishaps, Cycling Australia have partnered with Murdoch Childrens Research Institute to provide parents and carers with access to the concussion recognition & management tool, HeadCheck. This easy to use app provides parents and carers with information on what to look out for and how to manage the ...recovery of a childs concussion. https://www.mcri.edu.au//cycling-australia-puts-its-head-t

12.01.2022 Murdoch Children's Research Institute’s Asian-pacific partnerships have spanned almost two decades and assisted in delivering improved outcomes for children with significant health issues including: rheumatic heart disease, scabies, vaccine-preventable diseases, and maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health. Read more about our impact in the Asia-Pacific region here: https://www.mcri.edu.au//pacific-partnerships-lead-healthi #childhealth #AsiaPacific #healthissues #pediatrics

12.01.2022 A special message to kids. We want to hear from you! Do you have questions about COVID-19? We invite you and your friends to a Kids COVID-19 Q&A on Thursday 17 September at 3.30 4.15pm AEST.... Award-winning childrens author Kim Kane will host a Q&A with MCRIs world-leading researchers, who will answer your questions, ranging from, Whats more important a vaccine or a cure? to Coronavirus makes me feel anxious - what can I do about that? Send in your questions when registering or email questions to [email protected]. You can also ask questions on the day. Ask your mum, dad or carer to click on the link below to register. https://mcri.zoom.us/web/register/WN_EtLEpNHIQhKnPI9jJgYwwA

12.01.2022 Murdoch Childrens Research Institute s Dr Jessica Kaufman is a researcher in vaccine uptake and recently talked to ABCs triple j Breakfast, about what stops people from getting vaccinated. https://www.abc.net.au//what-stops-people-from-ge/12578022 #vaccinedevelopment #research #vaccines #covid19research

12.01.2022 Regular cannabis use has harmful effects regardless of the age a person starts using, according to a new study co-lead by Murdoch Children's Research Institute and The University of Queensland. The research found regular cannabis users were more likely to engage in high-risk alcohol consumption, smoke tobacco, use other illicit drugs and not be in a relationship at age 35. These outcomes were more common among those who started using cannabis regularly in adolescence. MCRI P...rofessor George Patton said public health agencies and policy makers needed to deliver a clear and strong message that regular cannabis use was detrimental at any age. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/dar.13239 #cannabis #healthresearch #MCRI #youngadults

12.01.2022 A rare inflammatory condition known as Paediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome found in children and associated with COVID-19 has emerged in Australia. Murdoch Childrens Research Institute Paediatric Infectious Diseases Clinician, Professor David Burgner, says there has been one confirmed case of the illness in Australia, and other possible cases are under investigation.

12.01.2022 MCRIs Dr Lisa Mundy speaks to Channel 10 New First about screentime and how it can impact primary school aged children in the classroom.

11.01.2022 Keeping up-to-date with scheduled vaccinations is essential, even during the COVID-19 pandemic! To make things easier for families The Royal Childrens Hospital, Melbourne will be launching a new drive-thru immunisation clinic at the RCH. For more information see details below. https://www.rch.org.au/immunisation/

11.01.2022 Never has RU OK? been more important than in 2020. With this years challenging COVID-19 restrictions, isolation, working from home, home learning, financial hardship and employment loss, its been an especially difficult year for so many people across Australia. Today is an important reminder to reach out to your colleagues, friends and loved ones (or anyone who might be struggling) and ask RU OK? This simple conversation could change someones life. For what to do if someon...e says no or for further mental health and wellbeing support contact: https://www.ruok.org.au/ https://lnkd.in/g4JVmUF #ruokday #mentalhealth #wellbeing

11.01.2022 Dr Emma Sciberras from Murdoch Childrens Research Institute speaks to presenter of ABC Perth Focus program, Jessica Strutt, about what attention is and discusses research into the key disorder linked to attention, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). #childhealth #ADHD

11.01.2022 raisingchildren.net.au has today launched a new podcast called Raising Learners to support parents with practical advice on child wellbeing, life and learning!

11.01.2022 "I am particularly passionate about helping families who are experiencing social adversities such as poverty, violence or discrimination. Research can build evidence to better understand what support is needed, how to improve existing supports, and increase a families access to support." Meet Deirdre Gartland, a Senior Researcher in the Intergenerational Health Group at Murdoch Childrens Research Institute. https://www.mcri.edu.au//meet-our-brilliant-minds-deirdre-... #childhealth #research #familywellbeing

10.01.2022 Today Murdoch Childrens Research Institute and raisingchildren.net.au welcomed the Victorian Government Department of Health and Human Services clarification on rules around outdoor exercise time for parents of young children. Parents are allowed one hour of outdoor time to play with their kids, in addition to one hour for physical exercise. https://www.mcri.edu.au//children-network-welcome-outdoor-

10.01.2022 Murdoch Children's Research Institute Prof George Patton speaks with 3AW Melbourne - 693AM about new research that has found men with persistent mental health problems through adolescence and young adulthood were more likely to have a baby born premature. #research #adolescent #mentalhealth #prembaby

09.01.2022 How much do you want to know about the secrets in your DNA? The ABCs Health Report producer David Murray speaks with genetic researchers, Professor Martin Delatycki from Murdoch Childrens Research Institute and Victorian Clinical Genetics Services (VCGS), and Dr Zornitza Stark from VCGS and The Royal Childrens Hospital, Melbourne, about genetic testing.

09.01.2022 If we want good vaccine uptake, we need to restore trust with education and clarity, says Murdoch Childrens Research Institute Vaccine Uptake Expert, Associate Professor Margie Danchin. #vaccines #publichealth #education #covid19response

08.01.2022 A largescale global trial designed to test the theory that the widely-used BCG vaccine could help protect against COVID-19 will soon recruit healthcare staff and care home workers in the UK. The University of Exeter is leading the UK arm of the trial, called the ‘BCG vaccination to Reduce the impact of COVID-19 in healthcare workers’ (BRACE) Trial. The UK joins study centres in Australia, the Netherlands, Spain, and Brazil in the largest trial of its kind. Together, the trial... will recruit more than 10,000 healthcare staff. The BRACE trial is coordinated by the Murdoch Children's Research Institute in Melbourne, Australia. https://www.mcri.edu.au//could-bcg-vaccine-protect-against #covid19response #healthcareprofessionals #tuberculosis #vaccinetrials #bracetrial

08.01.2022 The GSK Award for Research Excellence (ARE) has been awarded to exemplary Australian medical researchers for 40 years. Our very own Professor Kathryn North, Director of Murdoch Children's Research Institute, won the GSK ARE in 2011, and is part of an esteemed group of innovative scientists and researchers. #40YearsOfARE #childhealth #research #genetics #innovation

07.01.2022 Dr Lisa Mundy from Murdoch Childrens Research Institute speaks to ABC News breakfast presenter Sandy Aloisi about a new study that has linked too much screen time with a decline in academic results among young children. https://www.abc.net.au//tv-linked-to-numeracy-iss/12623924 #childdevelopment #research #screentime

06.01.2022 The Quality Of Life in Kids (QUOKKA) Research Program run by The University of Melbourne in collaboration with Murdoch Children's Research Institute, are seeking 8-10 parents and carers to join a quarterly online Consumer Advisory Group meeting, to discuss the lived experience of supporting a child living an acute, chronic or rare health condition. QUOKKA are also wanting to speak to adolescents aged 12-17 years living with a health condition. Your contribution will help inf...orm research that seeks to shape decision-making around allocating health resources and interventions for paediatric populations in Australia. Have your say! To register or for further info: https://melbourneuni.au1.qualtrics.com//form/SV_8tYMtmF3U0 Expressions of interest close COB Friday 30 October 2020

06.01.2022 Understanding vaccine safety and effectiveness is important in helping people feel confident about potential COVID-19 vaccines Murdoch Childrens Research Institute Associate Professor Margie Danchin tells Associate Professor Nigel Crawford on a recent Melbourne Vaccine Education Centre podcast: COVID19 Road to Vaccine. #COVID #Vaccines

06.01.2022 Today is World Mental Health Day, a day for mental health education, awareness and advocacy. As we’ve learnt from the events of 2020, prioritising mental health is now more important than ever. It is essential we all take some time to focus on the mental health of ourselves, our family, our kids and our loved ones, and get support if we need it. For additional support contact: https://coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au/ https://kidshelpline.com.au/... https://headspace.org.au/ https://www.smilingmind.com.au/ #WorldMentalHealthDay #wellbeing #parenting #childhealth

06.01.2022 Murdoch Childrens Research Institute vaccine uptake expert, Associate Professor Margie Danchin says bolstering the national uptake of any prospective COVID-19 vaccine will hinge on one key factor: trust. And that also means being transparent about any potential side-effects, which are "expected and normal". https://www.abc.net.au//coronavirus-vaccine-safet/12588794

05.01.2022 Professor Ravi Savarirayan from Murdoch Childrens Research Institute speaks to the The New York Times about his study into an experimental drug called vosoritide that increased bone growth in children with the most common form of dwarfism to nearly the same rate as children without the condition. #achondroplasia #dwarfism #childhealth #research

04.01.2022 Children aged 8 and 9 who watched more than two hours of TV a day or spent more than one hour a day on a computer had lower scores than their peers on reading and numeracy at ages 10 and 11, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute Dr Lisa Mundy and Professor George Patton tell The Conversation. #childdevelopment #research #screentime

04.01.2022 Professor George Patton from Murdoch Children's Research Institute speaks to Radio National Breakfast presenter Fran Kelly about new research that has found men with poor mental health in adolescence and young adulthood are more likely to father premature babies. The study, conducted over 15 years, also found women with anxiety and depression during pregnancy were also more likely to have a preterm birth. It's prompted concerns that mental health problems induced by the COVID...-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, could result in more premature births in the future. #COVID #mentalhealth #prematurebirth

04.01.2022 Congratulations to Murdoch Children's Research Institute Prof Andrew Steer who has been acknowledged for his outstanding contribution to the health and medical research landscape in Australia. Prof Steer has received the Jian Zhou Medal, awarded to a rising star of Australian health and medical science, and was elected as one of 28 new Fellows into the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences. The announcements were made this week during two award celebrations stag...ed by the Academy. The Jian Zhou Medal is designed and minted by the Royal Australian Mint and will be engraved with Professor Steer’s name. Prof Steer received the medal for the incredible impact he has made in reducing the burden of infection in northern Australia and lower-middle income countries including in Africa and the Pacific. For more: https://www.mcri.edu.au//outstanding-contribution-health-a #childhealth #research #medicine #award #globalhealth

03.01.2022 Researchers have made a new gene discovery related to severe defects in human brain development. The research, an international collaboration led by Murdoch Childrens Research Institute Dr Nicole Van Bergen and Professor John Christodoulou, sheds light on rare genetic mistakes (mutations) in EXOC2 that cause developmental disabilities in children. Having uncovered molecular mechanisms underlying disease, the researcher team is now a step closer to understanding how specific... mutations cause severe childhood #neurodevelopmental disorders. https://rupress.org//Mutations-in-the-exocyst-component-EX #gene #brain #development #research

02.01.2022 Happy Wear it Purple Day! Murdoch Childrens Research Institute promotes safety, inclusion and empowerment for all, but today we especially acknowledge our LGBTIQ+ colleagues, family and friends; and recognise any adversity or marginalisation they face. Todays theme WE ARE THE CHANGE promotes the importance of making effective changes so that all members of society feel included and accepted. https://www.wearitpurple.org... #wearitpurple #lgbtinclusion #wearethechange

02.01.2022 Many parents are worried the disruptions of COVID lockdowns and school closures may affect their childrens mental health and development. Social isolation can take a toll, but play can help says Murdoch Childrens Research Institute Professor Sharon Goldfeld. #childdevelopment #mentalhealth #isolation #playmatters

02.01.2022 Is lockdown worth the pain? Murdoch Childrens Research Institute visiting Biomedical Ethics Professor Julian Savulescu says to answer this, we not only need scientific evidence, we need ethics to decide which factors should weigh most heavily in our decision-making. #isolation #ethics #healtheconomics #COVID

02.01.2022 Murdoch Children's Research Institute invites you to a virtual discussion, ‘The Missing Middle: The Importance of the Middle Years', Thurs 15 Oct, (3.30pm-4.30pm). Hear from thought leaders in education, adolescent health, research & service provision. To register visit: https://bit.ly/2GXkHvH #adolescent #childhealth #research #education #MentalHealth