The Westmead Institute for Medical Research in Westmead, New South Wales | Medical research centre

The Westmead Institute for Medical Research

Locality: Westmead, New South Wales

Phone: +61 2 8627 3000

Address: 176 Hawkesbury Road 2145 Westmead, NSW, Australia

Website: http://www.westmeadinstitute.org.au

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• Non-profit organisation
• Medical research centre

23.01.2022 Researchers at WIMR have discovered that the interaction between two specific fungal molecules is a key driver of deadly fungal infection of the bloodstream known as fungal sepsis, as well as meningitis. It is hoped that a future treatment blocking this interaction could provide a new avenue for antifungal drug development. The study was published today in mBio.... To read more about this important finding, visit https://bit.ly/34dGqIQ

21.01.2022 Tomorrow is the big day! 10-year old Eliza Byrne shaves off her beautiful hair to raise much needed funds for WIMR's cancer research. She is so close to reaching her fundraising goal! If you would like to support Eliza, please click on this link. https://bit.ly/31qQprN Thank you so much Eliza. You are an inspiration.

21.01.2022 A new WIMR-led study, published on the cover the August issue of Diabetes, has demonstrated how a combination of treatments could improve outcomes for islet transplant recipients. Patients who receive an islet transplant must remain on immunosuppressive medication to reduce the risk of graft rejection. Previous research identified two therapies that could reduce the length of immunosuppressant treatment, and reduce the likelihood of graft rejection: recombinant human interleu...kin-2 (a protein involved in the body’s immune response), and rapamycin (an immunosuppressant). WIMR researchers, led by Professor Philip O'Connell (pictured left) and Dr Min Hu (pictured right) investigated whether low doses of these therapies could improve outcomes for islet transplant recipients. The team found that the combination of the two treatments increased the likelihood of graft survival, and decreased the likelihood of rejection in mouse models. With further research, the WIMR team aims to develop a treatment regimen that can reduce the need for long-term immunosuppression, and increase the likelihood of transplant survival. Ultimately, WIMR's research aims to improve the quality of life of islet transplant recipients. For more information about this, or any of WIMR's research, visit https://bit.ly/3318LSs American Diabetes Association - Journals

15.01.2022 A study published today in Nature, and co-authored by WIMR’s Professor Chris Liddle, shows that stem cells can be used to create insulin-producing pancreatic islets, which were shown to control blood glucose levels. The study, led by researchers @salkinstitute, shows that the cells used in this therapy are also able to evade detection by the immune system. This means that they can potentially reduce the incidence of transplant rejection and the need for recipients to take im...munosuppressant drugs for the rest of their life. To read more about this important research and how it could be a significant step toward an injection-free or device-free future for people with type 1 diabetes, visit https://bit.ly/34hgSLs. Image: Human islet-like organoids express insulin, which is indicated by green colour. Image credit: Salk Institute for Biological Studies.

15.01.2022 Asking RUOK? is a great starting point, but what then? On this #RUOKDay2020, visit @ruokday for some great resources to help guide what to say after "RUOK?"

14.01.2022 WIMR's Dr Leigh Nicholson was featured in the Sydney Morning Herald on Friday, talking about her passion for scientific imaging. She also shared her stunning entry into this year's Westmead Research Hub Art in Science competition. https://bit.ly/3fFYeiw

14.01.2022 WIMR is delighted to be working in partnership with @powerhousemuseum to acquire materials relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, to document the global crisis for the nation. The Powerhouse’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Collection aims to record the scientific, economic, cultural and social impact the outbreak has had on Australia. Specifically, WIMR is working with the Powerhouse Museum to collect medical and scientific material related to the development of a COVID-19 vaccine, con...tact tracing research and technology, and stories from lead researchers and the patients with whom they are working. Professor Tony Cunningham AO, Director of WIMR’s Centre for Virus Research says, I am delighted to be part of the COVID-19 research team here, on the Westmead Health Precinct, which continues to be the epicentre for COVID-19 diagnosis, patient treatment and vaccine development in New South Wales. I am working with my team at WIMR to develop a vaccine that is particularly designed for one of the sectors of the community at greatest risk from COVID-19 the ageing. It is so important to document this period and protect the moments and milestones, so that future generations can learn from our experiences and I look forward to contributing items associated with our own research, and hope that it helps to draw attention to the vital role medical research continues to play, not just in relation to COVID-19, but all aspects of health. To read more about WIMR’s involvement with the Powerhouse Museum’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Collection, visit https://bit.ly/32PhMNW.

13.01.2022 Eliza Byrne is a truly amazing young lady. Eliza wanted to help WIMR’s cancer researchers to continue their vital work, so she decided to shave off her long, curly locks. Just over a month ago, Eliza began her quest with an initial fundraising target of $2,500. Since then, this determined 10-year old has raised more than $11,000 for WIMR’s work! ... Wednesday was the big day Eliza had her head shaved, knowing that her hair and the money raised is going to a great cause. We are so proud of you Eliza. Thank you for your wonderful efforts. It’s not too late to contribute to Eliza’s ‘Hair Raising Challenge’. Click here https://bit.ly/31qQprN to show your support for Eliza and the life-saving cancer research carried out at WIMR.

13.01.2022 A new study shows that vitamin C can help heal chronic foot ulcers and prevent the need for amputation. Ulcers are open wounds that fail to heal. They are caused or exacerbated by poor blood and nerve supply, and in the case of foot ulcers, bad feet architecture. In severe cases they can lead to amputation and there are an estimated 8,000 preventable foot amputations in Australia every year.... Those particularly at risk are people with contributing factors such as vascular disease, which affects bloody supply, and type 2 diabetes as it can result in nerve damage. The 16-patient study published in the British Journal of Nutrition was led by Professor Jenny Gunton who is head of WIMR’s Centre for Diabetes, Obesity and Endocrinology Research, and chair of medicine at Westmead Hospital. For more information about this study, visit https://bit.ly/37uXrAk

13.01.2022 The Westmead Research Hub's Art in Science Competition is on again! In this video, Fiona Yang from Children's Medical Research Institute explains how sometimes, the everyday research output of a scientist traverses into the world of fine art. For more information, visit: https://bit.ly/2Cu7TLz

12.01.2022 Do you know how to keep you contact lenses clean (and what can go wrong if you don't)? In this 'The Conversation' article, Dr Nicole Carnt explains how common mistakes when cleaning contact lenses can lead to serious complications. https://bit.ly/2PLVtBN

10.01.2022 We are grateful to have inspiring supporters like 10-year old Eliza Byrne! Eliza is the daughter of WIMR’s Dr Scott Byrne and she is going to cut and donate her beautiful hair to raise money for cancer research at WIMR. If you would like to help Eliza reach her fundraising goal and support vital cancer research at WIMR, you can donate here: https://bit.ly/31qQprN... Thank you Eliza. We are proud of you!

07.01.2022 It's time to vote for your favourite entry in this year's Art in Science competition, Viewer's Choice award. There are a lot of fabulous and creative entries, so deciding won't be easy! Voting closes on Monday 14 September, so click the link and choose (if you can) which entry you think should be the winner. https://bit.ly/2ZcAxc6 Pictured: Rainbow Galaxy by WIMR's Dr Leigh Nicholson.

05.01.2022 A new WIMR-led study has shown, for the first time, that a cell protein known as CD47 increases as we age. It also facilitates the dysfunction of arteries and metabolic balance. If this protein is not able to function in older individuals, many of these common health issues can be minimised. The WIMR team hopes that developing therapies that target CD47 in the future will significantly reduce the impact that these health issues have on older people and health systems globall...y. Read more about this research at https://bit.ly/3bMH9Tz

05.01.2022 Sometimes the everyday output of a scientist traverses into the world of fine art. Watch WIMR's Chloe Doyle share her story of art/science crossover. She describes her beautiful creation, 'Christmas in SI', which won the 2018 Westmead Research Hub Art in Science competition! https://bit.ly/3i8GrlH

02.01.2022 Congratulations to WIMR's Professor Steve Vucic! Professor Vucic is one of 28 of the nation’s top medical and health researchers to be elected as Fellows of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences. A Fellow is elected in recognition of their outstanding contribution to the health and medical research landscape in Australia. Professor Vucic is Group Leader of WIMR's Neurodegenerative and Neuromuscular Diseases Group.... Please join us in congratulating Professor Vucic on receiving this well-deserved recognition.