BodyLab

One of Australia's leading mosquito researchers, Associate Professor Greg Devine from QIMR Berghofer Medical Research explains the science behind the most recent outbreak of Japanese Encephalitis Virus.  His research lab is screening mosquito collections from Queensland for viruses of public health importance. The JEV outbreak in several states is the first time the potentially deadly virus has been found outside far northern Australia. JEV has a high fatality rate of 30 per cent, in the very small number of people who develop symptoms. He discusses why a national surveillance network will help predict, detect and manage mosquito-borne diseases.

The world's largest study of depression has revealed 23 genes linked to a person's risk of developing depression. This could pave the way for more tailored and effective treatments, according to new research from QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute. 

Can a regular dose of vitamin D lead to a longer life? That’s what researchers from QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute wanted to find out when they started Australia’s biggest health trial. 

Researchers examined the benefits of taking vitamin D and whether a monthly dose would reduce the mortality rate in Australians aged over 60. The results might change the way you take your vitamin D.

Climate anxiety in Australian children is on the rise, but how parents discuss and frame the issue can make a difference. QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute has been leading research into the effects of climate anxiety and they found the parents’ values and behaviour towards climate change can shape the views and emotions of children. Researchers have also discovered what parents can do to help ease the anxiety in their children.

How much influence do our genes and environment have on our personality traits and certain mental health conditions? Professor Nick Martin discusses where we’re at in the age-old nature versus nurture debate.  Nick is the head of the Genetic Epidemiology Research Group at QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute. He has spent decades studying twins to understand genetic and environmental influences on personality and mental health.

We have more bacteria in our gut than cells in our body.  Associate Professor Severine Navarro explains how these ecosystems affect our health and risk of allergies, and how hookworms could help. Severine is the head of the Mucosal Immunology Research Group at QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute.  

What affects a woman’s risk of developing gynaecological cancer, and can women improve their chances of survival?  Professor Penny Webb has spent decades working to fill the information void for women diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Penny is the head of the Population Health Department and the Gynaecological Cancers Research Group at QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute. She has led several major epidemiological studies of women’s cancers. 

We’ve all had moments of worry about our memories failing us. But when do we need to be concerned? Associate Professor Tony White busts some myths and discusses the tiny ‘mini brains’ that are helping advance research in the field.  Tony is the head of the Cellular and Molecular Neurodegeneration Laboratory at QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute. 

Cut through the confusion and misinformation, and get the facts on sunscreen from one of Australia’s leading skin cancer researchers.  Professor Adele Green is the head of the Cancer and Population Studies Research Group at QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute. 

What everyone with British or Irish heritage, or any woman hoping to fall pregnant, needs to know about iron. Dr David Frazer discusses the effects of too much and too little of the essential mineral. David is the head of the Molecular Nutrition Research Group at QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute.