Deakin Matters

Dr Olivia Dean, a Deakin Medical School researcher based at Barwon Health in Geelong. Her and her team of medical researches have found an antioxidant that is an effective treatment for bipolar depression.

Research fellow Dr Gary Sacks has been mapping the rise of the obesity epidemic over the past 40 years and says this problem will continue to increase if governments around the world do not take decisive, policy-driven action.

Professor Jane Speight, Chair in Behavioural and Social Research in Diabetes at Deakin. She is also the Foundation director of the Australian Centre for Behavioural Research in Diabetes, a partnership formed between Deakin University and Diabetes Australia – Victoria. She will be here today to discuss the success they have had in the last 12 months since the centre was initially opened. This is Australia’s first research centre dedicated to the behavioural, psychological and social aspects of diabetes.

Geelong-based researcher Dr Sharon Brennan who has found that healthy bones around the spine and hips may be associated with healthy knee joints; a breakthrough that could lead to better ways to deal with osteoarthritis. She has been working under the supervision of Deakin University’s Associate Professor Julie Pasco at Barwon Health.

Deakin journalism student Cherie Donnellan's story covers the Federal Government's decision to strengthen local jobs and infrastructure through large amounts of funding but not without controversy over how the funding will be distributed.

Dr Sally Totman, Associate Head in the School of International and Political Studies. This is the second time she has been on our show; she is an expert in Middle Eastern politics and will be here to talk to us about the recent events in Libya.

Dr Paul Collins, research academic in the Centre for Material and Fibre Innovation will be talking to us today about a new partnership Deakin materials scientists and Quiksilver have formed to create an innovative sportswear to help boost athletic ability.

Richard Coverdale is a Research Fellow with the School of Law. He has recently produced a report that reveals a range of areas in which regional and rural Victorians are disadvantaged when participating in the justice system.

Dr Peter Miller will speak this morning about low carb beer which is in high demand on the Australian market, however this may not be as good for us as we may think.

Deakin Broadcast Journalism student Anastasia Barbadonis speaks with Kim Tofaletti, Senior Lecturer of Gender and Social Studies at Deakin and reports on new attitudes to gay families in post-modern society.