Battling the heat on Australia Day

Many Australians will be spending the day outdoors, but with temperatures set to surge into the 30s, the thousands heading to the beach or public pool will need to be extra careful to avoid heat-related illnesses. Australia Day celebrations normally go hand-in-hand with drinking, playing cricket and picnicking by the beach – sounds fun, but…

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Landmark study offering new hope for the treatment of people living with peanut allergies

Allergies are commonly believed to have no cure. Given a large percentage of the population experiences various allergies, with peanut allergy the number one cause of allergy-induced fatalities, it was only a matter of time before scientists chose to explore ways to treat the serious health problem. Aimmune Therapeutics-funded study (PALISADE) involved almost 500 participants…

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Five take home lessons from the immune system

There are many lessons we can learn from the many efficient and well-orchestrated systems of the human body. Cell differentiation occurs very early on in the development of the human embryo, allowing for cells to perform highly specialised functions. The immune system serves as a wonderful analogy of how cell specialisation, collaboration, team work, diversity…

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VIVA! Communications external planning workshop 2019

Team VIVA! set off early Thursday, January 17, for our annual workshop at Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa, positioned at the edge of Echo Point, in the picturesque town of Katoomba. We arrived ready to begin what would prove an intensive two-day learning experience, capped off with fantastic food, a touch of wine and…

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Australian-developed coeliac disease vaccine fast-tracked by the FDA

A vaccine for coeliac disease could soon be made available with the Australian-developed immunisation gaining fast-track designation from America’s Food and Drug Administration. ImmusanT’s Nexvax2, developed at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI) in Victoria, is set for a prompt review at the completion of its trial phases. Currently phase two, involving 150 patients…

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