Home >
Menzies Research Institute director named HHMI International Research Scholar
Menzies Research Institute Director, Professor Simon Foote, has been awarded US$350,000 over five years as a Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) International Research Scholar to fight the debilitating parasitic disease, malaria.
(I-Newswire) - Professor Foote says it is a great honour to be awarded this international scholarship, with the award providing the Institute the opportunity to further expand its medical research in Tasmania.
"This funding will allow the Menzies Research Institute to expand its genetic research program to include malaria, which is the third most lethal disease globally.
"Malaria infects 250 million people and kills more than two million worldwide each year. With the parasite's increasing resistance to anti-malarial drugs, and mosquito resistance to insecticides, there is a worldwide need for innovative research into malaria," Professor Foote said.
The HHMI International Research Scholar funding will assist Professor Foote to better understand how a person's immune system fights malaria. He will do this by infecting laboratory mice that have rare genetic mutations with malaria, and studying the mutations that allow the animals to survive infection.
"This research will contribute to the global understanding of host response to malaria and lead to the development of new, more effective anti-malarial therapies," he said.
Professor Foote has extensive experience in infectious diseases and parasitology through his work at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research in Melbourne, where he has a continuing appointment for fifty percent of his time as Joint-Head of the Genetics and Bioinformatics Division until the end of 2005.
The HHMI has awarded US$17.5 million to 42 outstanding scientists in 20 countries to tackle the mysteries of infectious and parasitic disease.
Eight of these scientists are based in Australia, which is more than in any other country. What they learn could help identify potential new drug targets and develop vaccines. Nearly 500 scientists from 62 countries applied for the five-year awards.
The HHMI is a nonprofit medical research organisation, based in the United States of America, dedicated to biomedical research and education. Through their international program, HHMI seeks to support scientists of the highest quality in their home countries. They also bring these international scholars together with each other and with other scientists in the HHMI community annually to create an international network of scientific excellence.
### Professor Simon Foote is available for interview:
Where: Menzies Research Institute, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart When: 11.00 am, Friday 8 July
Please note our change of name from Menzies Centre to Menzies Research Institute
For more information contact: Jill Butterworth Communications Coordinator Menzies Research Institute Phone 61-362-267-751 or 61-409-705-278
Contact: Jill Butterworth 61-362-267-751 Research Australia
If you have questions regarding information in this press release contact the company listed below. I-Newswire.com is a press release service and not the author of this press release. The information that is on or available through this site is for informational purposes only and speaks only as of the particular date or dates of that information. As some companies / PR Agencies submit their press releases once per week/month or quarter, make sure check the official company website for accurate release dates as our site displays the I-Newswire.com distribution date only. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of information on or available through this site, and we are not responsible for inaccuracies or omissions in that information or for actions taken in reliance on that information.
ThePennyStockGuru.com is pleased to offer its stock alerts service to the investing community. Investors who are interested in stocks on the move and in the news can receive FREE Alerts by visiting the following link: http://www.ThePennyStockGuru.com
Players can win thousands of dollars on a daily, weekly and per league basis by playing PSX developed by MySportsBroker Ltd. The PSX tests the players’ knowledge of sports in a contest environment.
Serious rockers buy Guitar Hero 3 bundle because they take the game seriously. As soon as the latest Guitar Hero installment has been released, they want to get their hands on these as soon as possible. Like in the case of the Guitar Hero III game.
The Webkinz Toys are a hit to kids today. They are like the blockbuster movie when it comes to toys. If you go to kids´ bedrooms, chances are you would see these high tech dogs and cats on their shelves.
Atlantic Street Capital Partners secures the management consulting services of Ahern and Associates to develop a long term growth strategy for future transportation acquisitions.
So you´re out there to get disability insurance but you have no idea how much these plans normally cost. You can canvas through the insurance companies and compare which plans provide you with the best rate that go with your lifestyle and budget.
Bank Foreclosure Auction becoming the new style in the United StatesThe first and foremost doubt that many people might get is regarding the profit that could be god with a bank foreclosure auction. In fact it is a real good means to see some pro
You´re renting a home. It could be an apartment or it could be a unit in a condominium. Don´t join those people who think that they need not buy renters insurance because this is a contrary belief.
There is way for you to get the cash you need If you have to consolidate the high interest of your credit card debt or you have to pay the college tuition of your children. You can opt for VA loan refinancing for home equity. This can make great impr
