What's On at UWA

Miltenyi Biotec will have a MACSQuant at CMCA QEII from 13th -17th December. Contact Kathy or Tracey to book a session to run your samples on the instrument.

Many species on the planet, whether they be birds, fish or insects rely on the Earth's magnetic field to guide migration or assist navigation. This remarkable sense is known as magnetoreception. Dr David Keays of the Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna will present his investigations into the magnetite based theory of magnetoreception, particularly in the pigeon Columbia livia.

This theory is a mechanosensitive model that relies on intracellular magnetite crystals (Fe3O4) and has sprung from observations made in magnetotactic bacteria. These aquatic bacteria use the Earth's magnetic field to direct swimming towards growth-favouring regions in natural waters. It has been discovered that magnetotatic bacteria possess organelles called magnetosomes. Magnetosomes consist of membrane-enclosed magnetite crystals that twist into alignment with the Earth's magnetic field - thereby directing bacterial movement.

The theory of magnetite based magnetoreception has been supported by the discovery of magnetite in a range of other organisms that detect and respond to magnetic fields; most notably birds, fish and bees. Dr Keays is currently investigating the genes and molecules that are required for magnetite based magnetoreception simultaneously employing behavioural, anatomical and genetic tools in the honeybee Apis mellifera and the rock pigeon Columbia livia.

Following a successful 2011 ARC LEIF bid, CMCA will acquire cryo-SEM capabilities this coming year, to provide improved imaging capabililties for hydrated and beam sensitive samples. Marilyn Carey from Gatan UK will present information on cryo-SEM techniques for those wanting to know more about cryo-SEM or SEM in general, illustrated with some fantastic images.

The high vacuum present in a SEM is a highly invasive environment for hydrated, low melting point and volatile specimens. Specimens of this type when placed into the SEM chamber readily collapse, providing little or no cryo-fixation. Such samples remain as close as possible to their natural state in the high vacuum of the SEM and allow their examination under the electron beam.

In addition, cryo-fixed samples can be fractured to expose internal microstructure and etched to enhance micro-structural detail, providing further information. To improve resolution further, samples may also be coated prior to imaging. The technique can be applied to a large range of samples with regards to both biological and materials applications.

The technique is simple and quick to undertake and provides high resolution data of value.

Lung diseases affect one in five people worldwide. They carry a high mortality and have a devastating effect on a normally active lifestyle. Australians, like most people in developed countries, are experiencing an increased incidence of many lung diseases including asthma and smoking related diseases. Most of these diseases are treated inadequately and cannot currently be cured. The lungs are also damaged by exposure to inhaled agents such as asbestos and nanoparticles in the atmosphere. This is a major concern for public health in Western Australia with the incidence of asbestosis and mesothelioma set to peak over the next decade.

Professor Laurent is a leading researcher into the basic mechanisms of lung diseases and will discuss key recent advances in the field of lung research. This will include mechanisms of common lung diseases such as asthma and smoking related diseases as well as rarer diseases such as asbestosis.

This is a free public lecture, no RSVP required.

Grantsmanship can make a difference! Come along and further develop your grant writing skills. This workshop, prepared in consultation with UWA researchers who have been successful in obtaining peer-reviewed funding and who have served on national reviewing bodies, will be structured to assist postgraduates to develop their grant writing skills. Participation in this workshop should increase your chances for success in the Graduate Research Student Training (GRST) for which applications will close on Friday 1st April. There will be opportunities for questions and discussion.

This year the CMCA will be leading a WA-based consortium applying for funding through ARC LIEF to provide advanced X-ray micro-CT capabilities for local researchers mainly in the physical and geo-sciences.

To provide more information on the capabilities of the latest generation micro-CT instruments, Richard Trett (Xradia) will discuss the principles of X-ray CT and the unique architecture of Xradia X-ray Microscopes.

Richard will look at how this equipment relates to existing technologies and complementary characterisation techniques. Extensive examples of the use of CT in the area of earth and materials science will be used to illustrate the exciting opportunities that CT brings to these fields. There will also be examples of in-situ experimentation and high resolution work in larger samples.

The proposed micro-CT capabilities will complement CMCA's live-animal micro-CT due to be online by May 2011, and existing CSIRO and UWA facilities. All those interested in the Centre's plans to acquire micro-CT capabilities are encouraged to attend.

The Australian Neuromuscular Research Institute, The Neurological Council of WA and Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital as part of, BRAIN AWARENESS WEEK Present

NEURO EXPO 2011

E Block Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital March 14th – 18th 2011

Brain Awareness Week is a Global campaign that’s about the progress and benefits of brain and nervous system research and treatment. And we’re holding Neuro Expo 2011 as our contribution to this great international cause.

There’ll be Information Booths from many support associations: Parkinson’s Disease, Muscular Dystrophy, Stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, Epilepsy, Alzheimer’s, Motor Neuron Disease, Migraine, Spina Bifida and many other neurological disorders. WHERE: Watling Street, E Block, QEII Medical Centre, Nedlands

Dr Lynch is visiting the School of Population Health to discuss the 2011 State Health Research Advisory Council (SHRAC) grant round.

All are welcome to attend.

To Cre or not to Cre? > A SymbioticA Friday Seminar Date: 15th April; Speaker: Dr Rob James; Time & Location: 3:30 - 5:00pm @ SymbioticA

Molecular solutions to ethical obstacles precluding human enhancement through genetic engineering.

Emerging biotechnologies promise to turn the idea of eradicating genetic disorders into a reality, but ethical issues related to consent and eugenics appear to preclude the option of human enhancement through embryonic genome engineering. However, by combining existing technologies, such as IVF, microRNA, artificial chromosomes, and the Cre/LoxP recombination system, a strategy for enhancing the genome of your child without taking away their right to consent, and without altering the genetic make-up of future generations, is conceived.

Will mankind be allowed a moment to ponder the question: to Cre or not to Cre, or does the absence of an ethical safety net mean that the emergence of genetically enhanced humans is already an inevitability?

Rob obtained his PhD in biochemistry and molecular biology from University College London in 2007 and has since held positions at the Wellcome Trust and Royal College of Art in London. Rob has been working as a teacher, researcher and wildlife conservationist in Latin America and Australia for the last two years, before joining SymbioticA as a visiting researcher in March 2011.

More info and future seminars: http://www.symbiotica.uwa.edu.au/activities/seminars

Prof Rod Minchin received his PhD in pharmacology at UWA before undertaking post-doctoral studies at NCI on pulmonary toxicology of anti-cancer drugs and chemical carcinogenesis, followed by fellowship and academic appointments in Australia. HIs current research interests lie in the role of arylamine N-acetyltransferases in cancer, functional significance of the brain-specific sulfotransferase SULT4A1, interaction of nanoparticles with proteins and cells and the adverse effects of nanomaterials. Currently, Prof Minchin is the Chair of Molecular Pharmacology at the University of Queensland.In this lecture, he will discuss recent insights into the role of arylamine N-acetyl transferase in cancer cell growth and invasion. (Butcher, N. J. and Minchin, R. F. Arylamine N-acetyltransferase 1 gene regulation by androgens requires a conserved heat shock element for heat shock factor-1. Carcinogenesis 31: 820-826, 2010)

Outcomes of the Antimicrobial Resistance Summit 2011

Join researchers from across Australia and China for this fascinating insight into the importance of cell signalling and translational medicine. The four sessions, Novel Therapies and Genomic Information; Tissue Engineering and Bio-therapeutics; Molecular Targets for Metabolic and Degenerative Diseases; Cell Signalling and Translational Medicine, all feature local and international guest speakers.

Seminar has been cancelled. We apologise for any inconvenience.

Selective targeting of tumor stem cells using conditionally-activated antibodies

2011 ANNUAL SCIENTIFIC MEETING REGISTRATION STILL OPEN

We are seeking volunteers for a study investigating ways to improve the health and well being of dog owners and their dogs. If you own a dog, but do not walk it very often we would like you to hear from you.

Participation in this study will involve attending a 1-2 hour discussion with about 10 other dog owners about the barriers and incentives for walking your dog. The discussion groups will run on: Friday 8th July 2011 (12.00-13.30) & Monday 11th- Thursday 14th July 2011 (12.00-13.30 and 16.00-1730)

You only need to attend one session.

Participants will be offered $20 cash or the equivalent in pet supplies as a token of appreciation for participation.

We would appreciate if you could forward this to interested family and friends.

If you would like to participate in this study or find out more about it, please contact the Project Coordinator:

Mr Martin Hopkins [email protected] 0423 977 594

Centre for the Built Environment and Health (M707) School of Population Health

The University of Western Australia

The 10 most engaging 3 Minute Thesis presenters selected at the UWA semi-finals on 21st July, will compete for prizes and the opportunity to represent UWA at the Australia-New Zealand 3MT competition in September. Please come along to support the presenters and vote for your "People's Choice".

Do you own a dog and would like to walk it more often? Volunteers Needed

We are seeking volunteers for a study investigating ways to improve the health and well-being of dog owners and their dogs. If you own a dog, and would like to walk it more often we would like you to hear from you.

Participation in this study will involve attending a 1-2 hour discussion with about 10 other dog owners about the barriers and incentives for walking your dog. The discussion groups will run on: Wednesday 3rd August 2011 –Friday 5th August 2011(12.00-13.30 and 16.00-1730) & Monday 8th August 2011 (12.00-13.30 and 16.00-1730)

You only need to attend one session.

Participants will be offered $20 cash or the equivalent in pet supplies as a token of appreciation for participation.

We would appreciate if you could forward this to interested family and friends.

If you would like to participate in this study or find out more about it, please contact the Project Coordinator:

Mr Martin Hopkins [email protected] 0423 977 594

Centre for the Built Environment and Health (M707) School of Population Health

The University of Western Australia Human Ethics Ref No: RA/4/1/4800

We are now seeking to recruit a pool of talented Graduate Officers, with qualifications in a broad range of disciplines to join WA Health through the Graduate Development Program. Opportunities in the Graduate Development Program are for non-clinical areas only. Interested applicants are invited to an information night, where you will hear more about the structure of the program and the experiences of current Graduate Officers.

PLEASE NOTE YOU MUST BE A PERMANENT RESIDENT OR AUSTRALIAN CITIZEN AND HAVE GRADUATED IN 2010 OR PLAN TO GRADUATE IN 2011 TO BE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY.

When: Wednesday 3 August 2011

Time: 6.00 – 7.30pm

Where: Theatrette, Department of Health, 189 Royal Street, East Perth

RSVP: [email protected] by Monday 1 August 2011

Applications open Monday 1 August 2011 at 9.00am and close Monday 29 August 2011 at 4.00pm

For more information, visit: http://www.graduate.health.wa.gov.au

The Western Australia Chief Scientist, Professor Lyn Beazley, and the University of Western Australia's Centre of Excellence in Natural Resource Management are hosting a symposium in Albany to showcase the excellent science taking place in the Great Southern region.

'Great Southern, Great Science' will include presentations on nationally significant work that impacts on the Great Southern, and local research and development by scientists and professionals in the Great Southern.

Tickets will be available from the Albany Entertainment Centre box office - 9844 5005.

Standard $39.50 and Students $20.00

Registration includes morning and afternoon teas and lunch.