Medical genomics

Two of IMB’s brightest rising stars Dr Sonia Shah and Dr Larisa Labzin have been recognised in the QLD Young Tall Poppy Science Awards

Professor Jian Yang is taking his considerable talents back to his homeland of China, leaving behind a legacy of world-class research.

UQ researchers investigating genes linked with vitamin D have discovered genetic variations in the skin that can create a natural sunscreen.

Massive banks of genetic information are being harnessed to shed new light on modifiable health risks that underlie common diseases.

University of Queensland researchers have pioneered a method to integrate data from multiple large-scale studies to assess risk factors such as body mass index (BMI) and cholesterol levels, and their association with diseases including type two diabetes and heart disease.

Chances are, you’re going to marry someone a lot like you. Similar intelligence, similar height, similar body weight. A new study of tens of thousands of married couples suggests that this isn’t an accident. We don’t marry educated people because we happen to hang around with educated people, for example—we actively seek them out. And these preferences are shaping our genomes. Story via Science Magazine (external link).

Researchers from The University of Queensland are seeking the help of Australian mothers to identify the genetic factors involved in postpartum depression, which will help us understand and develop better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat the condition.

Inside one in ten women an invasive disease is ravaging reproductive and surrounding organs. It causes serious pain and in some cases, infertility. It’s called endometriosis and we know very little about it.

Researchers from The University of Queensland’s Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB) have developed a faster and more accurate method for assembling genomes that could help clinicians rapidly identify antibiotic-resistant infections.

Dr Joseph Powell and his team are investigating how differences in your DNA sequence impact on how disease starts and develops in the body. This NHMRC-funded research is important because it could lead to new approaches to prevent or to treat disease. (via NHMRC website)

Researchers from The University of Queensland’s Institute for Molecular Bioscience and Queensland Brain Institute have revealed new insights into how genetic and environmental factors control gene expression in humans.