DNA fingerprinting has revealed how the malaria parasite shuffles genes to create different strains and hide from our immune system. This trick allows the parasite to remain undetected and re-infect the same people, much like the flu.
A University of Melbourne-led research team has cracked the riddle of how flu-killing immunity cells memorise distinct strains of influenza, which could lead to novel cellular memory-implant technologies resulting in a one-shot flu jab for life.
The University of Melbourne has announced an agreement with Bio Farma, a leading vaccine company, to develop an adjuvant, a vaccine delivery system, which could boost the effectiveness of vaccines for a range of infectious diseases including Hepatitis C, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Hepatitis B and Haemopilus influenza type B.
New research from the University of Melbourne shows how the malaria parasite (Plasmodium falciparum) changes into a banana shape before sexual reproduction, a finding that could provide targets for vaccine or drug development and may explain how the parasite evades the human immune system.
University of Melbourne vets are warning that owners with unvaccinated dogs or dogs with uncertain vaccination histories should visit their local clinic immediately to protect their pets against the potentially deadly Canine Parvovirus. Melbourne veterinary clinics have seen a sharp rise in cases of Canine Parvovirus, a severe gastrointestinal infection which can be fatal for small and elderly dogs.
Human rights and international law expert Professor Hilary Charlesworth, says that Australia's appointment to the UN Human Rights Council gives the country an opportunity to examine its own human rights record.