Search
Research
Lytic activity, stability, biofilm disruption capabilities and genomic characterisation of two bacteriophages active against respiratory MRSAThis study aimed to characterise bacteriophages for potential therapeutic use against Staphylococcus aureus, focusing on clinical respiratory isolates of methicillin-sensitive (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant (MRSA) strains. Specifically, it sought to evaluate phage lytic activity, host range, stability, biofilm disruption capabilities, and overall safety for therapeutic use.
Research
Combination of curcumin or chitosan with photodynamic therapy as an effective alternative therapy for overcoming wound infection associated with multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumanniiThe increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii as an opportunistic pathogen in wound infections raises significant concerns due to its antibiotic resistance and biofilm-mediated antibiotic tolerance. This underscores the urgent need to explore an alternative approach to effectively managing wound infections caused by MDR A. baumannii.
Research
In utero and early-life nitrate in drinking water impacts lung function of weanling ratsConsumption of nitrate in drinking water has previously been associated with a range of adverse health effects, including methemoglobinemia and potentially cancer. In animal models, it has been shown to impact respiratory structure and function, however, there is a paucity of data of the effects of in utero exposure on the respiratory health of offspring.
Research
Transcriptomic analysis of primary nasal epithelial cells reveals altered interferon signalling in preterm birth survivors at one year of ageMany survivors of preterm birth (<37 weeks gestation) have lifelong respiratory deficits, the drivers of which remain unknown. Influencers of pathophysiological outcomes are often detectable at the gene level and pinpointing these differences can help guide targeted research and interventions. This study provides the first transcriptomic analysis of primary nasal airway epithelial cells in survivors of preterm birth at approximately 1 year of age.
Research
Lentiviral vector gene therapy and CFTR modulators show comparable effectiveness in cystic fibrosis rat airway modelsMutation-agnostic treatments such as airway gene therapy have the potential to treat any individual with cystic fibrosis (CF), irrespective of their CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene variants. The aim of this study was to employ two CF rat models, Phe508del and CFTR knockout to assess the comparative effectiveness of CFTR modulators and lentiviral vector-mediated gene therapy.

News & Events
Funding boost for cancer, antimicrobial resistance, and pain management treatmentsThe Kids Research Institute Australia researchers will share in $2.3 million awarded by the Western Australian Department of Health Innovation Seed Fund.
Research
Compound Repurposing Into Novel Therapeutics In COVID-19 At risk Lungs (CRITICAL Study)Anthony Christopher David Ingrid Shannon Thomas Kicic Blyth Martino Laing Simpson Iosifidis BSc (Hons) PhD MBBS (Hons) DCH FRACP FRCPA PhD BSc PhD
Research
COCOON: Virus transmission, immunity, and family wellbeing during COVID-19The delay in community transmission of the new Coronavirus in WA, together with the strict, social distancing measures that have been adopted, provide us with an opportunity to observe the level of immunity development to the virus within the community and assess the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on health and well-
Research
An infant mouse model of influenza-driven nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae colonization and acute otitis media suitable for preclinical testing of novel therapiesNontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) is a major otitis media (OM) pathogen, with colonization a prerequisite for disease development. Most acute OM is in children <5 years old, with recurrent and chronic OM impacting hearing and learning. Therapies to prevent NTHi colonization and/or disease are needed, especially for young children. Respiratory viruses are implicated in driving the development of bacterial OM in children.
Research
Identification of genes differentially regulated by vitamin D deficiency that alter lung pathophysiology and inflammation in allergic airways diseaseVitamin D deficiency exacerbates house dust mite-induced inflammation and alterations in lung structure and function