Murdoch Children's Research Institute
President Jim Mitchell with Institute staff: Paul Lockhart, Louise Corben, Martin Delatycki (Paul Harris Fellow and RCBN Honorary Member), Dean Phelan and Geneieve Tai
RCBN members and partners were taken on a tour of the new Institute building with its walkways towering above splendid gigantic children's murals and mobiles. The walls were adorned with child-like artwork depicting animals and birds. Each group of Rotarians were able to hear Paul talking about some of the research structured around five themes, which bring together large teams of researchers working on related areas to stimulate scientific collaboration and find answers to child health problems. He spke about discovering the genetic basis of disease & improving prevention and management of conditions like ataxia.In one group a lively discourse ensued around the place and cost of mice in lab experiments.
Martin expanded upon a natural compound present in grapes and red wine that could be the key to finding a treatment for people with Friedreich ataxia- a condition that causes progressive disability for which there are no proven medications. MCRI researchers are currently undertaking a trial of Resveratrol, a compound found largely in the skins of red grapes, which was found to prolong the life of mice, so is taken by some currently as an anti-ageing drug.
Louise showed how research is being aided with MRI scans to help understand and therefore treat various conditions that affect the activity and structure of the brain. Her presentation clearly illustrated the differences with certain conditions.
Some of those who enjoyed the visit enormously are seen here after our tour of the institute. Thanks to the MRCI staff who made their time and expertise available to provide such a fascinating visit. Thanks too, to Phil Rowell for organising this visit.We are looking forward to the next vocational visit to the Shrine of Remembrance.
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