BodyLab

The last in a special QIMR Berghofer Originals 80th Anniversary podcast series Whether you’re fascinated by genetics, or just love a story with a little serendipity and a lot of grit, the last episode of the QIMR Berghofer Originals podcast series is a masterclass in what it means to push boundaries, build communities and stay curious for a lifetime.  Hear how Professor Nick Martin turned twins in...

Get ready for a remarkable journey through nearly four decades of iron metabolism research, from ground-breaking discoveries in liver disease to unforgettable lab stories involving a gel disaster and the QIMR Berghofer resident goose.  Professor Greg Anderson reflects on mentorship, scientific breakthroughs, and the vibrant culture of QIMR Berghofer. Plus, hear about why science is as much about p...

What drives a doctor to swap the wards for epidemiology and spark a global revolution in skin cancer prevention?  In this deeply human conversation, Professor Adele Green AC reveals how a desk in a sick bay led to one of the most significant public health breakthroughs of our time. With warmth and candour, she shares the story behind the first clinical proof that sunscreen prevents skin cancer, th...

What’s it like to land in 1980s Brisbane with no email, no fax and a suitcase full of hope? From measuring heads in Charleville to rewriting the global playbook on breast cancer risk, one of Australia’s leading voices in cancer genetics shares what’s changed, what hasn’t and why science is always personal. This episode is for anyone curious about the people behind the petri dishes — and the persis...

From wartime breakthroughs to modern-day discoveries, Emeritus Professor Colin Mackerras reflects on his remarkable family legacy, including his uncle Ian Mackerras , QIMR’s very first director, and his aunt Josephine Bancroft , a pioneering scientist in her own right.  They were a powerhouse research couple who loved science almost as much as they loved fishing (and yes, they tested the fish befo...

In this special episode celebrating 80 years of QIMR Berghofer, one of the Institute’s longest-serving scientists about his early days in biochemistry, the mentors who shaped him, and the world-first research that’s changing lives. It’s funny, heartfelt, and full of science that hits close to home. 

Tune in as Professor David Whiteman AM shares stories from his early research days – from borrowing a UQ ute to collect blood samples from truck drivers on the roadside, to his good-natured “ding-dong rows” with long-time colleague and collaborator Professor Rachel Neale. He looks back on a time when finding the latest published paper was a social event, and reflects on the people, passion and tea...

The first in a special QIMR Berghofer Originals 80th Anniversary podcast series Professor Michael Good AO is a distinguished immunologist and former director of QIMR, Berghofer (2000-2010). He joins Clare Blake to celebrate eight decades of bold ideas, real science and the brilliant men and women who made it happen.

What if we told you a scientist set out to cure malaria… and might end up curing cancer? Join Associate Professor Michelle Wykes as she shares the remarkable story behind her game-changing discovery that could help treat common but tricky "cold cancers" like colon and triple-negative breast cancer. From jaw-dropping lab results to her surprising fibre epiphany (and love for burgers!), Mi...

It is a sickening blow when a child is diagnosed with brain cancer, and most of us know recurrence is the major concern, but less well known are the possible and permanent effects from radiation therapy. Professor Bryan Day and his team, and a collaboration from all around the world, have a likely breakthrough on both of these fronts. 

Metastatic triple-negative breast cancer has limited treatment options and is commonly diagnosed in younger women, aged under 40.  But a promising combination therapy could offer a new approach to target this highly aggressive and treatment-resistant type of breast cancer. QIMR Berghofer Professor Sudha Rao and Kazia Therapeutics CEO Dr John Friend share the incredible story that led to their coll...

A groundbreaking new treatment is giving hope to critically ill Australians with severe viral infections. Professor Rajiv Khanna and his team at QIMR Berghofer developed a lifesaving immunotherapy helping patients who’ve run out of options. Hear the incredible stories behind this game-changing breakthrough.

Depression is not all the same, our researchers, for the first time can diagnose a severe form of depression known as melancholia by analysing facial expressions and brain activity during different types of movies.

QIMR Berghofer researchers have found that declining melanoma rates among young Australians have been influenced by the country's increasingly diverse population and more varied skin tones. New research from Professor David Whiteman has found almost 30% of young Australians now have a low to moderate risk of melanoma because of their ancestry and darker skin tones.  While public health campai...

Dr Nathan Stevenson and Dr Kartik Iyer have developed a tool to accurately pinpoint the brain age of babies and children, helping clinicians spot neurodevelopmental delays earlier. This exciting development could lead to more effective therapeutic intervention and management, at a time when babies and children need all the support they can get. The doctors tell us how the tool came about and the e...

Professor Louisa Collins fears the long term effects of vaping will be more devastating than smoking. Her new research tabled in parliament estimates the high cost of addiction on our struggling health system.

Twins are a gift to medical research but it’s non-identical twins providing insights into identifying fertility issues earlier. Professor Nick Martin wasn’t expecting big surprises after studying twins for 50 years, making these findings even more exciting. Nick shares the phone calls that inspired this path, the possibilities for early diagnosis and the need for lots more twin mothers to join is...

It’s one of the world’s most neglected and dangerous tropical diseases, endemic in remote Indigenous communities across Australia.  Now, thanks to a new NHMRC grant, QIMR Berghofer researchers are leading an effort to eliminate strongyloidiasis, a potentially fatal disease caused by a parasitic worm. Project-lead Professor Darren Gray and team member Dr Catherine Gordon discuss their new project t...

Endometrial cancer is the fourth most common cancer in Australian women and its incidence is rising. But treatment options are limited, with a hysterectomy often the first line of defence.   Associate Professors Tracy O’Mara and Dylan Glubb are conducting advanced genetic analyses in an effort to find better options for women. And their results are so impressive that the US Department of Defense h...

It's known as the “silent thief of sight” - sneakily stealing the sight in one eye as the other covers for it. 300,000 Australians have glaucoma, around half don’t know it yet. Professor Stuart MacGregor explains the incredible genetic discoveries that could help prevent irreversible vision loss. 

Imagine living a life free of asthma. Throw away puffers and medications and never have to worry about not being able to breathe again. The Anti-Inflammatory Protein 2 (AIP2) could be a game-changer that transforms the lives of millions of people affected by asthma, and even potentially cure this cruel disease. Associate Professor Severine Navarro explains how this remarkable story begins with hoo...

Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, but a team of scientists at QIMR Berghofer is on a mission to find ways to repair damaged heart tissue.  To help achieve this ultimate goal, they're growing tiny living and beating models of human heart muscle in the lab. These cardiac organoids are no bigger than a chia seed, but closely mimic the real organ so the researchers can study...

Researchers have identified RNA molecules that could lead to a simple blood test to detect aggressive cancers like pancreatic and ovarian at an earlier stage. These cancers have low survival rates because they are difficult to diagnose, particularly in the early stages. Associate Professor Jason Lee discusses developing a drug that could stop aggressive cancer cells from growing and spreading to o...

QIMR Berghofer researchers have found that nearly a third of melanomas picked up during routine skin checks may not be harmful. The findings highlight the need for further research to determine why some melanomas appear to stay dormant and undetected for long period of time. It also may lead to more accurate diagnostic tools which might spare some people the anxiety associated with a melanoma diag...

Did you know your genes play an important role in the risk of having a mental illness?   Over the past decade, scientists have discovered hundreds of genes linked to all mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, ADHD and bipolar disorder. Professor Eske Derks says it's now time to translate these findings into the clinic to help patients with better treatments and more accurate...