HMRI is mourning the loss of much-loved Development Officer Karen Brown, who passed away on the morning of February 23 after a courageous battle with breast cancer.

The search for new pathways to treat melanoma has unearthed a molecular target that may play an important activation role in tumour growth, according to University of Newcastle researchers.

Newcastle researchers have contributed to the discovery of a protein in the female reproductive tract that protects against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as chlamydia and herpes simplex virus (HSV).

The Australian National Medicines Policy aims to facilitate access to prescription medicines at a cost that is affordable to individuals and the community, however a new study led by HMRI health economist Associate Professor Andrew Searles has found that some consumers are struggling to afford the out-of-pocket costs required for their medication needs.

With premature and post-date pregnancies both posing potentially dire health risks for newborn babies and mothers, University of Newcastle researchers have been tracking a protein thought to act as a controller of contractions.

Women who have suffered previous bouts of depression and anxiety are at significantly higher risk of developing postnatal depression, a project aligned to the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health (ALSWH) has found.

There is no place for pessimism in the world of retiring HMRI Chairman Bob Kennedy. He has long enjoyed growing things – whether it’s wine grapes, businesses or medical research institutes – by creating the most positive and fertile-rich environments.

Newcastle-based company director Glenn Turner has been appointed Chairman of the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) Board, with Bob Kennedy officially retiring from the role today after six years.

A pioneering prostate cancer researcher was recognised today for his untiring work in early intervention campaigns and his groundbreaking research into better treatments for those threatened by locally advanced cancers.