The world could be a step closer at finding a cure for breast cancer. The University of Edinburgh has discovered a new way to reduce the risk of breast cancer before it becomes deadly. Scientists have identified a chemical compound that is highly effective at blocking the growth of breast cancer cells. The chemical compound eCF506 targets a molecule called Src tyrosine kinase that is required for breast cancer cells to grow and spread. Researchers said eCF506 is different because it is more selective and doesn’t affect other molecules in the cell. Researchers said test had shown the compound primarily targeted…
Author: Brittany Evans-Gould
Twenty-two years ago, genocide claimed the lives of over 800,000 men, women and children of Rwanda, and the country is still recovering. Now, University of Wollongong students are putting their own needs aside to make a difference in the third world country. Engineering students have decided to take their skills across the sea to a small Rwandan village called Ruhung, where preschool children go without food and water, and it affects their ability to learn at school. UOW Engineering students, Tim Crawley, Daniel Simpson and Lachlan Green, will travel to Rwanda next month to build a sheltered eating area and kitchen for the preschool. They will also…
Puppy school isn’t always about training the puppy, it’s also about training the owner. Having a four-legged friend in the family can be a challenge, and owners need to be on their toes, according to a Wollongong puppy trainer. The ‘Naughty Dog School’, Unanderra, educates dog owners about the best ways to train and care for their fury friends. “We train the owners to train their dogs,” Naughty Dog School puppy coordinator Fiari Lopez said. Puppy owner Craig Diversi said the school has taught him about desexing, worming, vaccinating and provided the tools that allow him to successfully tell his little…
‘Acceptance’ isn’t always the fundamental key to rehabilitating someone with a severe injury. Educating people with traumatic injuries is a difficult process, mentally and physically, according to those working in the field. Doctor Leah Wiseman, Occupational Therapy lecturer at Charles Sturt University in Albury, works with patients who live with severe brain and spinal injuries. She said many of her patients can never come to terms with the loss of their pre-injury identity, “rather than focusing on acceptance, we should be focusing on adaptation and help them get on with life.” On 5 April, 2014, James McQuillan’s life changed forever. James…
The University of Wollongong’s own Associate Professor Lynne Magor-Blatch will be heading to the United Nations General Assembly Special sitting next Friday to discuss a policy shift for drug users. With almost 40 years experience working with people with alcohol and other drug issues, Professor Magor-Blatch is one of eleven experts selected from across the world to represent the non-government alcohol and other drug sector in roundtable discussions at UNGASS. Prof. Magor-Blatch said: “Australia, like many countries around the world, is filling its jails with drug users when these people should really be in treatment.” Professor Magor-Blatch said 66 per…
Breast Screen NSW has revealed there could be more than 2000 women in NSW who have breast cancer but don’t know it. Breast Screen ambassador Jean Kittson said. “The results are disturbing considering more than 900 women die from breast cancer each year,” Breast Screen ambassador Jean Kittson said: Breast Aware Australia founder Maralyn Young said she was shocked by the number of young people who think breast cancer won’t affect them. She conducts her own workshops to educate women and men on the importance of checking their breasts. “Young people need to learn how to properly check for lumps from…
Australian Treasurer Scott Morrison handed down the budget yesterday. It’s the third Coalition government budget since it was elected in 2013, and the first to be handed down by the Turnbull government. Everyone from the young and struggling, to the elderly and more comfortable have been impacted. Budget Boy has come to the rescue to explain how the budget could affect students and job seekers. https://youtu.be/p4TF-wtmyXU
The Illawarra is home to the ‘Wollongong Wizards’, a group of elite triathletes who have come together from across the globe to train and further their sporting career. The Wollongong Wizards have their sights set on the Rio Olympics, and some of its triathletes are already on the Australian Olympic Team. Triathletes Charlotte McShane and Jacob Birtwhistle said they are focused on producing some magic at the World Triathlete Series in Yokohama. A strong performance in Japan could provide the pair a wildcard entry to Rio. The ‘Gong Wizards’ said they love to train at the North Wollongong Continental Baths and to…
Over six million Australians volunteer their time to those in need, and they have been recognised during National Volunteer Week. Volunteering Illawarra held its annual expo to showcase many volunteer organisations in Wollongong today. The expo informed and encouraged people to become volunteers. Volunteer Illawarra’s Paul Kaiserfeld said the expo encouraged people to explore a variety of volunteer organisations, and the opportunities on offer. Across the Illawarra there are hundreds of volunteer programs ranging from disability services, employment training, conservation programs and childcare. “What we generally say to people is choose what you would like to do based on your own interests and hobbies,…