Research to cut disease

By HELEN TUNNAH

Auckland University is to lead new research into reducing the impact of disease in New Zealand through an intensive study of the development and growth of both humans and animals.

The research will focus on issues such as saving newborn babies from injury, their nutrition in the womb and the treatment of some degenerative illnesses in adults.

It will combine the work of experts from across New Zealand, and will be hosted by the university's Liggins Institute and Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences.

The Government has approved new Centre of Research Excellence funding of $12.5 million for the study, in which Auckland researchers and clinical experts will work with specialists from Otago University, the Christchurch Medical School, Massey University and AgResearch.

Auckland University vice-chancellor Dr John Hood said the research had the potential to be of major benefit both to New Zealand society and the economy.

There could also be spinoffs for the agricultural sector, with improved animal health and productivity, and for New Zealand's pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.

The National Research Centre for Growth and Development will focus on the biology of the growth and development of mammals.

It will study humans from birth through to the treatment of neurological diseases in adults.

The director of the new centre, Professor Peter Gluckman, said the funding provided the chance to generate the infrastructure needed for world-class research.

"There is a lot at stake for New Zealand," he said.

"Around 2500 babies are born each year with mild, moderate or severe brain injury.

"A 20 per cent reduction would save emotional burdens and costs to many hundreds of new families each year and more than $500 million in added lifetime cost to health, educational and support services."

The four main themes for the research will be:

* The causes and consequences of low birth weight.

* The interaction between genes and the environment in growth and disease.

* Saving newborn babies from brain injury.

* Treating neurological disease in adults.

Further reading
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