UWS Cancer Research

UWS’s cancer research continues to garner worldwide attention with Dr. Anya Salih’s recent discovery of potentially novel fluorescent proteins from coral around the coast of Lord Howe Island, 600km east of Port Macquarie off the east coast of Australia. The gene producing the particular pigment — red, green, blue or yellow — may be used as fluorescent markers in cells and would enable scientists to track cell growth and change using a special fluorescence-sensitive laser microscope. Salih is working with scientists from the University of California to further this research. While the research is currently focused on its potential for anti-cancer research applications, these markers may be used in wider gene expression research.

UWS’s growing cancer research capability is further highlighted with Associate Professor Janice Aldrich-Wright’s research, which is investigating the efficacy of metal based therapeutic compounds that are potentially more effective and less toxic than current chemotherapeutic methods for treating cancer. We are particularly excited about Janice’s research as it approaches its commercialisation potential and we encourage you to watch this space for more information.