2018 news

An archive of news articles from 2018 on how the Brain and Mind Centre engaged communities, worked with government and industry, and improved the lives of those living with conditions of the brain and mind through high-impact research.

News articles

How art changes the brain

Can art change the brain? In a word: yes. A panel of scientists and art practitioners came together to connect the dots between creativity and neuroplasticity at a Sydney Ideas event during Innovation Week.

AI improves medical imaging to benefit people with brain ailments

The Federal government has awarded $2.36m to Sydney Neuroimaging Analysis Centre to partner with the Brain and Mind Centre to improve diagnostic neuroimaging of brain ailments such as multiple sclerosis and dementia.

Sleep disorder linked to brain changes seen in dementia

Obstructive sleep apnoea has been linked to brain changes seen in the early stages of dementia, University of Sydney research reveals.

Brain training reduces gait freezing in Parkinson's patients

In a world first, clinicians have reduced 'freezing of gait' in Parkinson's Disease patients using brain training exercises in a trial led by Brain and Mind Centre scholars at the University of Sydney.

Dementia research to receive $50,000 boost from crowdfunding

After watching in horror as his mother lost her 'beautiful brain', Paul Shaw decided to raise $50,000 for dementia research at the University of Sydney.

Too many unneccesary medications prescribed for dementia patients

Medication use climbed 10 percent per year among newly diagnosed dementia patients, a new international study led by the University of Sydney reveals.

Parkinson disease: from hype to hope

Advances in scientific understanding of Parkinson disease are advancing rapidly, says Professor Simon Lewis of the University of Sydney.

Head first: sports brain bank launched

Six former pro-footballers have pledged their brains to the new Australian Sports Brain Bank launched today at the University of Sydney's Brain and Mind Centre.

Bugs and allergies in pregnancy linked to autism and ADHD

A new study suggests activation of a mother's immune system during pregnancy, such as during an allergic response, may affect fetal brain development, writes Professor Adam Guastella.

2018 EMCR grant recipients

Six early- to mid-career researchers from the University of Sydney have been awarded $20,000 each to take their innovative research in brain and mind sciences to the next level.

Professor Ian Hickie and Professor Matthew Kiernan, Brain and Mind Centre Co-Directors

2018 Federal Budget

There is still a long way to go to redesign and deliver neurological and mental health services fit for the 21st century. However the government has moved in some important directions, write Professors Matthew Kiernan and Ian Hickie.

Kinoxis Therapeutics launched to develop anti-addiction drugs

Some $3.9 million has been raised in an initial financing round to develop novel anti-addiction compounds. SOC-1, which will progress through pre-clinical testing, mimics the properties of the "pleasure hormone" oxytocin.

Image of Liz New a research fellow

Emerging research pioneers championed with fellowships

Twenty-two gifted early and mid-career researchers have been named as the University of Sydney's 2018 Sydney Research Accelerator (SOAR) fellows.