La Trobe and Griffith U, plus partners, announce research resources

La Trobe U, the Australian Red Cross Blood Service and chronic fatigue syndrome charity Emerge, “plus many other institutions” have $1m for a biobank to store blood samples and DNA for research into Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. The cash comes from the Mason Foundation.

According to the NHMRC, “whilst Australian research is starting to make an impact, the lack of significant research funding and clear treatment pathways has led ME/CFS patients and advocacy groups to call for increased funding for research, treatment and support as well as greater awareness and recognition of the condition in Australia.” They were heard.

There’s also a new biobank at Griffith U’s Gold Coast campus, in partnership with the Menzies Research Institute, Queensland. It’s designed to hold biological samples for clinical research and already has 3000 samples from breast cancer patients and 1500 placenta cord specimens.