Bourke lab news
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News and outreach highlights
Professor Bourke’s ground-breaking work has featured prominently in many outlets. Here are a few highlights:
About Associate Professor Bourke’s research:
- September 2019: Professor Jane Bourke appeared on 2SM Radio Sydney and ABC Radio Ballarat, discussing new regulations on the manufacture of stone benchtops and the risk of the occupational lung disease silicosis for Australian farmers. Associate Professor Bourke explained how silicosis develops, symptoms of the disease and precautions for avoiding the inhalation of silica dust. According to Associate Professor Bourke, with the rise of instances of silicosis across Australia, it is important that the government supports research to identify ways to treat this incurable disease.
- Silicosis: Hormone hope in fight against deadly disease, featured in Lens, August 2019 and also on The FifthEstate. The emerging epidemic of the occupational lung disease silicosis. Silicosis is caused by breathing in crystalline silica dust and causes lung inflammation and fibrosis. While there is currently no cure, Professor Jane Bourke is working towards finding the first effective treatment of the disease, using the hormone relaxin. Associate Professor Bourke's research in preclinical models shows the hormone relaxes the airways, potentially making it easier to breathe.
Funding, recognition and awards:
- April 2019: Scientist gains funds for research into crippling lung disease, Exploring whether the hormone relaxin can help patients with silicosis, Funding provided by Maurice Blackburn law firm
- August 2017: Contributions to inclusivity recognised, Professor Bourke was a member of the Biomedical and Psychological Sciences Gender Equity Committee which received a Vice-Chancellor’s Diversity and Inclusion Award.
Outreach activities:
- February 2024: Breathing new life into silicosis research
- June 2019: Hands on experience for international high school students, Jane ran interactive activities to explore lung disease and respiration.
Read more Bourke Lab news at Monash BDI.
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