Micro/Immuno Intro | Goggles & Labcoats | Breast Cancer | Extremophiles | Tuberculosis

Microbiology and Immunology

___Want to help people and fight disease, but don’t want to be a doctor? Microbiology and Immunology are the sciences for you! Microbiology is the study of microscopic life, and Immunology is the study of the body’s response to microbes in the immune system. Virology is a subset of Microbiology and is the study of viruses and viral diseases.

___Microbes are probably the least studied living organisms on Earth. Scientists believe that 99% have yet to be isolated and named. They can be found almost anywhere, such as under the ice in Antarctica, near the hot vents at the bottom of the ocean, and even in nuclear reactors! Scientists are interested in the specific survival mechanisms that support life in such extreme environments. As one reporter found out, this work is even providing evidence for life on other planets!

___Reporters from the Microbiology and Immunology team observed research at universities, private facilities such as the Centenary Institute, and hospitals like the Prince of Wales. One reporter found that viruses may be contributing to breast cancer, whilst another discovered that there is still much to learn about tuberculosis. Read on and be inspired by the fascinating world of microbes.

Team manager: Merryn Bird
Advanced Science – Microbiology and Immunology

___"I am from Armidale in North-West NSW. While I don't miss the -5°C mornings, I wish I was there to see the colours of autumn. I am a typical student who enjoys spending time with friends, and my kitten, Cosmo. I love the relaxed lifestyle of university and can't imagine working from nine to five, five days a week, but wouldn't mind the extra money! Although in third year, I am still not sure what I want to be when I 'grow up', but I know that I find Science exciting and stimulating."

Producer: Beau Ranawake
Advanced Science – Anatomy

___“I guess what interested me most when I visited the Centenary Institute was simply the great workplace within which research was being conducted and the wonderful people who work there together. Simply being there made me want to go into microbiological research! The things they work on are absolutely amazing and a great inspiration to any young scientist.”

Producer: Melinda Nguyen
Advanced Science – Psychology

___"My most intriguing experience of the day was observing a virologist running tests on a virus Mammalian Mouse Tumour Virus (MMTV), which has been associated with 40% of breast cancer in mice and humans."

Reporter: Michael Trotman
Advanced Science – Psychology

___"By reporting on a different field than my own interest, I discovered that there are many intriguing aspects to other areas of science."

Reporter: Cherie Lay
Advanced Science – Medical Microbiology and Immunology

___“I hope to become an Immunologist and study the world of vaccination and diseases. The scientist I interviewed made me realise that scientists do not always work in a lab. They also travel, teach, and attend many meetings. Going through this experience taught me that communication is very important to get anywhere with your career.”

Reporter: Maggie (Sin-Hang) Yuen
Advanced Science – Biochemistry

___“Before the DIS, I was so worried about the meeting with my scientist. Luckily, after talking with my scientist, and getting to know her and learn about the project she is working on, I found that being a scientist is very challenging and exciting.”

Reporter: Lauren Ma
Advanced Science – Biotechnology

___“My daily life at the university consists of attending endless lectures and laboratories. Despite the long hours at university, I manage to spend time with my family and friends, playing the flute and piano, and most importantly, walking my three gorgeous dogs.”

Micro/Immuno Intro | Goggles & Labcoats | Breast Cancer | Extremophiles | Tuberculosis