Knee sleeve and unfolding proteins to launch 'Uni in the Brewery'

Mar 22, 2005

A sporting knee guard that “tells” you if you have landed the wrong way will be one of the subjects up for discussion on Wednesday April 6th when the University of Wollongong launches its first 'Uni in the Brewery' session for 2005.

The session will also focus on research into damaged proteins found outside cells, and discuss how this information can help develop better therapies for diseases.

'Uni in the Brewery' is coordinated by UOW's Research and Innovation Division (RAID) and aims to give the general public the opportunity to learn about the various research projects conducted at the University of Wollongong. It also gives experienced and emerging researchers and students the chance to meet and exchange ideas.

Private sector practitioners are also invited to present their ideas and provide feedback on the topics being discussed. This year, RAID has organised four sessions reflecting research in the areas of science, law, psychology and new materials. Upcoming topics will include river health and management, emotional intelligence and bionics and robotics.

April's 'Uni in the Brewery' session will be run in conjunction with Biotechnology Week and will feature UOW's Professor Julie Steele from the Biomechanics Research Laboratory and Professor Mark Wilson from Biological Sciences.

.Professor Steele will discuss how the intelligent knee sleeve can be strapped to the knee with a specially coated stretchable strip, enabling it to emit an audio signal if the wearer does not land properly. She will also discuss the role it plays in the rehabilitation process. An interactive demonstration is expected.

Professor Wilson will discuss his research in protein biology, specifically how the proper function of proteins is dependant on the proteins maintaining their own normal shapes and how physical and chemical stresses can cause them to partly unfold, resulting in damage and disease.

“This is very interesting because there are many serious human diseases and conditions in which clinical symptoms arise from the inappropriate aggregation of proteins found outside cells, for example mad cow diseases, type II diabetes and Alzheimer's,” he said.

“If we understood more about the processes that deal with damaged proteins found outside cells, it would help us develop better and more effective therapies.”

If you are interested in hearing another in the entertaining series of presentations by leading UOW researchers, come along and be informed in a relaxed environment.

Where: Five Islands Brewery, Eastern end of the WIN Entertainment Centre (Cnr Harbour and Crown Streets) Wollongong

When: 5:30pm - 6:30pm, Wednesday 6 April

Cost: Free

For further information: Uni in the Brewery or contact Research Promotions Officer Vicky Wallace on 0422 471 031

-RP

For more information, contact:

media@uow.edu.au
University of Wollongong
Ph: (02) 4221 5942; fax (02) 4221 3128