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FIGHTING CANCER AND CLIMATE CHANGE: UNISC RESEARCHERS USE GENETIC RESEARCH TO UNLOCK SEAWEED’S HIDDEN SECRETS
UniSC researchers have undertaken genetic analysis of 12 edible seaweeds to identify potential cancer-preventing compounds.W Professor of Molecular Biology Scott Cummins and Genomics Lecturer Dr Min Zhao said while it’s already known including seaweed in your diet can help prevent cancer, identifying which naturally occurring compounds are doing the preventing is a tougher task. But it’s a key step towards the development of anticancer diets and treatments. “The old approach to identify new compounds of interest (also called natural products) typically involved lab-based manual work and testing what could be millions of compounds for things like anticancer effects. This could cost millions, even billions, of dollars,” Professor Cummins said. “Recently, scientists have been able to construct genomes, or genetic blueprints, of organisms. By running the genomes of 12 edible seaweeds through advanced computer algorithms, we were able to identify hundreds of potential anti-cancer compounds present.” The work significantly narrows the field of focus for future researchers, to confirm whether these chemical compounds are indeed key to inhibiting cancer in humans. “This approach could save researchers a lot of time and money usually needed for laborious lab-based work to identify the same key compounds. One may call it 'genome-directed health discovery,” Professor Cummins said. “It used to be like finding a needle in a haystack. This approach gets rid of a lot of that hay.” It’s not the only genetic secret UniSC researchers have been working to unlock from seaweed. Professor Cummins and Dr Zhao also recently collaborated with scientists from Japan and New Zealand to construct a full genome for Asparagopsis taxiformis. They hope the miracle red seaweed could play a key part in tackling climate change, thanks to a discovery by Professor Nick Paul from UniSC’s Seaweed Research Group. Professor Paul and other researchers found Asparagopsis had the power to reduce methane emissions in livestock by 99 percent, when included in their feed in concentrations of less than 2 percent. Now armed with the genome, he and the rest of UniSC’s Seaweed Research Group are hoping they can start to overcome the next hurdle – how to grow enough of it. “There are more than 25 million cattle in Australia alone. By mapping the Asparagopsis genome we’re hoping to uncover the genetic secrets that will allow us to not only scale up production, but to facilitate better breeding and farming in the future,” Professor Paul said. “Unfortunately, Asparagopsis is difficult to grow in aquaculture, and therefore we don’t have enough to supply for feeds. The genome unlocks important information to determine the genetic factors that contribute to its growth and anti-methanogenic capacity,” Dr Zhao said. The Federal Government recently announced $8.1 million in funding for emissions-reducing seaweed research and farming in its latest budget, after joining a global pledge to reduce methane emissions by 30 percent by 2030. “It’s exciting to see the Federal Government recognising the huge part Australia’s seaweed industry could play in the country’s future. This announcement of $8.1 million in funding highlights the need for a network of seaweed facilities across the country, including Queensland, to unlock that potential,” Professor Paul said.
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12 Years of Christmas
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This year, the Annual Bribie Island Christmas Lights Boat Parade celebrates its 12th year of bringing joy around the canals of Pacific Harbour. Held on Saturday the 10th of December, boaties will light up the Pacific Harbour canals with their decorated boats and jet skis for thousands of residents and visitors to watch and enjoy. This event is organised by local volunteers from the Pacific Harbour Residential Community Association (PHRCA) while boat participants are navigated safely through the canals by the very generous help of the Bribie Island Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR). “The boat parade brings joy to thousands of residents,” tells Ritchie Bloomfield from the PHRCA, “and this year’s event has been made possible thanks to our main sponsors including Bribie Realty, AquaCapture and Div1 Councillor, Brooke Savige.” The day will start at 1.30pm with the Bribie Island VMR cruising the canal with Santa and his helper delivering lolly bags to the waiting children and maybe a Schmako or two for the waiting dogs. Just listen out for Santa’s bell. From 4.30pm til 7.30pm, the Munch Markets will offer a great variety of stall and food holders at the Pacific Harbour Marina which will be a great opportunity to do some Christmas shopping and grab some dinner before the main boat parade at 7pm. The 2022 parade will also see a local choir offer their very best singing voices carolling their way through the canals as part of the parade. Vessels of all shapes and sizes are invited to dress up their boats and join in the fun for the chance to win some great cash prizes to the value of $1850. Entry is free with the first 30 entrants each receiving a free goody bag. Participants will gather around the main canal adjacent to the Pacific Harbour Marina from 6:30pm for a 7:00pm start. There are also plenty of public viewing areas this year for residents to watch the parade from including Kakadu Beach, Sea Eagle Park, Sunset Park and the Harbourside Marina. -This year the community are invited to get involved by following the events facebook page and vote for their favourite boat.
To get involved or for more information, email events@phrca. com.au or simply head to www. phrca.com.au. Follow the event on facebook by going to facebook.com/
BribieIslandBoatParade.
FREE - Bribie Island Christmas Lights Boat Parade Sat 10th Dec 2022
BOAT PARADE ROUTE from 7pm MUNCH MARKETS from 4.30pm PUBLIC VIEWING LOCATIONS
BOAT PARADE MUNCH MARKETS
STARTS 7pm 4.30pm – 7.30pm
Decorated boats will start at the Canal Munch Markets will be holding a entry from the Passage and go around Christmas Markets at the Pacific the canals as per the map. Harbour Marina located in Harbour
FOLLOW THE BOAT’S LOCATIONS Promenade. Plenty of stalls & fun to
WITH THE MarineTraffic app. be had. Grab some dinner from the food stalls before the parade begins.
See website for further info www.phrca.com.au MORE INFO www.phrca.com.au
SANTA VMR LOLLY DROP
Santa & his VMR Helpers will cruise the canals by boat & hand out lollies to Children from 1:30pm to 5:00pm
Main Parade - Best Boats Win
