Using animal robots in the care of people with dementia has a modest but significant benefit, a new Griffith University study has revealed.
Published this week in The Journal of American Medical Directors Association (JAMDA), the study follows on previous research by Professor Wendy Moyle and her team at Griffith’s Menzies Health Institute Queensland, which showed that the introduction of a robotic seal called “Paro” could bring positive benefits for people with dementia, including reduced anxiety and a decreased tendency to wander.
Invented by Japanese engineers and commercially used in several countries, the Paro – which costs around $8,500 – can respond to touch, temperature and voice and can even learn its name. Paro is used as robotic pet therapy in situations in particular where live animals are no longer possible.
This latest study supported by National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) funding, is the largest study that has ever been conducted
Category: Griffith University Feed
Smoother path towards diagnosis of flu and throat infections
Two new clinical trials are set to begin at Griffith University’s Clinical Trial Unit (CTU) on the Gold Coast, as the Australian Government rolls out a new program to assist smaller companies and researchers to navigate complex regulations, in order to develop the next generation of medical devices, apps and therapeutic drugs.
With cold and flu season in full swing, the trials of innovative new diagnostic devices offer the promise of faster detection and treatment of bacterial and viral infections.
The trials will test in vitro diagnostic devices being commercialised by Brisbane company Ellume, and add to several drug treatment studies currently underway at the CTU, a state-of-the-art, core research facility for phase I-IV clinical trials.
Viral or bacterial?
CTU Director, Griffith University Associate Professor Evelin Tiralongo, said both Ellume trials are testing devices that may help to identify whether people are suffering from a viral or bacterial infection.
“One Ellume trial is looking to
Case study gives MBA students the edge
Griffith MBA students will experience what it’s like to shape strategy for one of the world’s biggest companies, thanks to senior lecturer Dr Stephanie Schleimer.
Dr Schleimer was one of five academics selected from business schools around the world to gain access to the Aspen Institute’s raw case data used in their 2017 Business & Society International MBA Case Competition.
This year’s case was authored by the Yale School of Management and featured IBM’s pro bono work.
“It sits perfectly at the intersection of innovation, strategy and social responsibility,” Dr Schleimer said.
Griffith University competition participants spent 72 hours in lockdown with the aim of developing a strategy for the IBM Corporate Service Corps, a global pro-bono consulting program which provides leadership training to its staff and improve communities served by IBM’s host organisations.
Students were asked to find ways for the company to increase its social impact while preserving the more tangible aspects of
Links between Gulf Rivers and aquatic productivity
With increasing interest in developing Gulf of Carpentaria catchments, a new Northern Hub project is improving our understanding of how water resource development could impact the health and productivity of floodplains, coastal areas and biodiversity (including fisheries) in the Gulf.
The water that flows into the Gulf of Carpentaria along the Flinders, Gilbert and Mitchell rivers and floodplains supports diverse ecosystems and nationally significant wetlands, as well as important recreational and commercial fisheries.
Project Leader Professor Michele Burford, of the Australian Rivers Institute at Griffith University, explains that information generated through the project will help government make informed management decisions.
“In particular we need to know how changing flow in the rivers earmarked for future development will affect aquatic production, wetland and coastal ecosystems, and biodiversity within the Gulf,” Professor Burford said.
“Our study will help us better understand the downstream impacts of water resource development in the Gulf catchments and hence the tradeoffs between the environmental, fisheries,
Engineering students get global perspectives for sustainable infrastructure
Human survival depends on safe, secure and sustainable access to important resources such as food, fresh water and energy.
However, with less than 3 per cent of the earth’s total water volume being fresh water, this essential resource is relatively scarce. Many people in the developed world take for granted their access to fresh water with an unlimited supply available at any time within their own house.
This is not the case for many people living in other parts of the world, where up to 2 million people die every year from preventable water borne diseases. During early January this year, 17 students from Griffith Sciences Group travelled to Siem Reap in Cambodia to implement a community aid project to supply safe drinking water to villagers.
The study tour and community aid project was led by Dr Graham Jenkins, a senior lecturer in the Griffith School of Engineering.
Students studying degrees in Engineering, Industrial
All that jazz
Benjamin Shannon will play alongside some of the world’s best jazz musicians at the Banff International Workshop for Jazz and Creative Music next month.
The Queensland Conservatorium graduate is one of just 48 musicians from around the world selected to attend the intensive 3-week workshop in Canada’s Rocky Mountains.
The talented young drummer, who graduated from the Bachelor of Music in 2015, is still celebrating the good news.
“I put in a last minute application, not expecting anything, and not knowing if I was ready,” he said.
“The fact that I’m going is still sinking in – it’s going to be a life-changing experience.”
Queensland Conservatorium Head of Jazz Dr Stephen Newcomb said the workshop was a “tremendous career opportunity”.
“There is a real emphasis on improvisation and exploring diverse approaches to music making at Banff, and the faculty features some of the most renowned musicians in the world,” he said.
“Attendance at a workshop such as this
Science students have a hoot owl spotting
They’re not just magical creatures reserved for students at Hogwarts – owls also call Griffith University home.
Griffith Sciences students studying ecology this semester were lucky enough to spot some rare powerful owls during their field work on the Gold Coast campus.
Dr Guy Castley, of the Griffith School of Environment, said the students were completing a bird watching exercise to compare bird communities in the woodland to those of the built environment campus.
“During these surveys one of the groups came across a pair of Powerful Owl (Ninox strenua) at their daytime roost,” he said.
“The Powerful Owl is the largest of the Australian owl species and is primarily found in Queensland, NSW, and Victoria. Populations in each of these areas are currently listed as Vulnerable or Endangered under State conservation legislation.
“This means that Griffith’s remnant patch of Blackbutt Woodland (also a threatened ecological community) on the southern end of Smith Street supports local populations
Featherstar and sea-lily chemistry making a splash
You’ve probably seen one if you’ve snorkelled a reef but little do people know that the beautiful feather star and sea-lily could one day be the source of new medicines.
Griffith University scientists Dr Yunjiang Feng, Dr Shahan Khokhar and Associate Professor Rohan Davis have undertaken an in-depth study of the chemical makeup of feather stars and sea-lilies – the first since the 1970s – in an effort to comprehensively document the chemistry and biological activity of these unique sea creatures.
The work aims to help future researchers worldwide in their quest for new natural products and potential drugs from these marine sources.
Their comprehensive review, published on the front cover of the prestigious international journal Natural Product Reports, revealed the chemistry, biology, and taxonomy of more than 50 feather stars and sea-lilies – collectively known as crinoids.
Researchers also highlighted current challenges associated with studying these organisms, and provided insights and directions into
Environmental water needs for the Mitchell River
How might future development impact the important ecosystem linkages between rivers, floodplains and estuaries in north Queensland’s Mitchell River catchment?
The answers to that question will be crucial to inform water allocation decisions that facilitate environmentally sustainable development in the region.
Flowing into the Gulf of Carpentaria, the Mitchell River catchment supports many assets that are of great importance to local communities and have national significance, including commercial and recreational fisheries, threatened species and wetlands.
With considerable interest in agricultural expansion and water resource development in the catchment, there’s concern these assets may be impacted.
To help protect them, we need a greater understanding of the critical water linkages, as well as the environmental flow requirements within the catchment.
A Northern Hub project, led by Professor Stuart Bunn, Director of Griffith University’s Australian Rivers Institute, will generate information to help inform the sustainable management of freshwater ecosystems in the catchment.
“In particular, our project aims to aims
Griffith University accepts AHRC report recommendations
Following the release of the results of the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) report into sexual assault and sexual harassment at Australian universities, Griffith University has committed to implementing the report’s recommendations in full.
The wide ranging report, commissioned by Universities Australia (UA) on behalf of universities including Griffith, has made a total of nine recommendations – eight pertaining to universities and one to on-site residential colleges.
To view the AHRC report in full.
For details on Griffith University’s survey results.
Griffith University would like to thank all students who participated in the survey and for sharing their stories.
Griffith University has in place a range of support and safety services for students and staff including around-the clock phone and text support including weekends and public holidays.
Other support measures include on campus counselling, a Harassment and Discrimination Contact Officer Network as well as an on-campus security escort service available for students and staff to