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A new research group at Murdoch University will use the evolving science of bioinformatics to study human disease genes which have mutated, and to develop cures for the diseases they cause.
 Bioinformatics uses computers to study the genetic make-up of a living organism to answer very complex biological questions.
The head of Murdoch University's Bioinformatics Research Group (MBRG), Dr Matthew Bellgard, said bioinformatics was a revolutionary science attracting national and international attention and resources.
"When studying mutated human disease genes, rapid computer analysis helps us to understand how they mutated, and their effects on the actual diseases," Dr Bellgard said.
"These analyses help us to study the diversity, structure and evolution of these mutated genes, and ultimately to develop a cure for the diseases."
Dr Bellgard said the Murdoch group aspired to be a world-class organisation in bioinformatics research and development, education and service.
"The group will cater to the specific needs of Western Australian researchers in medicine, agriculture and biotechnology," he said
"Our interdisciplinary research provides the link between the biological and computer sciences, and information technology."
The value of interdisciplinary research was shown by ties with the Department of Clinical Immunology at Royal Perth Hospital, which had resulted in the combined purchase of important DNA sequence analysis software. Some costs also were shared with the WA State Agriculture Biotechnology Centre at Murdoch University.
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| "We also aim to keep research and development of new gene databases and analysis software in Western Australia." |
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"The Group will use its combined skills to research and develop new software tools and to provide state-of-the-art resources for WA researchers and scientists," Dr Bellgard said.
"We are committed to collaborative, multidisciplinary efforts to solve important biological questions. We also aim to:
- keep Western Australian scientists up-to-date with international bioinformatics advances;
- keep research and development of new gene databases and analysis software in Western Australia;
- to facilitate technology transfer to non-computing specialists; and
- to educate a new breed of scientists skilled in both IT and biology.
"This will help to attract international experts to WA and invite collaborations with international groups."
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