Institute for Molecular Bioscience

14/11/2025

☀️ Vote now for a brighter tomorrow ☀️

IMB’s Professor Ben Hankamer is a finalist in the Problem Solver Awards 🏆 for his pioneering work in biotech.

Using microalgae, Ben and his team turn sunlight into renewable fuels, food, and clean water—showing how Queensland’s natural resources can tackle global challenges.

Vote today for “Solar biotechnologies: harnessing light to solve global challenges” before 19 Jan 2026. Every vote counts and you can vote multiple times!

ℹ️ https://www.shapingaustraliaawards.com.au/finalists/solar-biotechnologies-harnessing-light-to-power-to-solve-global-challenges-uq

13/11/2025

In 2005, researchers at uncovered a remarkable discovery about macrophages — the frontline defenders in our immune system. They found that macrophages use a single pathway to both destroy harmful microbes AND send chemical signals that rally the body’s wider response 🦠

This dual-action mechanism helps the react faster and more efficiently to infections, with potential to revolutionise treatments for diseases like bird flu, arthritis, IBD and even cancer. But this powerful “hair-trigger” response can sometimes turn against us, driving inflammation that causes and serious complications 😮

By revealing this pathway, IMB opened exciting new doors for drug development aimed at balancing our immune response, a journey that continues to inspire breakthroughs in medicine today.

This discovery was more than a milestone; it was a testament to how basic science at IMB strives for world-changing solutions, another example of IMB’s 25-year commitment to improving lives and shaping .

13/11/2025

Big news from the stem cell frontier! 🌱

Congratulations to IMB’s Professor Nathan Palpant on joining the editorial board of Stem Cell Reports — the official journal of the International Society for Stem Cell Research.

With his deep expertise in regenerative medicine and cellular therapies, Professor Palpant will help shape the journal’s direction and spotlight the most transformative discoveries in science worldwide.

We’re proud to see IMB’s leadership helping guide the future of and inspire innovation across the global scientific community.

📖 Read More: https://www.isscr.org/isscr-news/stem-cell-reports-welcomes-new-members-to-its-editorial-board

Cell Press

13/11/2025

Nature or nurture — what really shapes who we are? 🧬

A landmark Nature study led by IMB’s Professor Loïc Yengo and collaborators at Illumina Inc. has delivered the clearest answer yet.

By analysing the full genome sequences of 347,630 people, researchers estimated that genetic factors explain on average about 30% of differences between people across the traits studied — ranging from 74% for height to 12% for fertility — with insights spanning areas such as cholesterol, Type 2 diabetes risk, and other key health traits.

This is the largest study of its kind, proving that modern genomics can accurately measure genetic influence beyond twin or family data; this breakthrough brings us another step closer to predicting and preventing disease before it begins.

Read more 👉 https://news.uq.edu.au/2025-11-nature-versus-nurture-question-addressed-landmark-study

13/11/2025

🎣 salmon farms have been granted emergency approval to use antibiotics in public waterways — but what does that mean for our health and environment?

Catch UQ’s Institute for Molecular Bioscience “antibiotic hunter” Professor Mark Blaskovich on ABC Radio National discussing the potential ripple effects for antimicrobial resistance and why it matters beyond the fish 👉 https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/pm/antibiotic-approved-for-tasmanian-salmon-farms/105993458

11/11/2025

Looking back over 25 years of research, one milestone stands out in the fight against pancreatic cancer — one of the world’s deadliest cancers.

In 2012, IMB researchers joined forces with the Garvan Institute to deliver Australia’s first major contribution to the International Cancer Genome Consortium, a global effort to uncover the genetic drivers of cancer.

This landmark study decoded the genomes of 100 pancreatic tumours, revealing more than 2000 genetic mutations, and confirming what was long suspected — pancreatic cancer isn’t one disease, but many. The findings helped reframe how the approaches , identifying new genetic markers like the axon guidance pathway and laying the foundation for personalised cancer treatment, where care is tailored to each patient’s unique molecular profile, not a “one drug fits all” model 💊

This pioneering work united more than 100 researchers, over 20 hospitals and institutions, and global partners from the US, Canada, Italy and the UK. It was a turning point for precision and a proud chapter for IMB who 25 years on are still daring to imagine new solutions to societal health challenges.

07/11/2025

What if we could understand the very genes that control how we age...and use that knowledge to help us live healthier for longer?

As we look back on one of IMB’s landmark achievements as part of our 25-year journey, we reflect on the breakthrough that unlocked the secrets of how we age ⏳

Last year, researchers decoded how our genes shift their activity from birth through adulthood and into old age, revealing a master “conductor” gene called Activator Protein 1 (AP-1) that gradually dials down early-life genes while switching on those linked to adulthood 🧬

This genetic choreography happens across many cell types and helps explain why ageing follows certain patterns opening new doors to potentially slowing (or even preventing!) age-related diseases like and stroke.

Supported by Australia’s top research bodies and involving over 15 labs nationwide, this discovery from the Christian Nefzger Group marks a major step toward extending hashtag vibrant years of life. It’s a shining example of how fundamental hashtag at IMB continues to inspire hope and transform futures.

📖 Read more here: https://imb.uq.edu.au/article/2024/06/revealing-master-controller-development-and-ageing

04/11/2025

👀 Still think brown eyes are dominant over blue? It’s more complicated than that!

You might remember those simple genetics lessons from school, but eye colour isn’t controlled by just one gene. In fact, IMB’s Professor David Evans helped uncover over 60 genes involved in determining your unique eye colour—from deep brown to light grey.

🌍 Did you know 79% of people worldwide have brown eyes? That’s because of melanin, the pigment controlled by genes like OCA2.

But even if you have blue or green eyes, it’s not just about melanin — other genes shape the structure and appearance of your iris.

So, next time you use the "Rare Eyes" TikTok filter, know that your eye colour is the result of a complex genetic masterpiece, not just a simple dominant-recessive trait. 🚀✨

For more information, feast your eyes on this 👉 https://imb.uq.edu.au/complexity-eye-colour

02/11/2025

Before there even a sign on the door, there was Ian Taylor, laying the groundwork for discovery 🧱

When Professor John Mattick imagined a world-class molecular bioscience institute at The University of Queensland, Ian was one of the first to help bring that vision to life. From securing foundational funding and shaping the design brief, to working hand-in-hand with architects to create a space built for collaboration, Ian helped lay more than bricks and mortar — he helped build a community.

“We were able to think big, and that thinking shaped everything —from the layout of the labs to how people would interact inside them,” Ian said.

What emerged wasn’t just a building. It was a new model for research; one that broke down walls, opened up labs, and allowed breakthroughs to begin. All these years later, Ian is still part of that story. The building may have grown and some of the founding faces may have moved on but his belief in the IMB vision hasn’t wavered.

As we celebrate 25 years of IMB, Ian’s story reminds us that great ideas don't just happen in the lab. They begin with vision, belief, and the courage to think big 💡

30/10/2025

From a bold vision in 2000 to one of Australia’s most impactful scientific institutions — we couldn’t be prouder to see shine.

For 25 years, IMB has been unlocking nature’s potential to tackle humanity’s biggest health challenges — from antibiotic resistance to heart disease and neurodegenerative conditions.

In that time, our researchers have:

🕷️ Turned spider venom into heart attack treatments
🐝 Created bee-friendly pesticides now on national shelves
🌿 Commercialised algae for regenerative medicine and solar biotechnologies
💊 Discovered new anti-inflammatory compounds now being developed for Parkinson’s and arthritis
🐸 Helped Queensland farmers by disrupting cane toad breeding with pheromone lures

With $3B+ invested, 20 spin-outs launched, and global partnerships forged, IMB continues to reshape Queensland’s economy and global research reputation.

“We have a demonstrable output from investment in our research, and we are one of the leading research institutes globally,” says Executive Director Professor Ian Henderson. “And for our size, we punch well above our weight.”

As we celebrate this milestone, IMB’s collaborative, multidisciplinary approach — where chemists, biologists and geneticists work side by side — continues to deliver real-world impact from the heart of St. Lucia in Brisbane.

🔗 Read more about IMB’s story and scientific impact: https://news.uq.edu.au/2025-10-cane-toad-lures-drugs-deadly-venoms-imb-global-research-powerhouse

Over the past quarter century, The University of Queensland’s Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB) has established itself as a global science powerhouse.

30/10/2025

Australia stands at a crossroads — as Peter Beattie puts it, “We either innovate or stagnate.”

Our greatest resource isn’t buried underground — it’s in our research institutions and the brilliant minds driving discovery. has spent 25 years demonstrating exactly that; what happens when innovation meets ambition, turning world-class science into breakthroughs that improve lives, fuel industries, and shape global research. Now more than ever, we must grow this work and ensure the nation stays at the forefront of 💡

At the University of Queensland’s Institute for Molecular Bioscience ( ), this vision is already a reality:

✅ $3B invested in IMB intellectual property
✅ 20 spin-out companies launched
✅ Global partnerships delivering real-world health and economic impact
✅ Harnessing the power of ­nature to cure disease

IMB has shown how research excellence drives breakthroughs in health and economic growth. What Australia needs now is a national vision that matches our talent — an Innovation Summit to map out our future to 2050, bringing researchers, industry, and government together not just to talk, but to build.

The message is clear: if we want a prosperous, resilient Australia in 2050, we must

📖 Read more in The Australian: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/back-australia-we-either-innovate-or-we-will-stagnate-its-that-simple/news-story/0fdbf90fea7805f019a5f5b7673ee434

The only certainty about Australia’s future is that it faces enormous change. The challenge for Australia is how to take advantage of that change to build a future competitive economy radically affected by artificial intelligence and an emerging China obsessed with research-driven innovation.

30/10/2025

Hats off to Professor Glenn King for being elected as a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences🕷️ 👏

The Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences is an independent, interdisciplinary body elected by its peers for its outstanding achievements and exceptional contributions to health and medical science in Australia. Its represent the nation’s leading minds in health and medicine — spanning clinical, research, academic, and industry sectors. Collectively, they are a representative and studious voice that engages with and impacts the community, industry and government. Glenn joins this esteemed group in recognition of his:

✔️ National and international impact
✔️ Ongoing dedication to improving health outcomes through research, education and policy
✔️ Mentorship and leadership within the profession
✔️ Advocacy for public understanding of health and medical science

is proud to celebrate this well-deserved honour and look forward to Glenn’s continued impact 🌟