Woolcock Institute of Medical Research

22/02/2026

Does pink noise help you sleep better? New research suggests that it may actually reduce the time spent in critical sleep stages. Read more: https://www.woolcock.org.au/news/pink-noise

New research suggests that it may actually reduce the time spent in critical sleep stages.

19/02/2026

Join us at the Woolcock on Thursday 26 March to hear from the experts about the latest research on the diagnosis and management of insomnia. Register now to secure your spot.

17/02/2026

Sleeping more but waking up tired? Woolcock sleep researcher Dr Christopher Gordon explained more about the struggle for sleep quality to YourLifeChoices journalist Abegail Abrugar. Read more: https://www.yourlifechoices.com.au/health/sleeping-more-but-still-exhausted-heres-what-new-data-reveals/

Why are we still waking up tired? Image Source: feelartfeelant / Shutterstock

16/02/2026

On the eve of the Lunar New Year, the Woolcock wish that the Year of the Horse brings strong lungs, deep sleep and steady momentum for all. Read more: https://www.woolcock.org.au/news/lunar-new-year

May the Year of the Horse bring you strong lungs, deep sleep and steady momentum..

11/02/2026

On Friday 20 February, the Woolcock is hosting Understanding Therapeutic Potential Through Pulmonary and Nasal Drug Delivery, a coming-together of research scientists, innovators, decision-makers and industry players to share advances in respiratory technology and foster partnership. Read more about how respiratory technology bridges technology and treatment: https://www.woolcock.org.au/news/nasal-delivery

Respiratory technology sits at the intersection of pharmacology, biomedical science, engineering and clinical medicine, with the goal of ensuring the right drug reaches the right part of the respiratory system at the right dose and time.

09/02/2026

Va**rs are finding it harder to quit than smokers. Distinguished Professor Brian Oliver was one of a number of experts who spoke to the Sunday Tasmanian newspaper about the alarming increase in dual users. He compared va**ng to Russian roulette. “Sometimes unpredictable things happen because of the ingredients. We already know that va**ng is damaging (vapers’) bodies, what we do not know is just how much long-term damage is occurring. This may take up to 30 years to fully understand.” The Woolcock Clinic recently started its Smoking and Va**ng Cessation Clinic to help people quit. Read more: https://www.woolcock.org.au/our-clinical-services/cessation-clinic
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Smoking and va**ng cessation programme for people of all ages, quit smoking, quit va**ng, ni****ne addiction treatment.

03/02/2026

Australia is experiencing unusually high levels of influenza activity this summer driven predominantly by influenza A and in particular a new variant of subtype H3N2, subclade K. What can you do to ensure you continue to enjoy your time in the sun? Read more: https://www.woolcock.org.au/news/summer-flu

Australia is experiencing unusually high levels of influenza activity this summer driven by the Super-K strain of the virus.

27/01/2026

With the return of extreme heat and fire danger to parts of southern and south eastern Australia, Distinguished Professor Brian Oliver offers his advice on managing the risks to respiratory - and sleep - health. Read more: https://www.woolcock.org.au/news/high-fire-danger

Bushfire smoke is more than an irritant in the air – it is a complex mixture of gases and fine particles that can have a significant effect on how well you breathe, how efficiently your blood carries oxygen to your vital organs and even how you sleep.

22/01/2026

The Woolcock would like to express our deep sorrow for the passing of Professor The Honourable Dame Marie Bashir AD CVO who was one of our Woolcock Distinguished Alumni. Dame Marie Bashir was a great supporter of our work over many years, and we are truly grateful for her support. We extend our condolences to her family and loved ones.

21/01/2026

The Woolcock's Sleep and Circadian Research group is conducting a programme of research investigating hypersomnolence and non-pharmacological interventions. Currently, they are running a clinical trial investigating whether diet can improve symptoms of daytime sleepiness, metabolic health and quality of life outcomes. Read more: https://www.woolcock.org.au/news/narcolepsy-hypersomnia

Woolcock researchers Elizabeth Machan, Joshua Holley and Francis Cheong are investigating whether diet can help manage symptoms of narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia.

15/01/2026

Plastic pollution is a pressing global environmental and public health challenge. Early research has focussed on the marine environment and plastics in the food chain but there is growing evidence about the risks of inhaling microplastics. Woolcock researchers hope to explore potential genetic and therapeutic targets that could mitigate or prevent harms to lung health. Read more: https://www.woolcock.org.au/news/microplastic-inhalation

Early career researchers Keshav Raj Paudel is investigating how inhaled microplastics may affect our health and how we can mitigate against their effects.

12/01/2026

With the current emergency across parts of Victoria, we're reminded that bushfire season is very much upon us. Even when fires are many kilometres away, the smoke can reduce air quality and affect your health. Distinguished Professor Brian Oliver offered his tips to reduce the risk in The Conversation. Read more: https://theconversation.com/how-to-protect-yourself-from-bushfire-smoke-272065

Should I use my aircon? Do I need an air purifier? Can indoor plants help? And which masks actually work for smoke?