Woolcock Institute of Medical Research

28/04/2026

The latest oral appliances can be used even for some patients with more severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Over the past 5-10 years, they've become slimmer and more durable and designed to last. Read more: https://www.woolcock.org.au/news/oral-appliance-advances

Dental sleep medicine specialist Dr Michelle Donegan explains the referral pathways for OAT.

22/04/2026

The benefits of volunteering for research - advancing science, improving treatments, helping others - are well known. For Narelle, they became much more personal - providing the answers to her own sleep struggles and getting back to her "good sleep self". Read Narelle's story and join our volunteer database: https://www.woolcock.org.au/news/sleep-changes-everything

Narelle Wilson's life changed when sleep stopped coming easily. Volunteering for research gave her a path forward.

20/04/2026

Last week's fire at the Geelong Oil Refinery left some concerned about their respiratory health, but experts say short-term exposure is likely to cause irritation rather than lasting harm in most people. Distinguished Professor Brian Oliver spoke to The Conversation about ways to mitigate the risk. Read more: https://theconversation.com/when-oil-refineries-burn-heres-what-happens-to-your-lungs-and-heart-280796
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The blaze at the Geelong oil refinery in Victoria has reportedly been extinguished. But residents in the area may be worried about the health effects of lingering smoke.

14/04/2026

Sleep and the immune system are closely linked. While we rest, the body produces immune proteins that help fight infections and build immune memory for future protection. Read more about boosting your immune system this autumn: https://www.woolcock.org.au/news/sleep-and-immunity

This year's flu season started early. With sleep and immunity are closely linked, that means it's more important than ever to get a good night's sleep.

02/04/2026

Congratulations to Distinguished Professor Brian Oliver who won the Chancellor’s Medal for Research Excellence at the UTS Vice-Chancellor’s Awards for Research Excellence.

This award honours outstanding research at UTS that demonstrates sustained excellence at the highest level over a period of several years.

30/03/2026

Quit campaigns often emphasise cancer risk, but ni****ne itself is a highly addictive drug that can damage cardiovascular health and affect multiple systems in the body - regardless of how it's delivered. Read more: https://www.woolcock.org.au/news/ni****ne-addiction

However you get it – cigarette, v**e, chewing to***co or oral pouch – ni****ne is powerful, fast-acting addictive drug says the Woolcock's Smoking and Va**ng Cessation Clinic's Professor Renee Bittoun.

25/03/2026

Are you a shift worker? Do you find it difficult to sleep? Associate Professor Christopher Gordon, a research leader in the Woolcock's Sleep and Circadian Research group spoke to 2SM's Tim Webster about ways to manage.
Read more: https://www.woolcock.org.au/news/see-the-light

While some people naturally cope better than others with the sleep challenges posed by shift work, light - and routine - is key.

22/03/2026

In response to fuel shortages due to escalating conflict in the Middle East, the Federal Government has announced a 60-day exemption allowing so-called "dirty fuel" with higher sulphur levels back into the Australian market. What does this mean for air quality and respiratory heath? Woolcock Research Leader, Distinguished Professor Brian Oliver explained in The Conversation. Read more: https://theconversation.com/whats-dirty-fuel-doing-to-our-lungs-the-same-as-it-did-for-most-of-2025-278534

‘Dirty fuel’ may sound scary. But here’s why we’re unlikely to see a wave of new disease with this temporary lift in sulfur levels.

19/03/2026

To celebrate Harmony Week at the Woolcock we came together to honour the rich cultural and ethnic diversity that makes our team so special. From vibrant traditional clothing to a shared lunch filled with flavours from around the world, our celebration highlighted the many backgrounds and stories that shape who we are.

We also took this opportunity to deepen our commitment to an inclusive workplace, with refresher training on anti discrimination and harassment—because respect, safety, and belonging are core to our culture every day.

A huge thank you to our team members who shared their heritage with pride. Some feature in this photo! Diversity is our strength, and we’re proud to celebrate it. 🌟

17/03/2026

Last chance to register for our first Sleep Talk of 2026. Tomorrow lunchtime at Macquarie University, Dr Amelia Scott will be talking about Sleep and Pain: Understanding the Connection. You can register now for one, many or all the talks in the series: https://event.mq.edu.au/sleep-talks/registration/Site/Register

15/03/2026

Recent findings from clinical trials of weight loss medications are changing the way we look at sleep and metabolic health. We're now recruiting for new trials targeting obesity and sleep apnea together. What to know more? https://www.woolcock.org.au/news/weight-loss-studies

Recent studies have underscored the link between sleep and metabolic health. We're now recruiting for further clinical trials to determine whether weight loss drugs can improve OSA symptoms, promote sustained weight loss, and enhance quality of life compared to placebo.

12/03/2026

As autumn begins and the weather starts to cool, asthma symptoms can worsen. Now is the time to get ahead of your asthma, making sure management is optimised so that you can breathe easily. Read more: https://www.woolcock.org.au/news/getting-ahead-of-asthma

As autumn begins, many people with asthma experience a predictable worsening of symptoms. This is a critical window for prevention and ensuring management is optimised.