RESPIRATORY HEALTH AND THE MICROBIOME IN THE LUNG ENVIRONMENT
Dr Steven Taylor, Postdoctoral Researcher,
Head of Respiratory Health Group
South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI)
Adelaide, South Australia
RESEARCHER PROFILE
Filmed in Adelaide, South Australian | December 2024
Dr Taylor leads the Respiratory Health Group within the Microbiome and Host Health Program. His research employs tailored techniques that allow the lung environment to be characterised to a high level of accuracy, including detailed measurements of airway microbiology (microbiome), mucus composition, and inflammation. This information is used to identify predictive markers of chronic lung disease severity as well as determine effective forms of therapy.
Dr Taylor is one of the researchers leading The GRACE study, a project that aims to investigate the carriage and transfer of resistant bacteria or ‘superbugs’ in residential aged care.
Funded by the National Health & Medical Research Council’s Medical Research Future Fund, this study will produce new evidence to help us to improve facility management, including cleaning and hygiene practices, to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria, and ultimately improve the health of aged care residents and the wider community.
Dr Taylor also recently led a study that showed genetics may play a crucial part in the efficacy of probiotics. Published in ISME Journal in June the study, focussed on the interactions between probiotics and individual genetic traits. Researchers say their findings suggest a more tailored approach to using probiotics may have the potential to significantly enhance gut microbiome regeneration and related health benefits.
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Lasers, microbiology and dental materials in clinical dental practice
Professor Laurence Walsh AO is an Emeritus Professor at the University of Queensland, holding an adjunct title at Griffith University and a part-time position as the Chief Dental Officer at Dentroid, which is based in Canberra. In addition to these roles, he serves on several committees of the Dental Association and is the current president of the Australian Society for Laser Dentistry.
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Superslayer taking on antibiotic-resistant bacteria
Dr Katharina Richter is a visionary leader in MedTech, acclaimed for innovation and gender diversity. With over 40 awards to her name, including MIT Innovator Under 35 Asia-Pacific, and Prime Minister’s Prize for New Innovator finalist, she has shattered barriers as an entrepreneur, scientist, and ‘superbug slayer.’ Katharina’s groundbreaking work in combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria has resulted in 6 innovative treatments, 3 of which are patented, offering hope against deadly infections.
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De-prescribing medications in older adults with dementia
Dr. Daniel Hoyle is a Senior Lecturer in Therapeutics and Pharmacy Practice at the School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Tasmania. He is also an experienced clinical pharmacist with expertise in medication management in older people. Dr. Hoyle’s research interests focus on improving medicine use in older people with dementia.
