Australian scientists 'receive cancer research funding'

A group of scientists working at Monash University in Victoria, Australia, have been offered the funds needed for some vital cancer research.

The Association for International Cancer Research, based in Scotland, has awarded the team £196,447 to complete investigations into the link between stomach inflammations and the development of cancer in the region.

Led by Professor Brendan Jenkins, research will involve a detailed study of the STAT3 gene, which is known to be over-active in cases of stomach cancer and could be a gateway to finding a cure.

Professor Jenkins said: "Identifying molecules, such as miRNAs, which are directly regulated by STAT3 will pave the way to eventually translate our laboratory findings into potential clinical and commercial realities."

Laboratory products could also be the result of recent research by the Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto, which has found a gene which can help prevent cancer from spreading.