Media Releases

Community group behind new genetic research into SIDS

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, more commonly known as SIDS is a devastating and tragic event in families.  While many environmental factors which decrease the risk of SIDS, have been identified, up to 100 babies still die each year in Australia from this little understood disease.

The Splash of Red Foundation is giving research into SIDS a huge boost  by awarding young Centenary Institute PhD Candidate Annie Evans, a research scholarship of $25,000.  The scholarship, the second given by the group, is funded solely through the amazing fundraising events of  the Splash of Red Foundation.

Ms Evans is an outstanding young researcher who completed her undergraduate studies in science at the University of Sydney and the Australian National University.  As part of Professor Chris Semsarian’s cardiac research team at the Centenary Institute, Annie will specifically study the potential role of genetic factors in SIDS.

“While major advances have been made in understanding SIDS, many questions remain unanswered.  Identifying gene faults which may lead to SIDS will be an important advance in trying to identifying babies at risk of SIDS” said Professor Semsarian.

Ms Evans will examine key genes that may be responsible for electrical disturbances in the hearts of babies, leading to death.  The goal of her research is to understand the genetic factors that can lead to SIDS and to translate these findings into the prevention of this heart-breaking disease, he added.

The Splash of Red Foundation is a not-for-profit, charitable organisation dedicated to raising awareness and much needed funds for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and Sudden Unexpected Death in Childhood (SUDC) charities and research programs in Australia.  The charity is 100% volunteer based with no overheads and 100% of profits raised goes towards the charities and research projects they support.

The Splash of Red Foundation's next event is a "Sparkling Afternoon High Tea" on Sunday, 20 November 2011 at The Prime Minister's Official Residence Kirribilli House.

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Download pdf of the media release here

Background:

About the Centenary Institute:  The Centenary Institute is an independent medical research institute, affiliated with the Royal PrinceAlfredHospital and the University of Sydney.  We are world leaders in three critical areas of medical research – cancer, cardiovascular disease and infectious diseases.  For further information about the Centenary Institute, visit www.centenary.org.au

Splash of Red Foundation website:  www.splashofred.org.au

Centenary Institute website:  www.centenary.org.au/p/ourresearch/cardiovascular/molecularcardiology