Research Highlights

In March 2019, HRI celebrated 30 years since it opened its doors.

Following injuries like a nick or cut, platelets that utilise the binding and signaling functions of an integrin called glycoprotein IIb/IIIa, or αIIbβ3, swarm the wound and clump together, forming a ‘plug’ or clot to stop blood loss. This first stage of wound healing is called hemostasis. However, this clumping of platelets can also cause deadly blood clots – thrombosis – which can lead to cardiovascular disorders such as heart attack or stroke.

In a world-first discovery, scientists at the Heart Research Institute have developed a high-tech coating that regulates the body’s often severe immune response to synthetic implants. This brings us one step closer to an exciting future where the human body does not reject lifesaving coronary bypass implants. 

The Heart Research Institute welcomes Dr Ashish Misra as Unit Leader of the Atherosclerosis and Vascular Remodelling Group.

Born and raised in Nevada, USA, Dr Melissa Farnham originally had no interest in research. Now Unit Leader of the High Blood Pressure Group at HRI, and balancing the challenges of family and work, she couldn’t imagine any other career path.