A new national publication showcases the work of some of Australia 's leading researchers.

The 10 of the Best' booklet provides details of ten medical research projects conducted in Australia in recent years covering leukaemia, asthma, multiple sclerosis, diabetes and heart disease.

This booklet was written for the general public to demonstrate the benefits of research resulting from public investment.

The Commonwealth Government has doubled investment in health and medical research since 1999. This year funding for health and medical research from the health and ageing portfolio will reach almost $500 million.

Australia is a world leader in health and medical research on a per capita basis, our research output is twice the OECD average. Medical research makes good health and economic sense. A report by Access Economics shows that for every $1 invested in medical research, $5 is returned to the Australian economy.

The 10 of the Best' has been developed by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). The booklet is available on the web at www.nhmrc.gov.au/publications/synopses/thebest.htm

The 10 of the Best are:

Stem cell transplants to cure Leukaemia
Associate Professor Geoffrey Hill, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane
Description: This research has centred on a different type of bone marrow transplant using newly identified versions of molecules called cytokines to allow the collection of donor stem cells which, when transplanted, helps cure leukaemia while limiting the life-threatening complications. The research has considerable potential for commercial return, new therapies and better treatment to boost transplant tolerance in patients.

Targeting asthma and allergy
Professor Carolyn Geczy, University of New South Wales , Sydney
Description: This research increased understanding of the role of S100 proteins in asthma, allergy and other inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, infection and inflammatory bowel disease.
The research results will allow the design of new strategies which target specific S100 proteins, to reduce the severity of these inflammatory diseases. A new diagnostic test for the S100 proteins, which indicate disease severity, has been developed for commercialisation, boosting Australian biotechnology efforts. Asthma affects one in ten Australian adults and one in six children. This is amongst the highest prevalence in the world. The estimated cost to the Australian community is $720 million per annum.

New hope for Multiple Sclerosis sufferers
Professor Simon Foote, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Melbourne
Professor Terry Dwyer, Murdoch Childrens Medical Research Institute, Melbourne
Professor Trevor Kilpatrick, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne
Description: Multiple sclerosis is caused by plaques in the brain and spinal cord, which progressively reduce a patient's sensory function and ability to move. This research, which was carried out in Tasmania, where there is a higher incidence of MS, identified two gene regions that may be responsible for causing the disease, offering hope for the discovery of new treatments. Multiple sclerosis is a debilitating condition affecting around 15,000 Australians, including children and the elderly. It costs the community as much as $660 million per annum. There is no known cure.

Disease gene screening and prevention
Dr Katie Allan and Associate Professor Martin Delatycki,
Murdoch Childrens Medical Research Institute, Melbourne
Description: Haemochromatosis is a common genetic disease affecting one in 300 Australians but it is under diagnosed and easily prevented. It results in abnormally high levels of iron in the body, which can cause liver cirrhosis, heart problems, diabetes, arthritis and chronic fatigue. The researchers conducted DNA testing of 12,000 adults in 60 workplaces and identified more than 50 people who would not have otherwise known they were at risk of haemochromatosis. This research provided new evidence that genetic population screening for a preventable disease is practical and provides clear benefits.

Diabetes self-management in Aboriginal communities
Mr Colin Weetra, Spencer Gulf Rural Health School , University of South Australia , Adelaide
Description: Between 10 and 30 per cent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians have type II diabetes, which is up to four times higher than the rate for non-indigenous Australians. Diabetes results from a combination of genetic predisposition, lifestyle factors and poor diet. Barriers to successful management of diabetes in Aboriginal communities can include remoteness and the associated lack of accessibility to frequent fresh food supplies, health education, regular primary medical care and specialist support. This disease is best tackled when communities are empowered to manage this escalating health condition. This research, which involved community participatory action research,showed education of both Aboriginal elders and community health workers is a necessary and important step in preventing and managing diabetes in Aboriginal communities.

Gene therapy to correct blindness
Professor Elizabeth Rakoczy, Lions Eye Institute, University of Western Australia
Description: Retinal dystrophy is a progressive degeneration of the retina, which affects night vision and peripheral vision. Scientists have dreamed of importing healthy copies of genes into people to correct inherited diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa (blindness), cystic fibrosis and muscular dystrophy. However, it is difficult to find safe ways to insert the new, healthy gene into cells. This research used gene therapy techniques to correct one form of childhood-onset of retinitis pigmentosa. By using gene therapy the vision in a number of Briard dogs was improved and it is hoped that human gene therapy trials will begin in the next two to three years.

Helping heart attack patients
Professor David Kaye, Dr Melissa Bryne, Dr John Power
The Alfred Hospital and Baker Heart Research Institute, Melbourne
Description: Mitral valve failure, in which a heart valve does not close properly, causes blood to leak during each heart beat. This can lead to heart attack as the heart pumps harder to compensate. Valve failure can be congenital or caused by heart disease, high blood pressure and atherosclerosis. The condition is more common in elderly patients, so it will become more prevalent as our population ages. This research used a small device to reduce the size of the valve, thereby eliminating valve failure, in a model of congestive heart disease. Each year, about 50,000 Australians have heart attacks, of which half are fatal. Heart disease is the leading cause of death, accounting for 39 per cent of all deaths in Australia and it is our largest health cost item at $14.2 billion per annum.

The truth about tobacco
Professor Simon Chapman
University of Sydney, Sydney
Description: This study provided important evidence about nicotine addiction and the adverse health effects of smoking, which supported the need for strong regulation of the tobacco industry. The results were very important to public health in Australia and this is an example of a controversial yet exceptionally useful program that was funded by NHMRC. The research drew on more than 40 million pages of internal documents.
Smoking kills 19,000 Australians each year or more than 50 Australians each day, yet 2.9 million Australians aged 14 years and over smoke daily.

Imaging to improve diagnosis of brain infections
Professor Tania Sorrell
University of Sydney, Sydney
Description: This study showed that magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) could easily distinguish between tumours and infection. It can even identify which type of bacteria caused the infection. As a result those patients with abscesses can avoid risky general anaesthesia and brain surgery the usual treatment for tumours and instead be treated with antibiotics. Around 250 brain abscesses, 400 brain infections and 1500 brain tumours are diagnosed every year in Australia . Correct and quick diagnosis of a brain abscess can greatly improve patient outcome and recovery.

New tissues for reconstructive surgery
Professor Wayne Morrison
University of Melbourne and Bernard O'Brien Institute of Microsurgery, Melbourne
Description: This research has developed living tissue models to replace artificial implants such as silicone implants for breast reconstruction, using tissue or cells from the patient's own body autologous tissue or cells. The research aims to regenerate tissue for people needing reconstructive surgery after severe burns or accidents, or after cancer surgery, including mastectomy. This internationally recognised study produced patents and biotechnological results that will ensure Australians have access to the best new developments in medicine.