Physiology

Explained: From dolphins and whales, new insights on Covid-19 – The Indian Express

By: Express News Service | New Delhi | Updated: December 5, 2020 8:06:51 amRain, an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin. (University of California - Santa Cruz)

When infected by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, people experience a drop in oxygen levels in their blood. This makes them vulnerable to damage in a large range of tissues. Compare this with marine mammals such as dolphins and whales, which spend their lifetime switching between environments of high and low oxygen levels, but tolerate both because their bodies have adapted that way.

In a review article published in Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology on Thursday, ecologist and evolutionary biologist Terrie Williams of the University of CaliforniaSanta Cruz explores how the diving physiology of marine mammals can help us understand the effects of Covid-19. Williams has spent decades studying the physiology of marine mammals and their extraordinary ability to perform strenuous activities while holding their breath for long periods under water. Texas A&M University marine biologist Randall Davis has co-authored the paper with her.

Marine mammals have ways to protect themselves and allow their organs to keep functioning while holding their breath for hours at a time. But to be able do that, they have had to undergo a whole suite of biological adaptations.

The fact that humans lack these adaptations makes it important for people to protect themselves from infection with this virus. Damage to oxygen-deprived tissues happens fast and can be irreversible, which may account for the long-term effects we are beginning to see in people after coronavirus infections, Williams said in a statement on her research. Follow Express Explained on Telegram

The heart and brain are especially sensitive to oxygen deprivation, and marine mammals have multiple mechanisms to protect these and other critical organs

Marine mammals have a capacity for carrying much more oxygen than humans.

Some marine mammals contract their spleen during dives, which releases oxygen-rich blood cells into the circulation.

To avoid blood clots resulting from such high concentrations of red blood cells, many marine mammal species lack a clotting mechanism found in other mammals.

Marine mammals have greatly increased concentrations of oxygen-carrying proteins such as myoglobin in heart and skeletal muscles, and neuroglobin and cytoglobin in the brain.

Numerous safety factors enable tissues in marine mammals to withstand low oxygen and the subsequent reperfusion of tissues with oxygenated blood. In humans, reperfusion after a heart attack or stroke often leads to additional tissue damage.

According to Williams, the solutions that marine mammals have evolved provide a natural template for understanding the potential for damage to oxygen-deprived tissues in humans.

There are so many ramifications of shutting down the oxygen pathway, and I think thats what were seeing in these Covid patients, she said.

Our heart and brain cells are meant to last a lifetime, and we cannot replace them once they are damaged, she added. Dolphins and whales have natural protections that humans lack, so we are highly vulnerable to hypoxia.

The research was funded by the Office of Naval Research.

Source: University of CaliforniaSanta Cruz

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Genetics

Teach Me in 10 Why COVID-19 Genetics Research May Be Biased With Dr Thomas Stoeger – Technology Networks

When applying genetics to the study of COVID-19, scientists are learning a lot. Our DNA codes for proteins, some of which are required for SARS-CoV-2 to interact with and infect a host cell, others that are implicated in the downstream effects of viral infection, such as inflammatory responses. But how do scientists choose which genes to study?A new study by Dr Thomas Stoeger, a postdoc at North Western University, suggests there is a historical bias involved; scientists are studying human genes that have already been heavily investigated, independent of COVID-19.

In this installment of Teach Me in 10, Stoeger expands on the key points of this study and the implications of bias in scientific research.

Full research publication: Meta-Research: COVID-19 research risks ignoring important host genes due to pre-established research patterns.

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Genetics

Researchers Sequence Genome of Tomato’s Wild Ancestor | Genetics – Sci-News.com

Scientists at Boyce Thompson Institute have produced a high-quality chromosome-scale genome sequence for the currant tomato Solanum pimpinellifolium, the wild progenitor of the modern cultivated tomato Solanum lycopersicum.

Solanum pimpinellifolium in Botanisk tidsskrift, 1872.

Tomato is the worlds leading vegetable crop with a total production of 182 million tons and a worth over US $60 billion in 2018.

Solanum pimpinellifolium carrying red, small, and round fruits is the wild progenitor of the cultivated tomato.

It was domesticated in South America to give rise to Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme, which was later improved into the big-fruited tomato Solanum lycopersicum var. lycopersicum in Mesoamerica.

Although other groups had previously sequenced Solanum pimpinellifolium, the new reference genome is more complete and accurate, thanks in part to cutting-edge sequencing technologies that are able to read very long pieces of DNA, said co-lead author Dr. Zhangjun Fei, a researcher at Boyce Thompson Institute and Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture and Health at the U.S. Department of Agricultures Agricultural Research Service.

Older sequencing technologies that read short pieces of DNA can identify mutations at the single-base level, said co-lead author Dr. Shan Wu, a postdoctoral scientist at Boyce Thompson Institute.

But they arent good at finding structural variants, like insertions, deletions, inversions or duplications of large chunks of DNA.

Many known traits of the tomato are caused by structural variants, so that is why we focused on them, Dr. Fei said.

Structural variants also are understudied because they are more difficult to identify.

The scientists compared their reference genome of Solanum pimpinellifolium to that of the cultivated tomato, called Heinz 1706, and found more than 92,000 structural genetic variants.

They then combed the tomato pan-genome, a database with the genomes of more than 725 cultivated and closely related wild tomatoes, and discovered structural variants related to many important traits.

For example, the modern cultivated tomato has some genomic deletions that reduce their levels of lycopene, a red pigment with nutritional value, and an insertion that reduces their sucrose content.

Identification of the additional genetic diversity captured in the Solanum pimpinellifolium genome provides breeders with opportunities to bring some of these important features back to store-bought tomatoes, said co-author Dr. Jim Giovannoni, a researcher at Boyce Thompson Institute and Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture and Health at the U.S. Department of Agricultures Agricultural Research Service.

The authors found many other structural variants that could be of interest to plant breeders, including variants in numerous disease-resistance genes and in genes involved in fruit size, ripening, hormonal regulation, metabolism, and the development of flowers, seeds and leaves.

They also found structural variants associated with regulating the expression of genes involved in the biosynthesis of lipids in fruit skin, which could help improve the fruits post-harvest performance.

So much genetic diversity was lost during tomato domestication, Dr. Fei said.

These data could help bring some of that diversity back and result in tomatoes that taste better, are more nutritious and more resilient.

The results appear in the journal Nature Communications.

_____

X. Wang et al. 2020. Genome of Solanum pimpinellifolium provides insights into structural variants during tomato breeding. Nat Commun 11, 5817; doi: 10.1038/s41467-020-19682-0

This article is based on a press-release provided by Boyce Thompson Institute.

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Genetics

Rare genetic differences play vital role in blood pressure – British Heart Foundation

New genetic differences have been discovered to play a vital role in regulating blood pressure, according to research part funded by us and published in Nature Genetics.

Researchers based at the University of Cambridge and round the world studied the genetic make-up of 1.3 million people with diverse ancestries. They found 106 new regions of DNA and 87 new rare genetic variations associated with blood pressure.

The rare genetic variants had an eight times greater effect on blood pressure compared to more common variants. Thirty-two of the rare variants were located within newly identified sections of DNA linked to blood pressure, and 55 were located within genes already known to be associated with its regulation.

The importance of the work is illustrated by the finding that six of the genes identified in this study, four of which contain rare variants, are already drug targets for heart and circulatory conditions. This suggests that the other genes identified may also be good targets for developing new drugs.

The researchers therefore hope that these findings will lead to new ways to prevent and treat high blood pressure.

Professor Sir Nilesh Samani, our Medical Director, said:

This major study has revealed new underlying genetic factors which add to the blueprint of what dictates our blood pressure.

High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart and circulatory diseases. These new discoveries should shed light on potential new ways to prevent and treat high blood pressure and ensure its in a healthy range, ultimately to reduce deadly heart attacks and strokes.

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Rare genetic differences play vital role in blood pressure - British Heart Foundation

Genetics

Insights on Human Genetics Market 2020 to 2027: COVID-19 Impact Analysis, Drivers, Opportunity Analysis, Restraints, and Forecast – The Courier

A new report added by Research Dive offers insights and puts forth the impact of COVID-19 catastrophe on the global human genetics market. According to the report, the human genetics market is estimated to grow at a significant rate and generate robust revenue share by 2027 during the forecast period from 2020 to 2027.

The report provides brief summary and an in-depth information of the market by collecting data from industry experts and different sources prevalent in the market. The statistics presented in the report are extensive, reliable, and the outcome of an exhaustive analytical research. The report offers qualitative and quantitative trend analysis for the period of 2020-2027 to assist stakeholders to understand the overall market scenario. Comprehensive analysis of the key segments validates the types of products used in the industry and their applications.

MARKET SEGMENTATION

On the basis of type, the global human genetics market is segmented into:

Product Type Segmentation Prenatal Genetics Cytogenetics Molecular Genetics & Symptom Genetics

For More Detail Insights, Download Sample Copy of the Report at: https://www.researchdive.com/request-toc-and-sample/2137

On the basis of application, the global human genetics market is segmented into:

Cytogenetics Molecular Genetics Prenatal Genetics Symptom Genetics Research Center Industry Segmentation Forensic Laboratories Hospital

On the basis of region, the global human genetics market is segmented into:

North America U.S. Canada Mexico

Europe Germany UK France Spain Italy Rest of Europe

Asia-Pacific Japan China India Australia South Korea Rest of Asia-Pacific

LAMEA Brazil Argentina Saudi Arabia South Africa UAE Rest of LAMEA

Connect with Our Analyst to Contextualize Our Insights for Your Business: https://www.researchdive.com/connect-to-analyst/2137

KEY COMPANIES COVERED

The research report summarizes and outlines several aspects of the key players operating in the global human genetics market such as company snapshot, business performance, product portfolio, recent developments & strategies, SWOT analysis, and many more. The key players listed are:

LGC Forensics Agilent Technologies QIAGEN N.V. Bode Technology Illumina Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. Promega Corporation Orchid Cellmark Inc. NextOmics GE Healthcare Takara Bio Inc. Oxford Nanopore Pacific Biosciences

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

The key players of the market are adopting several strategies to obtain a leading position in the global industry. For instance, in August 2020, Ancestry launched AncestryHealth, a product that features next-generation sequencing with an ability to screen the genes associated with blood disorders, breast cancer, colon cancer, and heart disease.

Contact Us:

Mr. Abhishek PaliwalResearch Dive30 Wall St. 8th Floor, New YorkNY 10005 (P)+ 91 (788) 802-9103 (India)+1 (917) 444-1262 (US) TollFree : +1 -888-961-4454Email:support@researchdive.comLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/research-diveTwitter:https://twitter.com/ResearchDiveFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/Research-DiveBlog:https://www.researchdive.com/blogFollow us on:https://covid-19-market-insights.blogspot.com

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Insights on Human Genetics Market 2020 to 2027: COVID-19 Impact Analysis, Drivers, Opportunity Analysis, Restraints, and Forecast - The Courier

Genetics

Genetic Technologies Secures US and ANZ Distribution Rights for PREDICTIX – BioSpace

MELBOURNE, Australia, Dec. 02, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Molecular diagnostics company Genetic Technologies Ltd (ASX: GTG; NASDAQ: GENE, the Company), announced today that they have entered into a three-year partnership agreement with mental health company, Taliaz, for the distribution rights of their PREDICTIX products in Australia, New Zealand and the USA (Agreement).

Key Highlights

The Agreement will support GTG to expand its product offering and establish the mental health vertical by harnessing PREDICTIX, Taliazs pioneering decision-support and management platform to optimize patient treatment for mental health disorders. Starting in the field of depression, this genomic-based, Artificial Intelligence (AI) driven antidepressant selection technology, marks GTGs first foray into pharmacogenomics1.

George Muchnicki, GTGs Interim CEO stated: We are incredibly pleased to have partnered with Taliaz to bring their predictive and personalized mental health product to Australia and New Zealand. GTG are at the forefront of providing personalized and predictive products to empower patients to make informed decisions about their health. This distribution agreement is our first external product partnership and our first product within the mental health vertical. Mental health has remained at the forefront of media discussions and government initiatives within Australia, New Zealand and globally due to the ongoing social and economic impact and given the impact from the current global pandemic. We look forward to working closely with the Taliaz team to deliver their product into these markets at this critical time.

The execution of the Agreement is reliant on product regulatory clearance by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the USA. Once cleared, GTG has committed to providing a minimum distribution of 8,000 tests over the initial three-year term with an associated minimum cost to GTG of $200,000 over the term, inclusive of licencing fees and a percentage based fee per test paid to Taliaz. Subject to the regulatory clearance process, GTG anticipates that PREDICTIX will be made available for sale and distribution in Australia and New Zealand in Q3 FY21 on GTGs existing Consumer Initiated Testing (CIT) platform, with end-customer pricing to be determined but anticipated to be in line with existing GTG product pricing.

PREDICTIX, developed by the private Israeli company, Taliaz, addresses the growing burden on society from depression, with 1 in 10 Americans2 and 1 in 8 Australians3 prescribed antidepressants per year. PREDICTIX enables a more accurate and rapid treatment plan for patients suffering from depression, reducingtreatment costs and the overall associated economic burden.

PREDICTIX is an algorithmic-based decision support tool that can improve todays antidepressant prescribing accuracy by 47%4. Combining DNA testing with AI, PREDICTIX empowers doctors to improve the assessment, treatment, and management of mental health disorders.

The PREDICTIX technology uses AI to analyse multiple data streams, including patients genomic, clinical history and demographic background, providing doctors with a personalized patient report. The report ranks the statistical efficacy and potential side effects of various antidepressant medication based on each patients genetic makeup andhealth record. This helps doctors optimize prescribing decisions for patients diagnosed with depressive disorder, where there is currently a long and painful trial and error period. PREDICTIX is CE-registered and commercially available in the UK, France and Israel, with the process underway for TGA approval.

Dekel Taliaz, CEO and Co-founder of Taliaz said, We are excited to partner with Genetic Technologies, world-leaders in the genetic risk assessment space. This new partnership will support rapid commercialization of PREDICTIX to help more depression sufferers in Australia, New Zealand and the USA, while adding a complementary and advanced mental health solution to GTGs growing suite of DNA tests.

The Agreement strengthens GTGs mission in creating a suite of tests to enable a holistic and predictive health assessment for patients, which can be adjusted to address the individual patient risks and needs. Establishing the first product within the mental health and pharmacogenetic space continues GTGs progress towards being able to offer a highly comprehensive suite of polygenic risk assessment tests via GTGs CIT platform and additional sales and marketing avenues as these are progressed.

This announcement was approved by the Board of Directors of Genetic Technologies Limited.

About Genetic Technologies Limited

Genetic Technologies Limited (ASX: GTG; Nasdaq: GENE) is a diversified molecular diagnostics company. GTG offers cancer predictive testing and assessment tools to help physicians proactively manage patient health. The Companys lead products GeneType for Breast Cancer for non-hereditary breast cancer and GeneType for Colorectal Cancer are clinically validated risk assessment tests and are first in class. Genetic Technologies is developing a pipeline of risk assessment products.

For more information, please visit http://www.gtglabs.com

About Taliaz

Taliaz is revolutionizing the treatment and management of mental health disorders with PREDICTIX. PREDICTIX is a CE-registered product that provides an advanced decision support software for psychiatrists and general practitioners. Harnessing artificial intelligence, PREDICTIX can enable easy, effective and rapid patient assessment, improved prescribing precision and management for a wide range of mental health conditions. Starting in the field of depression, the PREDICTIX Genetics and PREDICTIX Digital products can improve todays prescribing accuracy by up to 47%4.

For more information, please visit predictix.ai.

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Genetic Technologies Secures US and ANZ Distribution Rights for PREDICTIX - BioSpace

Genetics

Are Consumers Getting What They Think They Are with Genetic Testing? – YubaNet

Washington, D.C. November 30, 2020 Today Consumer Federation of America released a new report,Marketing Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing: Are Consumers Getting What They Think They Are?It examines the claims direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing companies make for these services, the information they provide to consumers about them, the variance of results from one company to another, the up-selling that occurs, and the companies terms of service and privacy policies. With the holidays coming up and DTC genetic testing companies promoting their services as the perfect gift, we wanted to help educate consumers about the benefits, limitations, and risks of these tests, said report author, Susan Grant, CFAs Director of Consumer Protection and Privacy. Nick Roper, Administrative and Advocacy Associate at CFA, assisted her with the research.

Conducted with a grant from the Rose Foundation, the study focused on six companies: 23andMe, Ancestry, FamilyTreeDNA, HomeDNA, LivingDNA, and MyHeritage. In order to compare the results, CFAs Grant took the basic ancestry tests from each company. We found that theres much about these tests consumers may not realize, said Grant. They need to be better informed and better protected.

What the CFA Study Found

Consumers might be surprised to know that most DTC genetic tests are not reviewed by the government before theyre marketed to confirm the claims made for them, their accuracy, or their validity, said Grant. There is a lot of helpful information on DTC genetic testing companies websites about genetics and how their services work, but were concerned that not many consumers will delve into it and assume theyll get more detailed and conclusive results than they actually will.

Recommendations

On the basis of the study, CFA made these recommendations:

DTC genetic testing companies should refrain from making specific accuracy claims.

In conjunction with the report, CFA released tips for consumers,9 Questions and Answers about DTC Genetic Testing.The full report ishere. A shorter version of the report is availablehere.

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Are Consumers Getting What They Think They Are with Genetic Testing? - YubaNet

Genetics

Cranky camels make difficult dairy cows part two but technology and genetics are making some headway – Brooks Bulletin

Most camels and their cousins, alpacas and llamas, have a reputation for being somewhat irritable and belligerent; thats backed up with occasional bouts of spitting, biting and cantankerous behaviour. They have been domesticated for a few thousand years, but they still seem to have a lofty sense of dignity despite humans trying to break their spirit. The noble camel has endured being a beast of burden and even a racing animal. But becoming a dairy animal is a work in progress as patient folks who handle them have found out since they were first tamed. Humans have milked or tried to milk camels for thousands of years; the milk is particularly nutritious and a protein source in many middle east and African societies to this day. The fact that massive camel dairy operations have sprung up would indicate that camel milk is still popular within the middle easts urbanized community and has a growing interest in other parts of the world. Camel dairy operations have started up in the USA and Australia to supply new markets, but they are modest in size. The biggest hurdle is trying to turn the camel into an efficient dairy animal with ever-increasing regular milk production assisted by mechanical handling. Thats a description of the typical bovine dairy animal of today.From a dairy perspective, the camel cow is genetically 200 years behind the average bovine dairy cow. The camel is nowhere near as docile, cooperative, nor as remotely productive as a modern dairy cow. Thats the result of longtime intensive selection as none of the other milked species started out as happy, productive dairy animals. However, modern Western-style camel dairy operations are making progress through a genetic selection process, camel training and unique camel milking and handling equipment. Some of the large middle east camel dairy operations employ highly skilled professionals that guide production increases.Interestingly, a small tribal group in Northern Kenya who are highly dependent on camel milk has, through selection, created a higher milk yielding strain of camel, so it can be done. The one fast-track system to a better milking camel cow is through mass selection. In the middle east and Australia, they have access to literally hundreds of thousands of local camel cows, both wild and captive. That enables them through a process of elimination to find the one cow in a hundred that might make a good docile camel dairy cow for a commercial dairy operation. However, selection would seem to be the easy part; its the milking part where it gets more complicated. Unlike other milking species like goats, sheep and bovines, the camel does not easily let down its milk; it needs significant stimulation and then only produces at intervals. In traditional settings, the presence of a camel cows calf provides the stimulation, and a person then hand milks the cow. Considering the camels cranky nature, that alone would seem to be a dangerous and haphazard process, never mind the food safety and sanitation concerns. Clearly, that wont work in a commercial dairy operation where thousands of camels have to be milked twice a day. Hence the big sophisticated operators in the middle east have developed protocols and equipment that eliminates most calf stimulation. Still, they must be using some sort of method to keep milk production up on a regular and consistent basis. All of that would seem to be transferable to a potentially large operation in Alberta, but a reliable source of camels would be needed. The other part is the huge capital investment, one of the largest middle east dairies started with an investment of $20 million and now has over 500 employees. Granted, this large operator controls camel milk from production to processing to worldwide marketing. It must be profitable as these large operations continue to expand in the middle east. A substantial commercial camel dairy operation in North America would have some advantages. Firstly, there is seemingly a large local market to absorb camel milk. Secondly is camel feed. The big outfits in the middle east import large quantities of costly alfalfa hay and other feedstuffs from Australia and North America to provide consistent quality feed to produce a steady supply of milk. Mammals, in general, produce surplus milk only through excess fat and protein consumption. But feed and markets arent enough of an advantage its finding enough of those darned cranky camel cows to milk. More next time. Will Verboven is an ag opinion writer and ag policy advisor.

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Genetics

New Generation Genetics is excited to welcome Lauren Hendel as US Sales and Progeny Specialist effective December 1, 2020. – Hoard’s Dairyman

The information below has been supplied by dairy marketers and other industry organizations. It has not been edited, verified or endorsed by Hoards Dairyman.

New Generation Genetics is excited to welcome Lauren Hendel as U.S. Sales and Progeny Specialist effective December 1, 2020.

Lauren brings diverse experience and knowledge of the dairy genetics industry. This includes experience in marketing, daughter progeny identification and photography, customer service, and A.I. bull care, collection, and semen processing.Most recently, she worked as a Genetic Consultant in southern Wisconsin.In this role she helped customers reach their genetic goals through sire selection and mating.

Laurens passion for Brown Swiss began at a young age. Growing up, she was actively involved on her familys 400-cow dairy, near Caledonia, MN. Hendel Farms has been home to registered Brown Swiss since 1922.

Lauren has an ideal skill set for this position and will be a very valuable asset to NGG going forward, stated CEO Dan Gilbert.We are confident Breeders in the Midwest and West will benefit and appreciate working with her.

Lauren is a graduate of the University of Minnesota Twin Cities with a Bachelor of Animal Science and minor in Agricultural and Food Business Management. While there she was active in the Gopher Dairy Club, and a member of the dairy judging and dairy challenge teams.

Lauren will be working out of the home office in Fort Atkinson, WI and will be covering semen sales in the Midwest & Western regions of the USA. Lauren will also coordinate progeny photography, assist with NGG's social media platform, press releases, advertising, web site maintenanceand other office responsibilities.

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New Generation Genetics is excited to welcome Lauren Hendel as US Sales and Progeny Specialist effective December 1, 2020. - Hoard's Dairyman

Genetics

Postgraduate Research Scholarship in Law and Genetics – News – The University of Sydney

1. Background

a. This Scholarship has been established to provide financial assistance to a PhD student who is undertaking research in law and genetics.

b. This Scholarship is funded by an Australian Research Council (ARC) research project.

a. The Scholarship is offered subject to the applicant having an unconditional offer of admission or being currently enrolled to study full-time in a PhD within the University of Sydney Law School.

b. Applicants must be willing to conduct research in law and genetics.

c. Applicants must hold an Honours degree (first class or second upper) or equivalent in Law.

d. Applicants must have previous research experience in Law.

a. The successful applicant will be awarded the Scholarship on the basis of:

I. academic merit,

II. area of study and/or research proposal,

III. curriculum vitae,

IV. a personal statement which demonstrates their interest in law and genetics

V. and previous research achievements, and

VI. previous research experience.

b. The successful applicant will be awarded the Scholarship on the nomination of the Sydney Law School Associate Dean (Research Education) and the relevant research supervisor(s), or their nominated delegate(s).

a. The Scholarship will provide a stipend allowance of $26,300 per annum for up to three years, subject to satisfactory academic performance.

b. The recipient may apply for an extension of the stipend allowance for up to six months.

c. Periods of study already undertaken towards the degree prior to the commencement of the Scholarship will be deducted from the maximum duration of the Scholarship excluding the potential extension period.

d. The Scholarship is for commencement in the relevant research period in which it is offered and cannot be deferred or transferred to another area of research without prior approval.

e. No other amount is payable.

f. The Scholarship and any potential extension period will be offered subject to ARC approval and the availability of funding.

a. Progression is subject to passing the annual progress review.

a. The Scholarship recipient receives up to 20 working days recreation leave each year of the Scholarship and this may be accrued. However, the student will forfeit any unused leave remaining when the Scholarship is terminated or complete. Recreation leave does not attract a leave loading and the supervisor's agreement must be obtained before leave is taken.

b. The Scholarship recipient may take up to 10 working days sick leave each year of the Scholarship and this may be accrued over the tenure of the Scholarship. Students with family responsibilities, caring for sick children or relatives, or experiencing domestic violence, may convert up to five days of their annual sick leave entitlement to carers leave on presentation of medical certificate(s). Students taking sick leave must inform their supervisor as soon as practicable.

a. The Scholarship recipient may not normally conduct research overseas within the first six months of award.

b. The Scholarship holder may conduct up to 12 months of their research outside Australia. Approval must be sought from the student's supervisor and the Sydney Law School Associate Dean (Research Education) via application to the Higher Degree by Research Administration Centre (HDRAC), and will only be granted if the research is essential for completion of the degree. All periods of overseas research are cumulative and will be counted towards a student's candidature. Students must remain enrolled full-time at the University and receive approval to count time away.

a. The Scholarship recipient cannot suspend their award within their first six months of study, unless a legislative provision applies.

b. The Scholarship recipient may apply for up to 12 months suspension of the Scholarship for any reason during the tenure of the Scholarship. Periods of Scholarship suspension are cumulative and failure to resume study after suspension will result in the award being terminated. Approval must be sought from the student's supervisor and the Sydney Law School Associate Dean (Research Education) via application to the Higher Degree by Research Administration Centre (HDRAC). Periods of study towards the degree during suspension of the Scholarship will be deducted from the maximum tenure of the Scholarship.

a. The Scholarship recipient must notify HDRAC, and their supervisor promptly of any planned changes to their enrolment including but not limited to: attendance pattern, suspension, leave of absence, withdrawal, course transfer, and candidature upgrade or downgrade. If the award holder does not provide notice of the changes identified above, the University may require repayment of any overpaid stipend.

a. The Scholarship will be terminated:

I. on resignation or withdrawal of the recipient from their research degree,

II. upon submission of the thesis or at the end of the award,

III. if the recipient ceases to be a full-time student and prior approval has not been obtained to hold the Scholarship on a part-time basis,

IV. upon the recipient having completed the maximum candidature for their degree as per the University of Sydney (Higher Degree by Research) Rule 2011 Policy,

V. if the recipient receives an alternative primary stipend scholarship. In such circumstances this Scholarship will be terminated in favour of the alternative stipend scholarship where it is of higher value,

VI. if the recipient does not resume study at the end of a period of approved leave, or

VII. If the recipient ceases to meet the eligibility requirements specified for this Scholarship, (other than during a period in which the Scholarship has been suspended or during a period of approved leave).

b. The Scholarship may also be terminated by the University before this time if, in the opinion of the University:

I. the course of study is not being carried out with competence and diligence or in accordance with the terms of this offer,

II. the student fails to maintain satisfactory progress, or

III. the student has committed misconduct or other inappropriate conduct.

c. The Scholarship will be suspended throughout the duration of any enquiry/appeal process.

d. Once the Scholarship has been terminated, it will not be reinstated unless due to University error.

a. Where during the Scholarship a student engages in misconduct, or other inappropriate conduct (either during the Scholarship or in connection with the students application and eligibility for the Scholarship), which in the opinion of the University warrants recovery of funds provided, the University may require the student to repay payments made in connection with the Scholarship. Examples of such conduct include and without limitation; academic dishonesty, research misconduct within the meaning of the Research Code of Conduct (for example, plagiarism in proposing, carrying out or reporting the results of research, or failure to declare or manage a serious conflict of interests), breach of the Code of Conduct for Students and misrepresentation in the application materials or other documentation associated with the Scholarship.

b. The University may require such repayment at any time during or after the Scholarship period. In addition, by accepting this Scholarship, the student consents to all aspects of any investigation into misconduct in connection with this Scholarship being disclosed by the University to the funding body and/or any relevant professional body.

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Postgraduate Research Scholarship in Law and Genetics - News - The University of Sydney