Human Biology Students Learn About Cystic Fibrosis

In Australia, one in 2,500 babies are born with cystic fibrosis (CF). On average one in 25 people carry the CF gene and most are unaware that they are carriers.

This semester the Year 10 Human Biology students have been learning about the genetic disorder cystic fibrosis and how it affects different systems of the body, particularly the respiratory system. 

As part of their course, three classes were fortunate to hear from medical researcher Renee Ng this week. Renee is from Wal-yan Respiratory Research Centre, which is a centre for research into paediatric respiratory lung health.

Renee shared her work in the fight against superbugs and antibiotic resistance through the use of helpful viruses (bacteriophages).

Stephen Bastow from Cystic Fibrosis WA also addressed the girls about the support provided to people in Western Australia who are affected by CF and the collaboration between CFWA and Wal-yan.