Research

We discover innovative digital technologies and health promotion pathways to contribute to translation and implementation of novel nutrition, diet and exercise approaches to improve health.

  • man brushing child's teeth
    3 min read

    Finding the root of tooth decay in kids

    A lack of oral health literacy among caregivers and access to dental services is driving tooth decay in young children research from Edith Cowan University (ECU) has confirmed, with early childhood tooth decay affecting nearly half of Australian preschool aged children.

    Read more: Finding the root of tooth decay in kids

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man brushing child's teeth
2 MIN READ
published
July 2025
Finding the root of tooth decay in kids
A lack of oral health literacy among caregivers and access to dental services is driving tooth decay in young children...
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Closeup of edible plants on a wooden table under the lights
2 MIN READ
published
June 2025
Leafy greens could be good for the heart
A cup and a half of leafy green vegetables could go a long way to addressing atherosclerotic vascular diseases (ASVDs), new...
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dark choc
3 MIN READ
published
June 2025
Tea, berries, dark chocolate and apples could lead to a longer life span, study shows
New research has found that those who consume a diverse range of foods rich in flavonoids, such as tea, berries,...
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DXA
2 MIN READ
published
May 2025
New machine algorithm could identify cardiovascular risk at the click of a button
An automated machine learning program developed by researchers from Edith Cowan University (ECU) in conjunction with the University of Manitoba...
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Dr Mary Kennedy, Dr Zulqarnain Gilani, Dr Marc SIm, Dr Lauren Blekkenhorst and Dr Myles Muprhy
2 MIN READ
published
May 2025
Emerging NHIRI researchers recognised for groundbreaking health solutions
The WANMA program, including the Emerging Leaders program and Ideas Grants program, are part of the WA Future Health Research...
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A person clutching their knee. The background is outdoors, with natural lighting and a blurred setting. Inset in the image is a circular portrait of Dr Myles Murphy.
2 MIN READ
published
January 2025
Electrifying results for new ACL recovery plan
Electrical brain stimulation could be the key to getting athletes back on track following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, new...
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A close-up image of a breast pump filled with milk sitting on a wooden surface, with a blurred background of a mother nursing her baby. An inset photo shows Associate Professor Therese O'Sullivan smiling.
2 MIN READ
published
November 2024
Researchers offer mums ‘liquid gold’ alternative to formula feeding in hospital
Interest in antenatal colostrum expression (ACE) is on the rise, with research from Edith Cowan University (ECU) showing that around...
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prof-gina-trapp
0 MIN READ
published
October 2024
National Nutrition Week
Let’s inspire a connected and nourished Australia this National Nutrition Week. Food nourishes people socially, culturally, emotionally and physically and...
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An older couple cycles outdoors on a sunny day, with inset of Prof Josh Lewis and Dr Simone Radavelli Bagatini
2 MIN READ
published
October 2024
Blood vessel imaging results may improve cardiovascular risk control
In a first-ever trial, researchers from Edith Cowan University (ECU) have provided abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) imaging results to attempt...
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A woman holding her lower back in pain sits on a couch in a modern living room, with an inset of Dr Myles Murphy.
2 MIN READ
published
October 2024
Head gets in the way of recovery – new research
Muscle activation in people suffering from hip osteoarthritis might be a case of 'mind over matter', new research from Edith...
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FET-APHA
3 MIN READ
published
October 2024
Food Environment Team at 2024 Australian Public Health Conference
Left to Right: Dr Claire Pulker, Dr Clare Whitton, Frith Klug, Catrina McStay, Heather Croll, Prof Gina Trapp, Dr Jacinta...
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Food Environments Team
1 MIN READ
published
September 2024
NHIRI welcomes new Food Environments Research Team
The Food Environments Team, under the leadership of Professor Gina Trapp, has recently established its research base at the Joondalup...
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lauren-blekkenhorst-cruciferous
2 MIN READ
published
September 2024
Broccoli and kale top the shopping list for lowering blood pressure
Cruciferous vegetables, including broccoli, cabbage, kale, and cauliflower have been found to lower blood pressure, in comparison to root and...
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myles-murphy-wapol
2 MIN READ
published
August 2024
Massive funding boost to improve police recruit health and performance
A research study led by Edith Cowan University (ECU) has been given a massive funding injection with $1.17 million dollars...
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Nicola-bondonno-nitrate
2 MIN READ
published
June 2024
Plant-sourced nitrate proves positive to human health
New research from Edith Cowan University (ECU) has found that nitrate from plant sources is associated with a lower risk...
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ai-driving-simulation
3 MIN READ
published
June 2024
ECU researchers develop visual tracking technology to detect drink drivers
Researchers at Edith Cowan University (ECU) are developing new computer tracking technology that takes data from camera footage to detect...
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concussion-symposium
2 MIN READ
published
May 2024
Putting heads together on concussion
ECU's Nutrition Health Innovation Research Institute (NHIRI) partnered with the WA Concussion Network (WACN) on a symposium on the heavy...
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Dr Cassandra Smith
1 MIN READ
published
March 2024
ECU researchers awarded funding to fuel future NHMRC success
A total of $4.73 million in funding has been awarded to 25 early and mid-career researchers under the Future Health...
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older-woman-heart
2 MIN READ
published
February 2024
Understanding rapid weight loss in older women: Message from the heart
Unexplained rapid weight loss in older people could be a sign of underlying disease and can be linked with increased...
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Dr Jack Dalla Via
2 MIN READ
published
December 2023
You “aorta” look beyond muscle and bone for falls and fracture risk: New AI algorithm identifies high risk older women
A new automated machine-learning algorithm has been developed by researchers at Edith Cowan University (ECU). The algorithm accurately assesses abdominal...
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military-training
2 MIN READ
published
December 2023
Longer training sessions less likely to cause injury to military recruits
New Edith Cowan University (ECU) research has revealed that up to one in four military recruits would seek medical assistance...
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heart-aac
2 MIN READ
published
October 2023
ECU Associate Professor getting to the heart of healthy ageing
Associate Professor Josh Lewis has been awarded a 2023 Heart Foundation Future Leader Fellowship. Edith Cowan University (ECU) Associate Professor...
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innovation-grants
1 MIN READ
published
October 2023
More than half a million dollars for ECU medical innovation
The State Government has announced $1.4 million will be awarded to WA's leading medical and health innovators through its Innovation...
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gut-health
1 MIN READ
published
August 2023
Funding futures in new clinical health innovations
Edith Cowan University (ECU) has been selected as the host university to lead innovative research into strategic and health priorities, including...
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Collage of five photos. The central photo features Dr. Ros Sambell. Surrounding it are four photos of children eating different foods.
2 MIN READ
published
April 2025
ECU working to address nutrition gaps in early childhood education
Edith Cowan University (ECU) has been awarded a $977,278 grant from Western Australian state government agency Healthway to develop a...
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Professor Gina Trapp
1 MIN READ
published
March 2025
ABC 7:30 Report on ‘Should Junk Food Advertising be banned’
Professor Gina Trapp, Head of the Food Environments Team at NHIRI, recently featured on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) 7:30...
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Dr Liezhou Zhong, Professor Josh Lewis and Dr Lauren Blekkenhorst in front of an image of a leg being bandaged by someone's hands wearing white gloves.
2 MIN READ
published
March 2025
ECU collaboration awarded $1 million to improve nutrition in people with leaky legs
A new research collaboration between Edith Cowan University's (ECU's) Nutrition & Health Innovation Research Institute (NHIRI), Silverchain, Sir Charles Gairdner...
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CS18009_Ngoolark-Building-34-Exterior-06
3 MIN READ
published
December 2024
ECU cardiovascular researchers shine at the 2024 WACRA awards
Five Edith Cowan University (ECU) cardiovascular and cardiometabolic researchers have been recognised for their outstanding research and research contributions at...
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Dr Myles Murphy
2 MIN READ
published
November 2024
Outstanding excellence recognised at ECU staff awards
Each year, Edith Cowan University (ECU) recognises and celebrates excellence delivered by ECU staff who excel in their roles. The...
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Dr Claire Pulker
0 MIN READ
published
November 2024
PHAA Fellowship Award 2024 goes to….. Dr Claire Pulker
Dr. Claire Pulker has been awarded a prestigious Fellowship by the Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA) in recognition of...
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A conference room filled with attendees seated at round tables, attentively listening to a presentation. At the front of the room, Professor Gary Frost stands beside a podium, speaking while a large projector screen displays slides.
2 MIN READ
published
October 2024
2024 NHIRI/NSA Research Symposium: Showcasing Innovation for a Healthy Future
The 2024 NHIRI/NSA Research Symposium, themed "Innovative Solutions for a Healthy Future," brought together leading researchers, students, and professionals to...
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A woman in athletic gear crouches on a running track, clutching her ankle in apparent pain. She wears a bright yellow tank top, navy shorts, and running shoes. An inset circular photo features Dr. Myles Murphy.
2 MIN READ
published
October 2024
ECU partnership to create better orthopedic outcomes for female athletes
Edith Cowan University (ECU) is partnering with the Orthopaedic Research Foundation of Western Australia to improve health outcomes for women...
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Skeletal Central team
2 MIN READ
published
October 2024
ECU’s Skeletal Central officially launches in WA
Edith Cowan University (ECU) researchers Professor Amanda Devine and Dr Julie Boston, in collaboration with Arthritis and Osteoporosis WA and...
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Dr Amelia Ruscoe and Dr Ruth Wallace holding the Little Aussie Bugs books
2 MIN READ
published
October 2024
‘Little Aussie Bugs’ goes to Uni
The creators of the Little Aussie Bugs series of books, have launched a short course to accompany the dialogic books...
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Dr Liezhou Zhong
3 MIN READ
published
August 2024
ECU proudly sprouting Young Tall Poppies
ECU's Dr Brennen Mills, Senior Lecturer and Lead, Simulation & Immersive Digital Technology Group (SIDTG) in the School of Medical...
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Dr Liezhou Zhong and Chef Amanda Orchard stand beside a table displaying dishes and a 3D food printer at the tech Policy Futures event.
3 MIN READ
published
July 2024
ECU 3D printed foods showcased at Parliament House
Edith Cowan University (ECU)'s 3D printed foods were recently showcased at the Tech Policy Futures event at Parliament House Canberra. Tech Policy...
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Dr Marc Sim, Professor Caroline Finch AO and Professor SImon Laws
4 MIN READ
published
March 2024
Media marvels recognised at ECU awards ceremony
The ECU Media Awards 2023 was held in the new year for a special March ceremony which recognised the outstanding...
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ros-sambell-ecec
3 MIN READ
published
February 2024
Urgent funding call to address early childhood nutrition
Recent studies have shed light on concerning issues regarding the quality of food provided in Early Childhood Education and Care...
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Dr Carlos Toto-Huamanchumo
3 MIN READ
published
December 2023
Internationally recognised scholarship awarded to ECU early career researcher
Edith Cowan University (ECU) PhD student Dr Carlos Toro-Huamanchumo (MD) has been announced as one of the six recipients of...
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Dr Liezhou Zhong free-drying food
3 MIN READ
published
December 2023
ECU researchers awarded prestigious grant to tackle national health challenges
Three researchers from Edith Cowan University (ECU) have been awarded grant funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council...
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Website-images-800-×-419-px57
1 MIN READ
published
December 2023
ECU researcher receives grant to revolutionise hip osteoarthritis treatment
Edith Cowan University (ECU) postdoctoral research fellow Dr Myles Murphy has been awarded a $238,852 grant from the Raine Medical...
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falls-heart-muscle-health
0 MIN READ
published
November 2023
Getting to the heart of falls risk – CVD and musculoskeletal health
Around 33% of Australians aged 65 years and over fall each year, with one in five experiencing injuries such as...
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Associate Professor Joshua Lewis and Dr Liezhou Zhong
2 MIN READ
published
November 2023
Recognising ECU excellence across the board
Each year Edith Cowan University (ECU) recognises and rewards ECU staff who have achieved outstanding outcomes, socially, professionally and academically....
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0 MIN READ
published
October 2023
Contribution of dietary flavonoids to pulmonary health
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is among the world's leading causes of mortality. Identifying strategies to prevent and control COPD...
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Dr Mary Kennedy
2 MIN READ
published
October 2023
Cancer Council WA Postdoctoral Research Fellowship awarded to ECU’s Dr Mary Kennedy
Edith Cowan University (ECU) researcher Dr Mary Kennedy has been awarded $225,000 over the next three years in a bid...
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bursitis-1-2-3
0 MIN READ
published
August 2023
Do you suffer with bursitis? Here’s what you can do to remedy it
Listen to Dr Myles Murphy on ABC Radio Perth discussing how to treat bursitis. NHIRI Post-Doctoral Research Fellow and Sports...
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simone-radavelli-bagatini
2 MIN READ
published
August 2023
ECU researcher’s work exploring stroke survivors’ diet wins women’s health award and funding
Research investigating how fruit and vegetables can benefit women after suffering a stroke has seen Dr Simone Radavelli-Bagatini win a...
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Dr Amelia Ruscoe and Dr Ruth Wallace holding the LIttle Aussie Bugs books
0 MIN READ
published
August 2023
Health literacy in ECEC for a healthy future
Every Child 2302-Health literacy in ECEC for a healthy future-Print versionDownload Credit: Early Childhood Australia View the article in Every...
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