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Maria Kavallaris co-designs award-winning 3D bioprinter

The Greek Herald
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Maria Kavallaris co-designs award-winning 3D bioprinter

UNSW Professor’s Maria Kavallaris and Justin Gooding recently won the prestigious Fast Company’s 2020 World Changing Ideas Award having co-designed a 3D bioprinter that can print replicas of tumours.

The 3D printer gives biomedical researchers and tissue engineers a fast way to create 3D cell structures, proteins and tumour models, UNSW Science reports.

The prize was awarded to Inventia Rastrum, a biomedical company working in collaboration with Professor Justin Gooding and Professor Maria Kavallaris, co-directors of UNSW Sydney’s Australian Centre for Nanomedicine (ACN).

Professor Kavallaris in her element as she does research for children’s cancer. Source: The Daily Telegraph.

Professor Kavallaris, developed the cell biology behind the printer, analysed the viabilities of cells, how quickly they divide and developed accurate tumour like environments.

“It has been an absolute privilege to have been part of the team at the Children’s Cancer Institute and UNSW Sydney involved in developing the 3D bioprinter that has wide reaching applications in cancer and other diseases as well as tissue engineering,” Professor Kavallaris said.

Read More: TGH Exclusive: Professor Maria Kavallaris’ cancer battle at age 21 has inspired her childhood cancer research

Read More: Cancer researcher Maria Kavallaris AM named NSW Premier’s woman of the year

Scientia Professor Gooding from UNSW’s School of Chemistry said: “The type of ink developed for the printer means cell biologists for the first time have the capability to precisely deposit multiple cell types in a single 3D cell culture. They will also be able to control the proteins that binds cells together. This is critical because it allows cancer researchers to better understand the variables in cancer formation.”

“With the first printers having been sold, we are seeing the promise of this technology being able to revolutionise how cell biology is done, beginning to be realised. Initial biomedical studies are showing that the control the bioprinter brings is being pivotal to researchers acquiring new fundamental understanding in cancer biology,” Professor Gooding continued.

The next generation of talented young scientists being guided by the knowledgeable Professor Kavallaris. Source: The Kids’ Cancer Project.

Professor Kavallaris has dedicated her life to Children’s Cancer Research, being diagnosed with cancer herself at the tender age of 21.

“I was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 21 and I had to undergo surgery and high dose chemotherapy that made me very sick,” Professor Kavallaris said to The Greek Herald.

“During the same period, I took up a lab technician role in the new research laboratories at the Children’s Cancer Institute and met many children going through chemotherapy and experiencing toxic side effects from their treatment. I knew then that I needed to make a difference.”

This year the Children’s Cancer Institute received funding through a Cancer Australia grant to study the 3D bioprinting technology towards the development and identification of effective therapies for aggressive childhood cancers.

Greek Australian fitness instructor named Fitness Australia’s educator of the year

The Greek Herald
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Greek Australian fitness instructor named Fitness Australia’s educator of the year

Greek Australian fitness instructor Jono Petrohilos has been named the national winner of Fitness Australia’s Educator of the Year award, the St George and Sutherland Shire Leader reports.

The founder of Fitness Education Online, Mr Petrohilos has worked in the fitness industry for seven years.

Mr Petrohilos created Fitness Education Online as a global “go-to” for all fitness up-skilling and training needs.

“My business partner Travis and I strive to deliver high-quality and cost-effective courses that are as streamlined as possible to help trainers upskill in the most convenient way,” he said to The Leader.

“I am honoured to be recognised by the peak body for fitness in Australia and I am determined to continue to provide the industry with the highest quality training and services.”

The Blakehurst fitness instructor said he was committed to upholding the highest professional development standards through Fitness Education Online.

He said he had seen first-hand how a career in the fitness industry could flourish when you invested in professional development and education.

“Education and commitment to self-improvement was the key to my success. The more I learned, the more determined I became to deliver the best services to my clients and help others in the industry be the best trainers they could be,” he said.

The Australian Fitness Awards are held each year by Fitness Australia, with this year’s virtual event attracting a record 2000 nominations across 11 categories.

Australian Senator Larissa Waters joins Joint justice Initiative for recognition of Armenian, Greek and Assyrian genocides

The Greek Herald
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Australian Senator Larissa Waters joins Joint justice Initiative for recognition of Armenian, Greek and Assyrian genocides

Senator Larissa Waters has signed an Affirmation of Support that confirms her backing for national recognition of the Armenian, Assyrian and Greek Genocides, reported the Joint Justice Initiative.

The Australian Greens Senator has been a strong and vocal advocate for social issues and refugees, among other causes during her time in public office.

Read More: Australia’s Greek community join initiative to recognise Turkish-committed genocide against the Greek, Armenian, and Assyrian citizens

“On behalf of Armenian-Australians, Assyrian-Australians and Greek-Australians, we thank Senator Larissa Waters for standing on the side of truth and justice in joining our growing calls for Australian recognition of the 1915 Genocides committed by Ottoman Turkey,” said Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC-AU) Executive Director, Haig Kayserian.

The Joint Justice Initiative was launched in Canberra last month with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding by the Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC-AU), Assyrian Universal Alliance (AUA) and Australian Hellenic Council (AHC).

Read More: Australian MP John Alexander joins Armenian-Assyrian-Greek ‘Joint Justice Initiative’

It calls for national recognition of the 1915 Genocide committed by the Ottoman Empire against its Christian Armenian, Assyrian and Greek populations.

The Joint Justice Initiative has so far announced the support of Waters, Senator Pat Dodson, Jason Falinski MP, Josh Burns MP, John Alexander MP, Senator Andrew Bragg and Bob Katter MP.

University of Queensland student Drew Pavlou faces two year suspension for public criticism of Queensland relations with China

The Greek Herald
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University of Queensland student Drew Pavlou faces two year suspension for public criticism of Queensland relations with China

Greek Australian student activist Drew Pavlou is facing a two year suspension from the University of Queensland after public criticism of Queensland’s links to Chinese Government organisations.

A closed disciplinary hearing considered whether Drew Pavlou breached the university’s code of conduct, mainly stemming from his activism on campus against the Chinese Communist Party.

On Friday evening, Mr Pavlou tweeted he had been “expelled for two years” and had been given “no reasoning” and was threatened with consequences if he breached the confidentiality of [UQ’s] decision.

Mr Pavlou has long been critical of the university’s ties to Chinese Government organisations, including the Confucius Institute.

6 months away from graduation, Drew claims that his suspensions shows “how deep the Chinese Government influence goes in Australia and in other countries of the world.”

In a statement, UQ’s Chancellor Peter Varghese said he was advised of the outcome of the disciplinary action on Friday.

View image on Twitter

“There are aspects of the findings and the severity of the penalty which personally concern me,” he said.

“In consultation with the Vice-Chancellor, who has played no role in this disciplinary process, I have decided to convene an out-of-session meeting of UQ’s senate next week to discuss the matter.”

UQ has maintained the disciplinary hearing was not in relation to Mr Pavlou’s criticism of the university’s relationship with China.

Archbishop Elpidophoros condemns ‘unjust slaying’ of George Floyd after police officer charged with murder

The Greek Herald
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Archbishop Elpidophoros condemns ‘unjust slaying’ of George Floyd after police officer charged with murder

The Minneapolis police officer who knelt on George Floyd’s neck was arrested on murder charges Friday and accused in court papers of ignoring another officer’s concerns about the handcuffed black man who died after pleading that he could not breathe.

Derek Chauvin, 44, was charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in the case, which sparked protests across the United States and fires and looting in Minneapolis.

Greek Orthodox Archbishop of America Epidophoros described the incident as an “unjust slaying” that “cannot be where America stands.”

“Violence only breeds violence, but when such violence is perpetrated by those in authority, we must all stand up and say:’Not on our watch!’ We must stand against racism and stand for equality for all,” he tweeted on Friday.

A protester carries a U.S. flag upside down, a sign of distress, next to a burning building Thursday, May 28, 2020, in Minneapolis. Protests over the death of George Floyd, a black man who died in police custody Monday, broke out in Minneapolis for a third straight night. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Police were trying to put Floyd in a squad car on suspicion of passing a counterfeit $20 bill when he stiffened up and fell to the ground, saying he was claustrophobic. Chauvin and officer Tou Thoa arrived to help and tried several times to get Floyd into the car, but he struggled, the complaint said.

At one point, Chauvin pulled Floyd out of the passenger side of the car, and Floyd, who was handcuffed, went to the ground face down. Officer J.K. Kueng held Floyd’s back and officer Thomas Lane held his legs, while Chauvin put his knee on Floyd’s head and neck area, the complaint said.

Protestors demonstrate outside of a burning fast food restaurant, Friday, May 29, 2020, in Minneapolis. Protests over the death of George Floyd, a black man who died in police custody Monday, broke out in Minneapolis for a third straight night. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Lane asked, “Should we roll him on his side?” Chauvin said, “No, staying put is where we got him.” Lane said he was “worried about excited delirium or whatever,” and Chauvin said, “That’s why we have him on his stomach,” according to the complaint.

After Floyd apparently stopped breathing, Lane again said that he wanted to roll Chauvin onto his side. Kueng checked for a wrist pulse and said he could not find one, the complaint said.

In all, Chauvin had his knee on Floyd’s neck for 8 minutes, 46 seconds, including nearly three minutes after Floyd stopped moving and talking, according to the complaint.

Protestors demonstrate outside of a burning Minneapolis 3rd Police Precinct, Thursday, May 28, 2020, in Minneapolis. Protests over the death of George Floyd, a black man who died in police custody Monday, broke out in Minneapolis for a third straight night. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

All four officers who were at the scene of Floyd’s death on Monday were fired the next day.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said the state has taken over the response to the violence and that it’s time to show respect and dignity to those who are suffering.

“Minneapolis and St. Paul are on fire. The fire is still smoldering in our streets. The ashes are symbolic of decades and generations of pain, of anguish unheard,” Walz said, adding. “Now generations of pain is manifesting itself in front of the world — and the world is watching.”

Sourced By: Associated Press

Greece condemns ‘fiestas’ outside of Hagia Sophia on Fall of Constantinople anniversary

The Greek Herald
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Greece condemns ‘fiestas’ outside of Hagia Sophia on Fall of Constantinople anniversary

The Greek government has condemned Turkey’s “fiestas”, organised by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, outside of Hagia Sophia on Friday on the anniversary of the Fall of Constantinople.

The fiesta took place in Istanbul last night outside the former church and patriarchal cathedral of Greek Orthodoxy, the Hagia Sophia, a museum since 1932.

Government spokesman, Stelios Petsas, expressed the country’s disapproval of the planned events on Friday.

“The fiesta that Ankara is preparing in Hagia Sophia is disturbing and is a matter of denouncement because, among other things, it has been designated a museum of world cultural heritage and is currently being used to promote other purposes,” Petsas said on Friday, speaking to Greek broadcaster SKAI.

Petsas pointed out that this was not the first time that something along these lines was happening at the historic church.

“We are monitoring any provocation but we always promote good neighbourly relations, in accordance with international law,” he said.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced on Thursday that mosques will re-open for worshipers on Friday and a big collective prayer would be held outside the Hagia Sofia.

Last year, Erdogan announced his intention to covert Hagia Sophia into a mosque. The Turkish President has so far refrained from doing so, being warned by UNESCO of the consequences for the Turkish cultural and scientific community.

Holy Communion left unchanged in Greek Orthodox Church despite coronavirus fears

The Greek Herald
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Holy Communion left unchanged in Greek Orthodox Church despite coronavirus fears

One by one, the children and adults line up for the centuries-old ritual of Holy Communion, trying to keep a proper social distance.

Contrary to science, the Greek Orthodox Church insists it is impossible for any disease — including the coronavirus — to be transmitted through Holy Communion.

“In the holy chalice, it isn’t bread and wine. It is the body and blood of Christ,” said the Rev. Georgios Milkas, a theologian in the northern city of Thessaloniki. “And there is not a shred of suspicion of transmitting this virus, this disease, as in the holy chalice there is the Son and the Word of God.”

This is proven, he said, through “the experience of centuries.”

In this Sunday, May 24, 2020, photo, a Greek Orthodox priest uses a shared spoon to distribute Holy Communion during Sunday Mass in the northern city of Thessaloniki, Greece. (AP Photo/Giannis Papanikos)

Scientists warn that shared utensils can spread the coronavirus, and they also point to outbreaks linked to religious services around the world.

A communal spoon presents “fairly significant dangers,” said Dr. Nathalie MacDermott, an academic clinical lecturer for Britain’s National Institute for Health Research at King’s College London.

“The danger of transmitting any kind of respiratory viral pathogen or even bacterial infections is quite high with the sharing of utensils,” she said. “And for it to be passed among what is probably a relatively large group of people means that all it would take is one person to have coronavirus at the back of their throat, which potentially is in their saliva as well.”

In this Sunday, May 24, 2020, photo, Sunday Mass is held outside a Greek Orthodox church in the northern city of Thessaloniki, Greece.  (AP Photo/Giannis Papanikos)

The Holy Synod, the church’s governing body, says any suggestion that illness or disease could be transmitted by Holy Communion is blasphemy, a stance echoed by the Church of Cyprus.

“Regarding the issue that is unjustifiably raised from time to time about the supposed dangers, which in these blasphemous views are said to lurk in the life-giving Mystery of Holy Communion, the Holy Synod of the Church of Greece expresses its bitterness, deep sorrow and diametrical opposition,” it said in a May 13 circular on social distancing measures in churches.

The Synod “underlines one more time to all those who, either due to ignorance or conscious faithlessness, brutally insult all that is holy and sacred, the dogmas and the sacred rules of our faith, that Holy Communion is ‘the medicine of immortality, antidote to not dying, but to living according to the teachings of Jesus Christ forever.’”

In this Sunday, May 24, 2020, photo, a woman kisses an icon as she attends Sunday Mass outside a Greek Orthodox church in the northern city of Thessaloniki, Greece. (AP Photo/Giannis Papanikos)

Whether Holy Communion should be changed or suspended for health reasons has become a hot button issue across much of the Christian Orthodox world, with churches generally refusing to bow to pressure from governments and scientists.

Greece imposed a lockdown early on, a move credited with curbing infections. The country has reported 175 deaths and 2,900 confirmed cases.

With the coronavirus running through Easter, the most important religious holiday for Christians, the inability to attend services weighed heavily on many.

When it was lifted May 17, thousands flocked to church.

In this Sunday, May 24, 2020, photo, faithfuls attend the Sunday mass at a Greek Orthodox church, in the northern city of Thessaloniki, Greece. (AP Photo/Giannis Papanikos)

“The issue of Holy Communion in particular is the only red line of the church and of the faithful in our souls,” said 19-year-old Michalis Gkolemis, attending services in Thessaloniki. “We don’t say that Holy Communion is the cure for all diseases, from the flu, for example, but we say that you cannot get sick by receiving Communion. You can’t catch a virus, something which isn’t proven scientifically but exists through experience.”

After ordering churches closed, the government has been more circumspect and has avoided the sensitive issue of Holy Communion.

“This is a matter of public health concern,” said Dr. Gkikas Magiorkinis, assistant professor of hygiene and epidemiology at the University of Athens. “As an epidemiologist, I would like to be able to reduce the risk of transmission.”

Sourced By: Associated Press. Read Full Story HERE

BREAKING: Greece to accept tourists from Australia and 28 other countries as of June 15

The Greek Herald
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BREAKING: Greece to accept tourists from Australia and 28 other countries as of June 15

Greece on Friday listed 29 countries from where it will accept visitors as of June 15 as the Greek government looks to mitigate some of the financial damage from the coronavirus pandemic.

The Greek Tourism Ministry said travellers from the permitted countries will be able to enter Greece on direct flights to Athens and to the northern city of Thessaloniki. The list will be expanded on July 1 to include other countries, the ministry said.

“Our aim is to be able to welcome every tourist who has overcome their fear and has the ability to travel to our country,” Tourism Minister Harry Theoharis said on Antenna television.

The 29 announced Friday are: Albania, Australia, Austria, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Germany, Denmark, Switzerland, Estonia, Japan, Israel, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Latvia, Lebanon, New Zealand, Lithuania, Malta, Montenegro, Norway, South Korea, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Czech Republic and Finland.

Visitors arriving from those countries could be subject to sample coronavirus testing, the ministry said.

Greece imposed a lockdown early in its coronavirus outbreak, a move credited with limiting infections. The country so far has a total of 175 deaths and just over 2,900 confirmed cases. No cases have been detected on the vast majority of the Greek islands, which are popular vacation spots.

“We are opening up, but at the same time we are closely monitoring the situation. Strict health protocols will protect both staff and tourists,” Theoharis said before the list was announced.

Tourism and related industries make up around 20% of the Greek economy, and the government has been anxious to ensure the tourist season is not lost this year.

Sourced By: Associated Press

TGH Exclusive: NSW Football Associations prepare for imminent football return

The Greek Herald
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TGH Exclusive: NSW Football Associations prepare for imminent football return

The return of grassroots football will finally allow young children to experience the cold winter mornings that players have been longing for over the past 2 months.

As the return of football approaches, NSW Football Associations prepare for the various health guidelines and precautions that will be put in place to allow the season to run smoothly.

The Greek Herald spoke with representatives of the St George and Eastern Suburbs Football Association’s to uncover how the bodies of NSW Football are making the return of football as enjoyable and safe as possible.

Abiding to Government health restrictions

Government health guidelines are an essential step for the continuation of community sport. Most importantly, allowing children to play all sports safely and with the same level of enjoyment.

The St George Football Association (SGFA), under the chairmanship of Tony Karahalias, is in constant contact with Football NSW and other Associations, working out effective ways in dealing with this crisis.

“SGFA are working very closely with our local clubs ensuring they are informed and up to date on the latest developments,” the St George Football Association chair says to The Greek Herald.

“We meet fortnightly with all club delegates and have also formed a COVID-19 sub-committee which comprises of 3 club presidents, our Board and CEO.”

🙌The temporary suspension of football has been lifted and clubs can return to training under level 1 regulations 👉…

Posted by St George Football Association on Sunday, 24 May 2020

The Eastern Suburbs Football Association (ESFA) is also in close contact with Football NSW, along with six local councils. General Manager Bill Kostandas says ESFA is working on ways for clubs to meet the government health guidelines.

“We meet our clubs and give them updates and give them an opportunity to provide us with feedback,” Bill Kostandas said to The Greek Herald.

“The vast majority of people have been very understandable, our clubs have been as well.”

Mr Kostandas also addressed the association’s effective use of their social media platforms to communicate information with their clubs and players.

Good news (with some caveats)!Training may commence from 12:00am Friday 22nd May 2020! However, as tempting as the…

Posted by Eastern Suburbs Football Association on Wednesday, 20 May 2020

Progress under COVID

An adjustment period for sport never seen prior to this year, associations are given this unique opportunity to observe their own methods of improvement.

Bill Kostandas points out that this situation has given the association the ability to listen to the needs of their clubs, allowing them to streamline the improvement process.

“At the Eastern Suburbs Football Association we’ve been looking at our various competitions and how we can improve those,” Mr Kostandas stressed.

“We are always looking to give our customers a good experience and we are always looking to improve that.”

Eastern Suburbs Football Association (ESFA). Photo: ESFA Linkedin

While COVID-19 caused a season delay, Football Associations have also been using this ‘in-house’ time to update their club management strategies and upgrade their fields.

“SGFA is using this time to develop a new strategic plan for the Association, having implemented a review of policies and procedures and developed an online training platform via our NPL Club, St George City,” SGFA said.

“A number of important facility upgrades have also now been completed over the last few months including amenity buildings, synthetic fields and re-surfacing of pitches.”

Football return a critical objective

The loss of community sport as a result of COVID-19, tears a line down the page of community engagement.

The SGFA stressed that it is extremely important that for clubs to resume football in 2020, with local sport providing needed critical health benefits.

“Local football clubs will play an important role in re-engaging and connecting as a community and the health and social benefits.”

SGFA’s Craig Kiely, Georges River Council’s Luke Coleman and Mayor Kevin Greene, Angelo Bonura and Tony Karahalias. Photo: Chris Lane / The Leader

Mr Kostandas recognises that football remains many children’s passion in life. Sport provides not only benefits our mental and physical wellbeing, but helps us “get back to normality”.

“People have been locked up for the last 2 or 3 months and they just want to get out and do something,” Mr Kostandas said.

“From a standpoint as well of just getting back to normality, and sport will help create that. It’s a mental wellbeing as well as a physical”.

Australia takes charge in demanding restitution of Parthenon Marbles

The Greek Herald
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Australia takes charge in demanding restitution of Parthenon Marbles

Recently, after a 2-month period of quarantine, the Acropolis was opened again to the public. The Acropolis Museum remains closed for the moment but as the 11th anniversary of its opening to the public approaches, Greece looks forward to a post pandemic re-opening.

On Monday, Founder and Chairman of the International Organising Committee Australia, Emmanuel J Comino AM, said that this period allows the Committee to restate why the Parthenon Marbles should be returned to Greece.

“While we wait for the opening of the Acropolis Museum, we are taking the opportunity to restate the reasons why we have been calling for the reunification of the Parthenon Sculptures, or as we prefer to call them the Parthenon Marbles,” Emmanuel J Comino AM said.

“The Acropolis Museum in Athens is the rightful home for all of the remaining sculptures from the Parthenon.  Sitting below the Acropolis is a world’s best practice museum, where the remaining sculptures are (to be) displayed in an authentic manner.”

Mr Comino went on to make 10 observations about the situation, bearing that they are to be repeated due to the “disinformation frequently distributed by the British Museum”.

Reasons for the Parthenon Marbles return

1. The sculptures from the Parthenon, the Parthenon Marbles, otherwise known as the Elgin Marbles, are an integral part of the Parthenon. This beautiful Doric temple is the architectural wonder of the world. No other building has ever equalled its beauty, symmetry, and symbolism.

2. When we speak of the Parthenon we are not speaking of a single column or a single statue we speak of an integrated architectural, artistic, cultural, and spiritual expression, a unique symbol of Greece.

3. The Parthenon as an integrated whole has also become a symbol of Western civilization, and a global icon. Such a symbol is not divisible.

The hall, Room 18, where the Parthenon Marbles are kept.

4. Lord Elgin was given permission to make architectural drawings and plaster casts from the Parthenon to improve the fine arts in Great Britain. He was also permitted to expose the ancient foundations and to remove fragments thrown to ground by the 1687 explosion. He was never granted permission to remove anything from any buildings on the Acropolis.

5. Greece had no say in the matter. Elgin took the Marbles from Greece while the country was under Turkish occupation. This was during a time when larger powers were pillaging antiquities from smaller countries, notably Greece and Egypt. Also, Britain was the dominant power in the eastern Mediterranean at the time.

6. The British Museum has not protected the sculptures. In the period 1936-1939, the sculptures were irreparably damaged when they were scrubbed back to make them white, destroying their patina of ancient colours. Today the sculptures in the Athens museum are in far better condition than those in the British Museum, they are also being cleaned with the latest laser technology to retain their ancient patina.

4 Meticulous laser cleaning of the Parthenon Frieze.

7. The British Museum does not display the sculptures in a manner that is meaningful to the world at large. They are presented as mere specimens, as curiosities, facing inwards not outwards to the world. They are kept in a room with poor lighting, inadequate climatic controls, and a skylight that sometimes leaks. Out of context in this poorly conceived space, it is impossible to gain a full understanding of their meaning.

8. In recent years the British Museum has divided the collection lending a sculpture to Russia and then moving others for specific exhibitions within the Museum. This further obscured their meaning.

9. For years opinion polls and surveys in the United Kingdom have shown strong support for the return of the Marbles. Anyone visiting the Acropolis and the British Museum can see at firsthand the injustice of the British Museum and Government’s refusal to return them. Britain has an opportunity to show leadership in addressing cultural property disputes by returning the Marbles.

10. The Acropolis Museum has dedicated a special place for the Marbles. Here those remaining in Greece are displayed in the correct orientation, within clear view of the Parthenon, where they are bathed in natural light in the very context that gave rise to them and. It is time to correct a long-standing wrong and reunify these outstanding works.

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