By Rich Bowden:

Research into schizophrenia received a boost this week with the unveiling of a new database containing information to help researchers treat the condition.

The database which was collected by eResearch company Intersect, is being made available through the Australian Schizophrenia Research Bank, according to a University of Newcastle news release.

University of Newcastle, Medical Science Building. Credit: Anonymous4000

The bank contains genetic, clinical and neurological information from up to 4,000 volunteers across Australia which is retrieved currently by a manual, time-consuming process, the statement said. It added that the new database will make availability safer and more available by allowing researchers to enter and retrieve data via a high security web portal.

“This database has revolutionised the way our schizophrenia research data is collected, stored and disseminated in Australia,” , the university quoted Australian Schizophrenia Research Bank Manager Dr Carmel Loughland, as saying.

“Now, scientists can easily input data; ‘tag’ that data with keywords so that others can easily find it; and download brain images, genetic and clinical information that could help them with their research.

“This database is a major investment in the storage, analysis and sharing of schizophrenia-related information,” she said.

The University of Newcastle’s Professor Rodney Scott,  who is a Chief Investigator of the Bank, said the new database would enable new types of research into schizophrenia.

“This database allows scientists to share more information than ever before and opens up exciting new possibilities for researchers as we strive to learn more about this condition,” he stated.

Tags: Australian Schizophrenia Research Bank, Intersect, medical research, schizophrenia, university of newcastle