Justin Yerbury, a renowned Australian molecular biologist, died at the age of 49 after a courageous and long battle with motor neurone disease (MND), ABC News reports.
Throughout his life, Yerbury displayed unwavering determination, combining his personal experiences with the disease and his passion for science to make significant contributions to MND research.
Who Is Justin Yerbury?
Yerbury's connection to MND began when he tragically lost his mother, grandmother, and aunt to the devastating illness. Motivated by this deeply personal loss, he set out to study MND, hoping to unravel its complexities and find a way to combat the disease.
As he pursued his scientific journey, life took an unexpected turn when Yerbury himself tested positive for MND. Undeterred by his diagnosis, he pursued a Ph.D. from the University of Wollongong (UOW) and became a Professor in Neurodegenerative Diseases at UOW.
MND Research and Breakthrough
At the Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Yerbury assembled a team of dedicated researchers to explore the intricacies of MND.
Their efforts led to a groundbreaking discovery - identifying dysfunctional protein deposits in motor neurons as a key factor in the progression of MND. This breakthrough provided a vital clue in understanding the disease's mechanisms and held the promise of potential therapeutic avenues.
Yerbury's contributions to MND research were widely recognized. He was awarded the prestigious University of New South Wales Eureka Prize for Scientific Research and the NSW Premier's Prize for Science and Engineering.
Beyond his scientific achievements, Yerbury was known for his altruism and advocacy. As a former professional basketball player for the Illawarra Hawks, he leveraged his platform to raise funds for MND research and disability advocacy.
Meeting Stephen Hawking
During his scientific journey, Yerbury had the opportunity to meet the late physicist Stephen Hawking, who also battled MND. The two remarkable minds connected over their shared condition and exchanged thoughts on Yerbury's research pursuits.
Hawking's own life and groundbreaking work served as an inspiration to Yerbury, further fueling his determination to leave a lasting impact on the fight against MND.
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Motor Neurone Disease
MND is a devastating and ultimately fatal condition that affects motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord.
According to the NHS, motor neuron disease is a rare disease that primarily affects people in their 60s and 70s, but it can afflict adults of any age.
Having a close relative with motor neuron disease or a related disorder known as frontotemporal dementia might occasionally increase a person's chances of getting it.
As the disease progresses, patients experience muscle weakness, paralysis, and challenges with speech and swallowing.
Regrettably, there is currently no cure for MND, making Yerbury's research all the more critical in finding potential treatments.
In 2016, Yerbury began experiencing symptoms of MND, leading to a decline in his physical abilities. As the disease advanced, he required round-the-clock care and assistive technologies.
To prolong his life and continue his research, Yerbury underwent a complex surgery involving a tracheostomy and laryngectomy. This surgical intervention affected his ability to speak, leading him to adopt eye-gaze technology, similar to Stephen Hawking, as a means of communication.
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