Visions Video Podcast

With just 14 days to go until the official start of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Visions is getting into the Olympic spirit.  We take a closer look at how the University of Melbourne will play a big role in Australia's fortunes at the Olympics, from athletes competing in sports as diverse as rowing, fencing and modern pentathalon, to staff helping keep the world's showjumpers' horses in peak condition. 

Nurses play an integral role in the day to day care of many sick and injured people across Australia and the world.  But how do they hone their skills?  Visions looks at how a new set of interactive and responsive nursing mannequins at the University of Melbournes School of Nursing and Social Work are helping improve tomorrow's nurses today.  Our second story takes a closer look at the structural integrity of some of Carlton's more iconic architecture, and whether it could withstand an earthquake.

While many gardens shut down over the winter season, the University of Melbourne's Burnley Campus is helping to inform gardeners about how best to prepare their gardens for a bountiful spring with Annual Pruning Day.  Visions also looks at the Music Therapy course offered at the University, and how it is helping sick children cope with the experience of being in hospital.

This week in Visions we look at new ideas for Fitzroy's Atherton Gardens site, developed by students and staff in a Masters of Architecture design studio. We also examine the role of the University in tackling the problem of trachoma among Indigenous Australians.

Episode 30 of Visions looks at a unique partnership between the University and Mission Australia which is helping disadvantaged students around Heidelberg make a successful move from primary to secondary school. We also do a follow up on one of our favourite stories from last year - the rope ladder helping endangered squirrel gliders and other native animals to cross the Hume Highway safely near Benalla. Click above to check out the first pictures of the rope bridge in action.

Fresh research into the genetic makeup of the platypus, and a unique
online parenting program to help mothers and fathers cope with the
demands of new parenthood are showcased in this week's Visions.

Research showing how Post Traumatic Stress Disorder has affected some
Vietnam veterans sense of smell, and a t-shirt campaign to help keep
you fit headline this latest edition of the University’s fortnightly
video podcast, Visions.

Victoria has the largest number of vineyards and wineries in Australia,
and new University of Melbourne research has shed light on a strain of
bacteria that may help alleviate frost damage to grapes. Our second
story takes us to the coast, where the University is setting up a
Coasts and Climate Research Centre at Point Nepean.

A new University study has helped put an end to the myth that people
who wear glasses are 'geeky' or introverted. Plus, the University now
has a new fanfare. Visions talks to the composer and goes behind the
scenes of its first performance.

Chocolate and Easter go hand in hand these days, but University of Melbourne emergency care vet Dr Sarah Haldane says pet owners need to be careful to keep their Easter eggs out of reach of dogs and other pets. Dr Haldane gives some important tips to pet owners in the first story this episode, while in our second story Visions showcases the University of Melbourne researchers looking into Aboriginal health in the Northern Territory.