Biologist Stephen Simpson collecting his trophy from Jodi McKay, the state Minister for Science and Medical Research in New South Wales.
Credit: NSW Office for Science and Medical Research
SYDNEY: An unconscious appetite for protein in locust swarms - and its link to obesity in humans - has led researcher Stephen Simpson to win the 2009 New South Wales Scientist of the Year award.
The awards, held at a ceremony in Sydney's Powerhouse Museum, recognise contributions made by leading scientists in helping bring economic, environmental, health or technological benefits for the Australian state.
Jodi McKay, the NSW Minister for Science and Medical Research, presented Simpson with the prestigious A$60,000 award for his unique biological research, which focusses on behavioural changes occurring in locust swarms and their unconscious appetite for protein rich foods, which incidentally led him to discover a link to obesity.
Capturing the imagination
"It's very exciting, particularly that the breadth of the study caught the imagination of the judges and that they valued multi-disciplinary research" said Simpson, a Federation Fellow in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Sydney.
When locusts are forced to come in close contact due to insufficient food sources, they stimulate hairs on each other's back legs, releasing serotonin: a leading ingredient in anti-depressants. This causes them to transform from shy grasshoppers into gregarious aggregating pests.
When sources of protein-rich food runs out, combined with chemically-induced behavioural changes, these insects turn cannibalistic, eating each other to satisfy their acute appetite for protein.
Appetite for protein
Simpson's study suggests that this unconscious appetite for protein can be found in other animals including other insects, fish, birds, rodents, monkeys, and even humans.
Making an important link to obesity, Simpson found that when such organisms are put in environments with lower levels of protein, it causes the animal to eat more in order to satisfy the level of protein they crave.
"This is why high protein diets are so effective," said Simpson, "because people have their unconscious appetite for protein satisfied sooner, so they eat less."
The significance of this discovery lies in its numerous applications. Simpson said organisations are already using his research to help predict and manage locust outbreaks. His findings are also being used in the design of optimal animal food production, from the aquaculture industry to domestic pets.
Simpson adds his work is helping conserve endangered species too, such as kakapo parrots and wild primates. Notably, Simpson's research has provided fundamental insights into the dietary causes of the human obesity epidemic and the ageing process.
"Through the work of scientists such as Professor Simpson, New South Wales research continues to deliver breakthroughs, creating jobs and attracting overseas investment," said McKay. The ceremony also honoured scientists who excelled in other categories of the awards.
The full list of award winners are:
2009 NSW Scientist of the Year, and winner of the Plant and Animal Sciences category: Stephen Simpson, University of Sydney
Physics, Earth Sciences, Chemistry and Astronomy category: Linlin Ge, University of NSW and Visiting Professor, NSW Land and Property Management Authority.
Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Sciences category: Gernot Heiser, University of New South Wales, NICTA and Open Kernel Labs.
Environment, Water and Climate Change Sciences category: Brett Neilan, University of New South Wales.
Biomedical Sciences category: Jürgen Götz, Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney.
Leadership in Teaching Secondary Science and Mathematics category: Mr William Adams, Orange High School.
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