http://www.abc.net.au:80/news/newslink/weekly/newsnat-13dec2000-39.htm

Wed, 13 Dec 2000 11:11 ADST

A $13 million neuroscience centre opened at Melbourne University aims to help sufferers of Parkinson's and motor neurone disease and multiple sclerosis.

The centre, opened by Victorian Health Minister John Thwaites, will be used exclusively for research into the disorders.

Professor of experimental neurology Edward Byrne says the centre will bring together the best research teams in the country.

"Recent advances in our ability to understand how the brain works have been enormous," he said.

"[We] fully expect that over the next few years we will see major breakthroughs in progressive nervous system illness."