Neuro-feedback For Improved Efficacy Of Retinal Prostheses
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$653,655.00
Summary
Bionic eyes offer the possibility to return sight to the blind. Existing retinal implants are effective at delivering basic visual percepts, namely brief spots of light. Our team is now working on building the second generation of bionic eyes that include the ability to both stimulate the visual system (the retina) and record its response. By recording the evoked responses, we can adjust and optimize the stimulation to restore a persistent high spatial resolution sense of vision to the blind.
Non-invasive Detection Of Hypoglycaemia In People With Diabetes Using Brain Wave Activity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$330,447.00
Summary
Hypoglycaemia remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in people with both type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes who require insulin therapy. Current treatments for nocturnal hypoglycaemia are usually ineffective. Combining brain wave recording and artificial intelligence, we will identify the changes that precipitate an episode of hypoglycaemia allowing the development of a non-invasive device to prevent or alleviate these fearful and potentially life-threatening events.
Delivering Advanced Electrode Materials To The Clinic
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$702,604.00
Summary
This research will develop improved electrodes for interfacing neural tissue by combining the expertise of materials scientists and electrophysiologists with medical bionics researchers. This work is expected to deliver improved bionic devices to the clinic in order to treat a variety of disorders from blindness to the control of motor tremor in Parkinson's disease.
Micro-elastography - A New Tool For Microscopic Intraoperative Tumour Margin Assessment In Breast Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$195,956.00
Summary
In breast cancer surgery, it is vital to completely remove the entire tumour. Unfortunately, in 30% of breast-conserving surgeries, re-excision is required because microscopic analysis after the surgery indicated some tumour had been missed. This has traumatic consequences for the patient and places a huge economic burden on the healthcare system. Using micro-elastography, we will enable the surgeon to detect small regions of tumour during the initial surgery. This probe may significantly reduce ....In breast cancer surgery, it is vital to completely remove the entire tumour. Unfortunately, in 30% of breast-conserving surgeries, re-excision is required because microscopic analysis after the surgery indicated some tumour had been missed. This has traumatic consequences for the patient and places a huge economic burden on the healthcare system. Using micro-elastography, we will enable the surgeon to detect small regions of tumour during the initial surgery. This probe may significantly reduce the number of additional surgeries required.Read moreRead less
Improving Spatial Resolution In Retinal Prostheses Through Novel Electrical Stimulation Techniques
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$371,390.00
Summary
This project aims to improve the resolution of bionic eyes and thus improve quality of living for the blind through novel electrical stimulation methods. Present commercial implants are inadequate in the amount of resolution they provide to conduct complex tasks such as independent navigation, reading and facial recognition. The proposed experiments using the new stimulation methods will inform a new generation of devices capable of high resolution without increasing the number of physical elect ....This project aims to improve the resolution of bionic eyes and thus improve quality of living for the blind through novel electrical stimulation methods. Present commercial implants are inadequate in the amount of resolution they provide to conduct complex tasks such as independent navigation, reading and facial recognition. The proposed experiments using the new stimulation methods will inform a new generation of devices capable of high resolution without increasing the number of physical electrodes.Read moreRead less
Fast And Efficient Assessment Of Dose In Small Targets In Radiotherapy: Effect Of Motion In Clinical Research And Implementation Of Dynamic Therapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$501,265.00
Summary
The continued progress of radiation therapy for cancer patients has been driven by technology developments that have increased the complexity of radiation delivery, but has come at the cost of increased potential for errors in radiation planning and delivery. The aim of this project is to implement an instrument for verification of treatment delivered to organs with large variation of shape and position due to respiration. This will enhance treatment outcome and patient quality of life.
‘Intelligent’ Antibacterial Coatings For Improving Outcomes With Infections Associated With Dialysis Catheters
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$653,806.00
Summary
The outcomes of this projects will set the framework for the rational design of novel and ’intelligent‘ antibacterial coating that selectively respond to the ‘virulent’ bacteria that cause such significant and recurrent issues in routine kidney dialysis regimens and will underpin future academic and commercial collaborative efforts to rationally-design and manufacture kidney dialysis catheters with substrate surface characteristics that will enhance utility, function and clinical application;
Enhanced Sensory Perception Via Jitter Reduction And Neural Synchronisation Evoked By Subsensory Electrical Noise Stimulation – Restoring Sensitivity In Peripheral Neuropathy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,473.00
Summary
The elderly and patients with diabetes are at high risk of losing sensation in their feet and currently no treatment for this condition exists. This loss of feeling leads to falls, fractures and foot ulcers, which in many cases end with amputation. We have developed a new subsensory stimulation technique which for the first time restores lost sensation. Development of this novel treatment is made possible by a multi-disciplinary team of engineers, neuroscientists, physiologists and podiatrists.
Optimising Bone Regeneration Using Advanced Design And Fabrication Technologies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$916,671.00
Summary
The aging population has produced a rapidly increasing demand for synthetic implants that can regenerate lost or diseased bone. This project will produce an implant that represents a viable alternative to bone autografts and allografts with broad applications for the repair of large or challenging bone defects. Such an achievement will have significant healthcare benefits by reducing patient morbidity and recovery time, and improving long-term outcomes.