Evaluation of a multidimensional cognitive enhancement training program for healthy older adults. The percentage of the Australian population aged 65 years and over is projected to increase considerably over the next 50 years. The increased number of older Australians will have a major economic cost in terms of income support and the provision of health services. It is of high socioeconomic importance, therefore, to promote functional independence in this group. The implementation of cognitive e ....Evaluation of a multidimensional cognitive enhancement training program for healthy older adults. The percentage of the Australian population aged 65 years and over is projected to increase considerably over the next 50 years. The increased number of older Australians will have a major economic cost in terms of income support and the provision of health services. It is of high socioeconomic importance, therefore, to promote functional independence in this group. The implementation of cognitive enhancement programs that may slow age-related cognitive decline and, thereby, maximise quality of life and independence for a long as possible will have significant national benefit.Read moreRead less
The effect of mitochondrial and nuclear-cytoplasmic variation on longevity, metabolism and stress resistance in Drosophila. Much research points to a major role of free radical damage in aging, thus the belief that antioxidants might be beneficial in delaying aging. Free radicals are mostly formed in the subcellular organelles which consume oxygen and produce energy, and this may be the major site of age-related damage. This project seeks to understand the degree to which variation among these ....The effect of mitochondrial and nuclear-cytoplasmic variation on longevity, metabolism and stress resistance in Drosophila. Much research points to a major role of free radical damage in aging, thus the belief that antioxidants might be beneficial in delaying aging. Free radicals are mostly formed in the subcellular organelles which consume oxygen and produce energy, and this may be the major site of age-related damage. This project seeks to understand the degree to which variation among these subcellular organelles affect free radical damage and aging, using the fruitfly Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism.Read moreRead less
Involvement of cell coupling in vascular function: Development of a computational model. Gap junctions are intercellular channels which enable the production of coordinated responses in multicellular tissues and organs. Blood vessels are comprised of endothelial cells surrounded by smooth muscle cells and gap junctions exist within and between these layers. The present proposal will determine the fundamental role of gap junctions in regulating blood flow and blood pressure. Our data will enable ....Involvement of cell coupling in vascular function: Development of a computational model. Gap junctions are intercellular channels which enable the production of coordinated responses in multicellular tissues and organs. Blood vessels are comprised of endothelial cells surrounded by smooth muscle cells and gap junctions exist within and between these layers. The present proposal will determine the fundamental role of gap junctions in regulating blood flow and blood pressure. Our data will enable us to develop a computational model of the vascular wall and so predict how changes in electrical properties, as occur during pressure changes, can influence blood flow. Since ageing is accompanied by an increase in blood pressure, our results will contribute to a better understanding of blood flow regulation in our ageing population.Read moreRead less
The nature of self-recognition: novel approaches to vexing questions. Mirror self-recognition has often been interpreted as evidence for the presence of some form of self-concept/awareness. Children from age 2 onwards investigate their own bodies after seeing a novel mark on their heads in the mirror (surreptitiously placed in their hair by the experimenter). Younger children and most animals do not respond to their images in such a way (instead, for example, treating it as another individual). ....The nature of self-recognition: novel approaches to vexing questions. Mirror self-recognition has often been interpreted as evidence for the presence of some form of self-concept/awareness. Children from age 2 onwards investigate their own bodies after seeing a novel mark on their heads in the mirror (surreptitiously placed in their hair by the experimenter). Younger children and most animals do not respond to their images in such a way (instead, for example, treating it as another individual). The present experiments probe the nature of self-recognition using novel digital video technology rather than mirrors. This technology allows us to manipulate the contingency and appearance of the image. Five studies investigate the performance of 2 to 4-year-old children, autistic children, chimpanzees and dolphins to determine whether they recognize themselves and what underwrites their performance on the tasks. The innovative use of modern technology is expected to answer some of the most persistent questions in psychology.
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Determinants of metabolic rate in animals. The metabolic rate of an animal represents its fundamental "cost of living" and varies dramatically (>100-fold) between different vertebrate species. We have proposed the "membrane pacemaker theory" to explain this variation and currently this is the only mechanistic explanation of metabolic variation between species. It has received significant international interest. A species metabolic rate and its maximum lifespan are connected but the precise mecha ....Determinants of metabolic rate in animals. The metabolic rate of an animal represents its fundamental "cost of living" and varies dramatically (>100-fold) between different vertebrate species. We have proposed the "membrane pacemaker theory" to explain this variation and currently this is the only mechanistic explanation of metabolic variation between species. It has received significant international interest. A species metabolic rate and its maximum lifespan are connected but the precise mechanistic link between them is unknown. We will investigate the mechanisms underlying the "membrane pacemaker theory" as an explanation of the metabolic rates of vertebrate species and its role in the determination of maximum lifespan.Read moreRead less
Cellular Responses to Adversity: Oxidative Stress and Protection Against Oxidative Damage. A deficiency in the protein haem oxygenase-1 causes severe biological consequences in animals and humans. These include decreased reproduction, retarded development, the inability of the body to handle iron, chronic inflammation and increased susceptibility to age-associated diseases. This study will determine how a deficiency of the protein alters cells at the level of genes, proteins and protein function ....Cellular Responses to Adversity: Oxidative Stress and Protection Against Oxidative Damage. A deficiency in the protein haem oxygenase-1 causes severe biological consequences in animals and humans. These include decreased reproduction, retarded development, the inability of the body to handle iron, chronic inflammation and increased susceptibility to age-associated diseases. This study will determine how a deficiency of the protein alters cells at the level of genes, proteins and protein functions. By doing so, the project will illuminate how haem oxygenase-1 alters cell functions in a beneficial way. This information will eventually assist in preventing the serious disorders associated with deficiency of haem oxygenase-1. It will also provide the basis for novel treatments to slow down age-associated diseases.Read moreRead less
Identifying the specific structural features of metallothionein that regulate its ability to modulate astrogliosis. This project contributes directly to the Designated National Research Priority 2 and could potentially have a significant impact upon the broader Australian Community by identifying a novel and powerful therapeutic agent based upon metallothionein proteins with the ultimate aim of helping patients who have a brain injury or a neurodegenerative disease. It is important to note that ....Identifying the specific structural features of metallothionein that regulate its ability to modulate astrogliosis. This project contributes directly to the Designated National Research Priority 2 and could potentially have a significant impact upon the broader Australian Community by identifying a novel and powerful therapeutic agent based upon metallothionein proteins with the ultimate aim of helping patients who have a brain injury or a neurodegenerative disease. It is important to note that the partnership between UTAS and Bestenbalt LLC is a critical step in the development of these exciting research discoveries into commercially viable outcomes for the Australian Biotechnology Industry and the broader Australian community.Read moreRead less
Using metallothioneins as a model for understanding cellular and biochemical interactions between neurons and astrocytes within the brain. This research will reveal some of the changes that occur in the relationship between neurons and astrocytes as a consequence injury, aging or disease to the human brain. In national terms, it will contribute to the concerted effort by Australian scientists to understand how and why neurons die following brain injury or in neurodegenerative diseases. These a ....Using metallothioneins as a model for understanding cellular and biochemical interactions between neurons and astrocytes within the brain. This research will reveal some of the changes that occur in the relationship between neurons and astrocytes as a consequence injury, aging or disease to the human brain. In national terms, it will contribute to the concerted effort by Australian scientists to understand how and why neurons die following brain injury or in neurodegenerative diseases. These are significant community issues in both economical and social terms. Furthermore, this research contributes directly to the Designated National Research Priorities by identifying some of the earliest cellular processes associated with aging or disease of the brain, and will provide clues to promoting healthy aging.Read moreRead less
Redefining the metallothionein's role in the injured brain: extracellular metallothioneins play an important role in astrocyte-neuron responses to injury. This project is being performed by an Australian team of researchers who are leaders in this field of research, and has significant national benefits in supporting this team reveal fundamental information on the cellular interactions that occur between astrocytes and neurons within the injured brain. In national terms, it will contribute to th ....Redefining the metallothionein's role in the injured brain: extracellular metallothioneins play an important role in astrocyte-neuron responses to injury. This project is being performed by an Australian team of researchers who are leaders in this field of research, and has significant national benefits in supporting this team reveal fundamental information on the cellular interactions that occur between astrocytes and neurons within the injured brain. In national terms, it will contribute to the concerted effort by Australian scientists to understand how and why neurons die following brain injury or neurodegenerative disease. Furthermore, this research contributes directly to the Designated National Research Priorities by identifying some of the earliest biochemical and cellular processes associated with aging or disease of the brain.Read moreRead less
Understanding how reproduction and sexual conflict drive sex-dependent longevity and ageing. The biological study of longevity and ageing has two important fronts: understanding how evolution shapes lifespan and ageing, and the mechanistic study of how molecules, genes, hormones, tissues and cells interact during ageing. The evolutionary study of ageing is considered one of the success stories of the emerging field of evolutionary medicine, yet we desperately need greater integration of the evol ....Understanding how reproduction and sexual conflict drive sex-dependent longevity and ageing. The biological study of longevity and ageing has two important fronts: understanding how evolution shapes lifespan and ageing, and the mechanistic study of how molecules, genes, hormones, tissues and cells interact during ageing. The evolutionary study of ageing is considered one of the success stories of the emerging field of evolutionary medicine, yet we desperately need greater integration of the evolutionary and mechanistic spheres. This project addresses why males and females have different lifespans and age differently in a way that bridges evolutionary and mechanistic study, and will build Australia's research capacity to study ageing at both levels. Read moreRead less