Decoding Mechanisms Of Brain-intestinal Communication
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$640,210.00
Summary
Obesity is a worldwide concern to human health. Research into how fat is regulated in the body may provide new therapeutic options. It is not well understood how signals from the brain control fat storage. We have recently identified a gene that is important for the communication between the brain and the intestine in the control of fat levels. As such, our work will enable us to better understand this phenomenon.
The amygdala is a part of the brain that processes and lays down emotional memories. Dysfunction in the amygdala is responsible for anxiety related disorders such post-traumatic stress disorder. I will study the neural circuits in the amygdala using innovative recordings and stimulation techniques. These studies will provide insight into the circuits that underpin anxiety related neurological disorders and provide targets for development of novel anxiolytic agents.
Chronic pain afflicts 1 in 5 Australians; it is one of our most expensive health care problems. Prof Moseley's research asks: (1) Why do some people get chronic pain but others don't? (ii) How can we treat chronic pain so sufferers can return to a meaningful, productive and comfortable life? (iii) How can we stop chronic pain from developing in the first place? His research involves behavioural and physiological experiments in humans, that lead to new treatments, which are tested in clinical tri ....Chronic pain afflicts 1 in 5 Australians; it is one of our most expensive health care problems. Prof Moseley's research asks: (1) Why do some people get chronic pain but others don't? (ii) How can we treat chronic pain so sufferers can return to a meaningful, productive and comfortable life? (iii) How can we stop chronic pain from developing in the first place? His research involves behavioural and physiological experiments in humans, that lead to new treatments, which are tested in clinical trials.Read moreRead less
Cracking The Epigenetic Code: Understanding The Mechanisms Of Memory Associated With Anxiety-related Disorders And Their Treatment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$640,210.00
Summary
The primary goal of my research programme is to elucidate how the epigenome coordinates experience-dependent gene expression underlying associative learning and memory using paradigms relevant for understanding fear-related anxiety disorders. My research on DNA modifications and newly emerging findings in the realm of RNA biology is changing the way we think about gene-environment interactions, the broader impact of which will most certainly continue to be felt for years to come.
Normal And Abnormal Development Of Brain Wiring And Its Impact On Brain Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$763,845.00
Summary
My laboratory is striving to understand how the patterns of neuronal connections form in the developing brain and how these underpin the functions of the brain throughout life. We use high-field magnetic resonance imaging to measure brain wiring and we investigate the genetic and environmental mechanisms causing developmental brain disorders that result in intellectual disability, autism, epilepsy and some mental illnesses.
The overall goal of the program is to develop novel approaches to slow the progress or prevent neurodegeneration in patients with rare human genetic disorders. The second program is designed to develop novel therapeutics from snake venom proteins. These include proteins with anti-bleeding activity and those with application in wound healing. The third program involves the development of novel biomarkers for the early detection and prognosis in prostate cancer.
Exploring The Impact Of The Built Environment On Health And Health Behaviour Outcomes And The Translation Of Evidence Into Policy And Practice
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$841,575.00
Summary
Globally there is growing concern about the health, social, environmental, and economic impacts of rising levels of inactivity and obesity, coupled with projected population growth, climate change, declining oil supplies and rising fuel prices. Creating pedestrian-, cycling- and transit-friendly environments and encouraging alternative forms of transport is a priority. Working with policy-makers, this research aims to influence urban planning policy to create healthy, sustainable communities.
Molecular Mechanisms And Pharmacology Of The Dynamins
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$883,375.00
Summary
His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of synaptic transmission in the nervous system to: a) understand the basic science of nerve communication and b) develop drugs to control diseases of nerve terminals like epilepsy. The main focus is on proteins called the dynamins, which are self-assembling molecular machines acting in many intracellular functions. There are three dynamin genes: dynI, II and III with diverse functions in the different parts of the body.
Mass Media And Tobacco Policies To Reduce Smoking Prevalence
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$727,685.00
Summary
Professor Wakefield's research program will investigate the impact of mass media campaigns and tobacco control policies on reducing population smoking prevalence. Her research will assess the effects of mass media campaigns, especially in low socioeconomic groups, and in low to middle income countries; the effects of plain cigarette packaging on the sensory experience of smoking; and the impact of advanced policies on tobacco marketing and cigarette pack labelling on smoking attitudes and behavi ....Professor Wakefield's research program will investigate the impact of mass media campaigns and tobacco control policies on reducing population smoking prevalence. Her research will assess the effects of mass media campaigns, especially in low socioeconomic groups, and in low to middle income countries; the effects of plain cigarette packaging on the sensory experience of smoking; and the impact of advanced policies on tobacco marketing and cigarette pack labelling on smoking attitudes and behaviour.Read moreRead less
Imaging Atlases Of The Brain Of Humans And Experimental Animals
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$808,375.00
Summary
This project uses imaging techniques and molecular genetics to produce the next generation of brain maps. It will advance our understanding of the organisation and structure of the brain and spinal cord of humans and experimental animals – paving the way for the development of psychotherapeutic drugs and more accurate interventions on the human brain. The new maps will help those who study the brain of patients with diseases such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s or animal models of these diseases.