Human Neural Development In The Absence Of Species-expected Stimuli: The Effect Of Maternal Or Social Deprivation On Maturation Of Emotion Circuitry During Critical Periods Of Development.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$465,103.00
Summary
As children mature into adolescents, social influences on emotional responding transition from parents to peers. Understanding how social stimuli shape neural circuits that ultimately regulate emotional behaviour will yield critical information for treatment and prevention of emotional disorders across the lifespan. The current project addresses this important issue through the use of functional imaging of emotion circuits in the brain and classical conditioning approaches to emotion responding.
Understanding Neurodevelopment In Preterm Children Utilising MRI
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$302,123.00
Summary
Children born very preterm are more likely to have movement, learning and behavioural difficulties resulting from abnormal brain development or injury around the time of birth. This project will help identify common brain alterations in preterm children using MRI, as well as the causes and consequences of such abnormalities. Ideally, this research will help health professionals to prevent abnormalities and injury, or to intervene early to reduce the adverse effects of prematurity.
The Functional Role Of Slit-Robo Signaling In Interneuron Migration.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$172,500.00
Summary
In the developing brain of vertebrates interneurons undergo directed migration to form complex networks that result in the regulation of neuronal processes. Failure or imbalance of these neuronal networks is known to cause pilepsy and mental retardation. The aim of this project is to investigate the guidance cues, specifically Slit-Robo signalling, that direct the migration of interneurons within the brain.
Adolescent Brain Development And Social Cognitive Deficits In Early Psychosis: Can Intervention Improve Outcome?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$330,848.00
Summary
This project aims to investigate the origin of impairments in social thinking of young people with first episode psychosis (FEP), and whether social cognitive training can reverse these problems and improve social functioning. We think that slower maturation of particular brain regions during adolescence may be related to these social cognitive deficits. We will also explore whether providing training in these skills can influence the development of these key brain structures.
Properties And Functions Of Reactive Astrocytes And Their Role In Neurological Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$344,652.00
Summary
I am a developmental neuroscientist interested in the way alterations to normal brain development affect neuronal function later in life. I intend to investigate this by studying astrocytes – the cells that support and nourish brain nerve cells. In some diseases these astrocytes become stressed and instead of aiding the brain, set about destroying it. A better understanding of their action during development and disease may enable improved interventions for the treatment of many brain disorders.
Early Antipsychotic Exposure During Childhood And Adolescence: Does It Lead To Long Term Brain And Behaviour Changes In Adulthood?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
Mental health problems affect at least 9% of Australia's 4.1 million children. With the trend towards prescribing antipsychotic medication “off-label” to control these mental disorders in young people and the long-term consequences of doing so unknown, this timely research program aims to address a critical health issue by providing clinicians with valuable information so they can better balance the risk/benefit ratio before prescribing antipsychotics to young people.
The Contribution Of IL-1 Signalling To Long-term Neurodegeneration, Epilepsy And Neurocognitive Outcomes Following Traumatic Injury To The Paediatric Brain
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$394,670.00
Summary
Epilepsy is a common, debilitating consequence of brain injury in children, however little is known about factors which trigger its development. This proposal investigates the contribution of the acute inflammatory response to long-term neuronal loss, functional outcomes and seizure activity after paediatric brain injury. Understanding how epilepsy and brain damage progresses after injury will aid the development of drugs to improve long-term outcomes in brain-injured children.