Muscarinic Receptors In The Human Brain: In Health And In Sickness
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$394,408.00
Summary
Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness, with sub-optimal treatment outcomes. New drugs are being designed to provide more effective treatment. To understand the effects of these drugs, we need to know which brain cells have the protein these new drugs target and which cells are affected in schizophrenia. Our project will determine the localisation of this drug target; this knowledge will help the development of better treatments for schizophrenia.
Central Neural Regulation Of Brown Fat Function – Glucose Sensing And CNS Pathways
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$761,942.00
Summary
Our research aims to identify how specific brain cells detect changes in glucose levels and how ageing and diet affect their function. We identified a subset of nerve cells that detect changes in glucose and the “hunger” hormone ghrelin, their ability to do so adapting with age and nutritional status. This project will investigate the potential of these nerve cells as targets for therapeutic and diet- intervention strategies to target obesity, diabetes and promote healthy ageing.
Understanding The Role Of Caudal Auditory Belt Areas In Perception Of Complex Sounds
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$773,518.00
Summary
Although the auditory cortex is key to our understanding of several neurological conditions, including language impairments, the functions of many of its areas are still unknown. Using an animal model, we will examine the roles of different auditory areas in separating important sounds from noise. This is a critical role in coordinating our body’s responses to acoustic stimuli. This study will help clarify how these areas contribute to how we normally process sounds, and what deficits are likely ....Although the auditory cortex is key to our understanding of several neurological conditions, including language impairments, the functions of many of its areas are still unknown. Using an animal model, we will examine the roles of different auditory areas in separating important sounds from noise. This is a critical role in coordinating our body’s responses to acoustic stimuli. This study will help clarify how these areas contribute to how we normally process sounds, and what deficits are likely to occur if they are damaged.Read moreRead less