Negative Symptom Formation In Schizophrenia: An Electrophysiological, Neurophysiological And Computational Modelling Investigation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$374,508.00
Summary
The Negative and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia have been recognised as being just as disabling as the more widely recognised positive symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions. Recently it has been proposed that negative symptoms in schizophrenia might be caused by alterations in learning from rewards and punishments. This project will investigate brain activity in people with schizophrenia during reward and punishment based learning tasks while applying computational modelling.
Neuronal Copper Homeostasis And The Role Of The Alzheimer Amyloid-Beta Precursor Protein (APP)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$287,321.00
Summary
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is creating a growing burden upon Australian medical resources. Copper plays an important role in the development of AD and drugs designed to adjust brain copper levels are being tested for AD treatment and show therapeutic benefits. This project will determine how copper is involved in AD so that more effective drugs can be developed. Focus will primarily be on copper-binding proteins central to AD and establishing their role in AD development and progression.
A Convergent Approach To Define The Behavioural And Pathophysiological Signatures Of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$350,889.00
Summary
Most people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) will experience neuropsychiatric symptoms. Currently, these complex symptoms are poorly understood and treatment options are limited. My project will use psychological tests, neuroimaging and pharmacological investigations, to identify the specific brain changes leading to neuropsychiatric symptoms. My goal is to advance our understanding of what causes these symptoms, so that we can develop effective treatments and improve quality of life in PD.
Chronic Knee Pain: Neuroscience Meets Exercise For Pain Relief
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$286,891.00
Summary
Chronic knee pain impacts negatively on health, finances and quality of life. Exercise is the most efficacious intervention yet can be painful or uninteresting. Current rehabilitation methods fail to address the dysfunctional way the brain controls muscles in people with pain that may contribute to ongoing disability. This study uses novel, innovative techniques in the form of virtual reality combined with exercise to reduce pain, boredom, and critically, target dysfunctional movement control.
The Identification Of Novel Genetic Loci And Pathways Associated With ALS Through Interrogation Of Multiple Integrated Genomics Data Sets
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
In 85% of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) cases the causative mutation is not known. Here, we will use novel genomics and molecular methods to improve diagnosis and enhance the understanding of severe neuronal degeneration. This includes the characterisation of patient neurons to fast-track genetic discovery with patient-specific treatment assays. We envisage an expanded diagnostic and treatment suite that will provide answers for all ALS patients for whom there is no known genetic cause.
The Role Of Stargazin And TARP Phosphorylation In Synaptic Plasticity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$423,305.00
Summary
A constant change in the strength of synaptic communication between neurons is critical for higher brain functions such as learning and memory. Synaptic strength is determined in part by the number of receptor ion channels at the synapse. This project will characterise how key interacting proteins regulate the synaptic targeting of these receptors in vivo. This research aims to understand the mechanisms of synaptic plasticity that may ultimately lead to new therapies for various brain disorders.
Monitoring cardiovascular risk is a major part of the clinical workload both in general practice and specialty areas, but it is an under-researched area, reflected in a general lack of evidence based guidelines. My research will evaluate how to optimise the monitoring of cardiovascular risk both before and after starting treatment. By maximising clinical benefits for patients and minimising unnecessary resource use, my research will benefit patients, clinicians and the community at large.