Neuroimaging changes underpinning improvements in cognition in the elderly. Natural supplements are often used to improve brain and cognitive function, however, we do not know how these supplements work in the brain. Using novel brain imaging scans, the project will investigate whether 12-month administration of two promising natural supplements improves brain markers of ageing and cognitive decline in an elderly population.
Bioproduction and bioavailability of steroidal saponins, bioactives in herbal medicines. Steroidal saponins are a class of natural products that are common constituents of many herbal medicines and have been associated with many biological activities. Comprehensive studies into their biological activities are hampered by the small quantities available through isolation and the complexity of synthesis. The aim of this project is to identify, isolate and express the biosynthetic genes responsible ....Bioproduction and bioavailability of steroidal saponins, bioactives in herbal medicines. Steroidal saponins are a class of natural products that are common constituents of many herbal medicines and have been associated with many biological activities. Comprehensive studies into their biological activities are hampered by the small quantities available through isolation and the complexity of synthesis. The aim of this project is to identify, isolate and express the biosynthetic genes responsible for the critical steps in the synthesis of these compounds in the herbs themselves. This will allow for production of steroidal saponins using the isolated enzymes, facilitate biological studies and allow the production of critical standards required by the herbal industry for validation and regulation of herbal extracts.Read moreRead less
Evaluating viscum album in tumour eradication strategies. Extracts from the plant parasite mistletoe are, internationally, the most widely used complementary cancer treatments. Providing clear evidence-based research, this project will focus on enhancing mistletoe anti-cancer treatment through the development of novel liposome-based tumour therapies.
Pharmacological investigation of medicinal plant products from Kaanju Homelands, Wenlock and Pascoe Rivers, Cape York Peninsula. This research will examine the potential for products to be developed from plants on Kaanju homelands. Kaanju people have an immense ecological knowledge accumulated over generations, about the natural resources in an area recognised as being one of Australia's most biologically diverse. Preservation of this knowledge is critical not only to Kaanju people but to the he ....Pharmacological investigation of medicinal plant products from Kaanju Homelands, Wenlock and Pascoe Rivers, Cape York Peninsula. This research will examine the potential for products to be developed from plants on Kaanju homelands. Kaanju people have an immense ecological knowledge accumulated over generations, about the natural resources in an area recognised as being one of Australia's most biologically diverse. Preservation of this knowledge is critical not only to Kaanju people but to the heritage of the Nation as a whole. The research also addresses the National priority 'Promoting & maintaining good health' through the investigation of novel pharmacological activities in areas of cardiovascular health, diabetes and cancer. The collaborative research partnership will serve as a model to assist other Aboriginal organisations, particularly in rural & remote areas.Read moreRead less
Studying the impact of pulsed magnetic fields on neural tissue. This project will determine the optimal parameters of pulsed magnetic fields for treating the ageing and/or damaged brain. The safety features, low cost and compact size of the medical device being investigated maximise compliance and make it relevant to populations in remote and rural areas.
Mechanism of synergy of ingredients in natural products and functional foods. Synergism is the interaction of two substances to produce an effect larger than the sum of the separate effects. This project aims to determine the basic biological mechanisms or molecular targets by which the synergy is occurring and to identify the bioactive compounds involved. Understanding how synergism works should help us to identify other synergistic compounds, allowing optimization of products for better effica ....Mechanism of synergy of ingredients in natural products and functional foods. Synergism is the interaction of two substances to produce an effect larger than the sum of the separate effects. This project aims to determine the basic biological mechanisms or molecular targets by which the synergy is occurring and to identify the bioactive compounds involved. Understanding how synergism works should help us to identify other synergistic compounds, allowing optimization of products for better efficacy and quality, and leading to new products that have a significant market advantage over currently available products. This project will help to develop improved natural products that could push this industry advantage further.Read moreRead less
Examining healthcare professionals' communication across the surgical pathway to improve patient safety. Recent data show breakdowns in communication contributed to 16% of sentinel events in Australia, the majority of which were of a surgical nature. Financial costs associated with adverse events are enormous, estimated at around $A2billion/year. Economic burden is predicted to increase with further complexities surrounding patients' surgical care. This study will result in new knowledge about c ....Examining healthcare professionals' communication across the surgical pathway to improve patient safety. Recent data show breakdowns in communication contributed to 16% of sentinel events in Australia, the majority of which were of a surgical nature. Financial costs associated with adverse events are enormous, estimated at around $A2billion/year. Economic burden is predicted to increase with further complexities surrounding patients' surgical care. This study will result in new knowledge about communication patterns to inform the development of reporting methods and strategies that positively influence the practices of healthcare professionals. Strategies could be extrapolated to the broader healthcare sector, and provide tactical direction aimed at averting clinical errors, preventing patient harm and reducing healthcare costs.Read moreRead less
Understanding Tendon Response to Sport and Exercise: Implications for Optimising Training, Injury Prevention and Accelerated Rehabilitation. This research will use frontier technologies to establish the effect of physical activity on tendon adaptation and injury. It will address National Research Priorities and lead to contemporary evidence-based physical activity practices to optimise health and fitness, prevent injury, and expedite rehabilitation after injury. Given the significant national in ....Understanding Tendon Response to Sport and Exercise: Implications for Optimising Training, Injury Prevention and Accelerated Rehabilitation. This research will use frontier technologies to establish the effect of physical activity on tendon adaptation and injury. It will address National Research Priorities and lead to contemporary evidence-based physical activity practices to optimise health and fitness, prevent injury, and expedite rehabilitation after injury. Given the significant national investment in sport, the rise in obesity, and the immense cost of sedentary behaviour and sport-related injuries, this research will have applications for enhancing physical activity recommendations that maintain health for all Australians. It will enhance Australia's leading position in international sport and sport science research and have beneficial applications for occupational health.Read moreRead less
Citizen engagement: Listening to citizens' views about Australia's health system and prevention. This project will yield new and important perspectives from citizens on preventive health and health promotion, which can be used to develop better targeted and more effective prevention and promotion policies and strategies. Citizens views will be investigated in relation to vexed issues such as: new approaches to financing and program delivery, reorienting the health insurance sector, reorienting ....Citizen engagement: Listening to citizens' views about Australia's health system and prevention. This project will yield new and important perspectives from citizens on preventive health and health promotion, which can be used to develop better targeted and more effective prevention and promotion policies and strategies. Citizens views will be investigated in relation to vexed issues such as: new approaches to financing and program delivery, reorienting the health insurance sector, reorienting the health system to focus more on prevention and health promotion, improving current approaches of consumer participation in prevention and chronic disease management, tackling broader issues in public policy trade-offs between health and non-health, diversifying workforce roles and involving health professionals in prevention and promotion.Read moreRead less
The effect of physical activity and a structured exercise program on the psychological and physical development of Australian primary school children. This study will explore the effects of early childhood physical activity on development. Our study will assess quantitatively the beneficial effects of exercise on personal and physical growth in young children in a non-intimidating way using a specifically designed exercise program.