The Signals Of Nerve Cells That Provide The Capacity For Sight
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$385,115.00
Summary
Sight relies on the signals of nerve cells in the brain, but we know little about the way in which nerve cells support this, or why in some people sight is diminished. In this work we will measure the signals of nerve cells in the visual pathway to gain knowledge of these processes: we will make measurements in normal animals and in those that suffer from brain disorders. Our work will provide a scientific basis for the diagnosis and treatment of these disorders.
Preventing Injuries And Promoting Health, Safety And Mobility For Older People With Age-related Eye Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$476,728.00
Summary
Maintaining health in later life depends on our ability to be independently mobile but also safe. This is a major public health problem, as older people are vulnerable to injury, particularly those who have lost sight. This program of research will tackle the two major causes of injury to older people: falls and road traffic injuries. Innovative strategies are being comprehensively evaluated which stand to prevent injury and make a difference to the lives of many older Australians.
This research will develop cutting-edge computational tools and statistical methods to analyse, model and visualise the way in which the human brain is interconnected. The tools developed will be used to identify biological markers in the brain’s network of axonal circuitry (the connectome) that are valuable for diagnosis and prognosis of psychiatric disorders. This research will bring to fruition the exciting potential of connectomics in neuroscience and psychiatry.
Patient-specific Modelling Of Cardiovascular Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$428,065.00
Summary
Cardiovascular disease is undoubtedly the biggest killer in the developed world and accounts for 30% of all deaths in Australia; killing one Australian every twelve minutes. My research group and I, combine medical imaging with biomedical engineering to perform patient-specific modelling. For example, we can predict the likelihood that aneurysm will rupture or the way blood flows through the aorta. My goal is to make these modelling tools accurate and robust enough to be used in the clinic.
Vestibulo-ocular Reflex Physiology, Pathology And Diagnosis.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$387,489.00
Summary
A sensation of movement from the inner ear is used to stabilise vision during head movements. Without it, every time you walk, run, or drive on a bumpy road, the world would appear to bounce. It can be debilitating when this sense doesn't work due to various diseases. This research examines what causes these disorders and how the brain responds to help recovery. A diagnostic technique, that we will develop for wide clinical use, will be used to assess and identify treatments.
Understanding The Impact Of Age And Chronic Infection On The T Cell Recognition And Control Of Infectious Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$506,151.00
Summary
The effectiveness of immune responses to infectious diseases and vaccines declines during prolonged infection and is compromised in the very young and elderly. This research aims to better understand the compromise of the immune recognition and control of chronic infections and age-related defects in immunity. Such understanding is crucial to the development of strategies to improve the outcome of infections across the lifespan and the design of vaccines for chronic infections such as HIV.
Systems For Control And Tracking Of Infectious Diseases In A Globalised World
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$401,361.00
Summary
Infectious disease informatics now at the forefront of translational research due to the recent rapid growth of microbial genomics, significant advances in molecular diagnostics and increasing demands for real-time biosurveillance. This program of multidisciplinary research will redefine existing paradigms, develop novel systems for surveillance of biothreats and offer new insights into transmission dynamics of pathogens with epidemic potential in Australia.