Teeth And Faces Of Australian Twins: A Longitudinal Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$647,226.00
Summary
We are seeking support from the NHMRC to complete a longitudinal study of 250 pairs of twins, both identical and non-identical, whom we have examined at around 4-6 years of age when all the baby teeth were present in the mouth, then again at around 8-10 years of age when both primary and permanent teeth were present. We now plan to examine these twins again at around the age of 11-13 years when all the permanent teeth, except the wisdom teeth, are normally present. Records to be obtained from th ....We are seeking support from the NHMRC to complete a longitudinal study of 250 pairs of twins, both identical and non-identical, whom we have examined at around 4-6 years of age when all the baby teeth were present in the mouth, then again at around 8-10 years of age when both primary and permanent teeth were present. We now plan to examine these twins again at around the age of 11-13 years when all the permanent teeth, except the wisdom teeth, are normally present. Records to be obtained from the twins over the next three years will include dental examinations, dental impressions from which casts can be made, shed primary teeth, and intra- and extra-oral photographs. We will apply modern methods of genetic analysis to determine the importance of genetic and environmental influences on observed variation in several dental and facial features. We will also study the fascinating phenomenon of mirror imaging in twins, where one twin mirrors the other for one or more features. Longitudinal studies of twins, in which a large sample of children is studied over several years, provide a powerful means of determining how genes influence growth and development. As far as we are aware, ours is the only large-scale longitudinal study of dental and facial growth in twins being undertaken in the world at present. Once we have collected all the data and carried out analyses, we will gain a much better understanding of the factors that can influence development of the teeth and face, and be in a much better position to be able to predict those children who are most likely to develop malocclusions in later life.Read moreRead less
Functional Brain Age Measurement In Children And Adolescents
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$700,433.00
Summary
An important aspect of medicine is measuring the function of the human body. It is often advantageous to convert complex functional measures into simpler, intuitive measures such as 'age'. We can compare functional age to chronological age to diagnose disease. In this project, we will build an estimate of 'brain age' in children and adolescents using recordings of the electrical activity of the brain. We will test this 'brain age' as a diagnostic tool in several neurological disorders.
The Relationship Between Genes, Environment And Oral Disease In Childhood - A Study Of Twins
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$88,766.00
Summary
Half of Australia's children suffer tooth decay, placing them at risk of toothache, infection and hospitalisation, as well as a host of other problems like sleeping, eating and concentrating. Current preventive strategies are failing, due to an incomplete understanding of the causes of decay. This study of twins, who have been followed since pregnancy, will help to explain the role of genetics as well as other factors such as maternal and early childhood illness in dental disease.
Novel Therapy For Enhancing Organ Maturation In Pre-term Babies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$694,323.00
Summary
This project is developing a factor to enhance organ maturation and repair that may provide a new therapy for premature babies and fetuses with birth defects. This exciting new finding allows for the development of treatments of underdeveloped organs, in particular the lungs of premature and growth restricted babies. We are also trialing this factor in unborn babies with defects to the kidneys and lungs of which there is currently no cure.
Developmental Changes In Cerebral Oxygenation After Term And Preterm Birth
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$445,306.00
Summary
Approximately 10% of all births are preterm and the numbers of infants surviving are increasing. We have previously found that infants born preterm have lower blood pressure over the first 6 months after term equivalent age than infants born at term. We will use new technology to examine how preterm birth affects brain oxygenation and how this is altered with gestational age, sleep states and sleeping position, to provide insights into their increased risk for SIDS.
Determining The Role Of Oxytocin And Associated Analogues In Treatments For Social Dysfunction
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$466,492.00
Summary
This proposal develops a research hub to study, understand and develop innovative treatments for social difficulties observed across mental health conditions. It identifies treatment targets to improve social difficulties, determines who is likely to respond to these targets, and shows how these benefits can be tracked in patients. To achieve these goals, this proposal places this laboratory at the centre of broad international and collaborative research, facilitating innovative training and pra ....This proposal develops a research hub to study, understand and develop innovative treatments for social difficulties observed across mental health conditions. It identifies treatment targets to improve social difficulties, determines who is likely to respond to these targets, and shows how these benefits can be tracked in patients. To achieve these goals, this proposal places this laboratory at the centre of broad international and collaborative research, facilitating innovative training and practice within Australian society.Read moreRead less