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Mechanisms Of Impaired Bronchodilator Response Associated With Fatty Acid Intake In Obese Asthma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$694,365.00
Summary
Obese asthmatics typically have a high dietary fat intake, which reduces the efficacy of their asthma medications. We will determine which types of dietary fat affect asthma medications. We will also determine which asthma medications are affected by a high fat load. Finally, we will examine the mechanisms by which fatty acids affect the efficacy of asthma medications. This is will inform new treatment options for managing the many obese asthmatics who are not able to achieve weight loss.
The prevalence of asthma in Australia is amongst the highest in the world yet no trials of primary prevention have been conducted which address the most common known causative agent (housedust mite allergens) and the most common known protective factor (dietary omega-3 fatty acids). Until the effectiveness of interventions which address these factors is certain, the value of the wide array of advice given to asthmatics by various health institutions will not be known. We are applying to continue ....The prevalence of asthma in Australia is amongst the highest in the world yet no trials of primary prevention have been conducted which address the most common known causative agent (housedust mite allergens) and the most common known protective factor (dietary omega-3 fatty acids). Until the effectiveness of interventions which address these factors is certain, the value of the wide array of advice given to asthmatics by various health institutions will not be known. We are applying to continue the Childhood Asthma Prevention Study (CAPS) which has been underway since mid-1997. CAPS is a randomised controlled trial in which 616 infants at high risk of developing asthma because of a family history have been enrolled. The interventions include allergen reduction and dietary supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids. The interventions are designed to have maximum effect but be simple to implement by parents. Several measures of compliance are being collected and regular contact is maintained though telephone calls and frequent home visits. Objective and subjective measurements of exposures, atopy, diet and asthmatic symptoms are being collected at 3 month intervals and at medical assessments when the children are 18 months, 3 and 5 years old. It is essential that we continue the study until all children are aged 5 and we will be able to test conclusively whether the interventions have had a positive effect. If so, CAPS will form the basis for a nationwide public health campaign which will have the potential to reduce the incidence of childhood asthma in Australia.Read moreRead less
This project examines how high fat diets affect inflammation and asthma outcomes. Research regarding the relationship between asthma and obesity is inconclusive. This project examines high fat intake as an initiator of both these conditions. We explore statins as a treatment for diet-induced inflammation. By increasing our understanding of how fat affects inflammation, we will be able to plan a dietary approach to improve asthma outcomes.
Modification Of The Microbiome And Utilisation Of Microbial Products As Novel Treatments For COPD
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,226,338.00
Summary
Smoking leads to lung inflammation that causes emphysema - a major health problem in Australia. Emphysema progressively declines even if smoking stops and there are no treatments. Recently changes in gut microbes have been linked to inducing or protecting against inflammation in the gut and lung. Thus we may be able to control inflammation by modifying these gut microbiomes. We may be able to ingest specific microbes or use specific antibiotics or other factors as new treatments for emphysema.
The Impact Of Sleep Disturbance On Cardiometabolic Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$295,223.00
Summary
Excess cardiovascular death is common in rotating shiftwork and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) populations. Substantial evidence links sleep disturbance in both ‘states’ to these adverse outcomes. This research will quantify the cardiovascular risk that sleep disturbance poses in both populations, determine whether people with untreated OSA who engage in shiftwork have amplified risk and determine whether a novel diet of high protein during shiftwork reduces risk. The findings may provide strate ....Excess cardiovascular death is common in rotating shiftwork and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) populations. Substantial evidence links sleep disturbance in both ‘states’ to these adverse outcomes. This research will quantify the cardiovascular risk that sleep disturbance poses in both populations, determine whether people with untreated OSA who engage in shiftwork have amplified risk and determine whether a novel diet of high protein during shiftwork reduces risk. The findings may provide strategies that could improve health in shiftworkers.Read moreRead less
Environmental Influences On Allergic Airways Disease From Birth To 8yrs: Long-term Outcomes Of A Randomised Trial (CAPS)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$530,000.00
Summary
The prevalence of asthma in Australia is among the highest in the world yet no trials of primary prevention have been conducted which address the most common known causative agent (housedust mite allergens) and the most common known protective factor (dietary omega-3 fatty acids). Until the effectiveness of interventions which address these factors is certain, it will not be possible to give confident advice about how to prevent asthma. We are applying to continue follow up of the cohort of the ....The prevalence of asthma in Australia is among the highest in the world yet no trials of primary prevention have been conducted which address the most common known causative agent (housedust mite allergens) and the most common known protective factor (dietary omega-3 fatty acids). Until the effectiveness of interventions which address these factors is certain, it will not be possible to give confident advice about how to prevent asthma. We are applying to continue follow up of the cohort of the Childhood Asthma Prevention Study (CAPS) which has been underway since mid-1997. CAPS is a randomised controlled trial in which 616 infants at high risk of developing asthma because of a family history have been enrolled. The interventions include allergen reduction and dietary supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids. The interventions are designed to have maximum effect but be simple to implement by parents. Objective and subjective measurements of exposures, atopy, diet and asthmatic symptoms are being collected at 3 month intervals and at medical assessments when the children are 18 months, 3 and 5 years old. The interventions are stopped at age 5 years. The continued follow up of the cohort to age 8 will enable us to test conclusively if the interventions have had a positive effect. If so, CAPS will form the basis for a nationwide public health campaign which will have the potential to reduce the incidence of childhood asthma in Australia.Read moreRead less