A Device For Simultaneous Continuous Acquisition Of EEG And MRI
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$179,401.00
Summary
We aim to further develop a world-leading method we invented that facilitates the simultaneous, continuous acquisition of the electroencephalogram (EEG - electrical brain waves measured at the scalp) and functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI - images the location of brain activity throughout the brain). Combining the two permits non-invasive imaging of human brain function with the exquisite temporal resolution of EEG and the high spatial resolution and brain coverage afforded by fMRI.
Investigating Mechanisms Of Action Of Sacral Nerve Neuromodulation In Faecal Incontinence
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$81,181.00
Summary
Faecal incontinence (accidental bowel leakage) is a common problem in the Australian community with devastating impacts on quality of life and psychological well-being. Treatment of this condition remains a challenge due to limited scientific knowledge. Sacral nerve modulation (electrostimulation of nerves in the lower back) is an exciting new treatment but we don’t understand how it works. This project aims to improve our understanding of how nerve stimulation improves symptoms.
Scaling-up microfluidic drying as an efficient route to manufacture uniform and functional particles as high-value products. This project aims to scale-up microfluidic spray drying and demonstrate the method as a viable option to manufacture monodisperse microparticles as bioactive carriers or microencapsulates, with better functional properties and uniformity. It aims to transform the manufacturing of high-value products for pharmaceuticals, functional foods and biotechnology applications and l ....Scaling-up microfluidic drying as an efficient route to manufacture uniform and functional particles as high-value products. This project aims to scale-up microfluidic spray drying and demonstrate the method as a viable option to manufacture monodisperse microparticles as bioactive carriers or microencapsulates, with better functional properties and uniformity. It aims to transform the manufacturing of high-value products for pharmaceuticals, functional foods and biotechnology applications and lift productivity by managing innovation for Australia’s industries.Read moreRead less
Gastrointestinal Sensory Function In Normal And Diseased States
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$691,026.00
Summary
Chronic pain and discomfort from the digestive system is a major health care issue world-wide. There is currently no effective treatment for these problems, which often have no apparent organic cause. Lack of treatment is due to a lack of understanding about how sensations are transmitted from the digestive system to the brain. Our research group has unique and powerful techniques that allow us to probe the basic mechanisms of sensory function, and make rapid progress towards finding drugs that ....Chronic pain and discomfort from the digestive system is a major health care issue world-wide. There is currently no effective treatment for these problems, which often have no apparent organic cause. Lack of treatment is due to a lack of understanding about how sensations are transmitted from the digestive system to the brain. Our research group has unique and powerful techniques that allow us to probe the basic mechanisms of sensory function, and make rapid progress towards finding drugs that reduce specific types of sensory signals from the gut. We shall investigate sensory mechanisms in the upper and lower regions of the gut, where symptoms are most prevalent in diseases such as non-cardiac chest pain, functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome. Six aspects of sensory nerve endings in the gut are to be investigated: 1. The grouping of endings into functional classes (similar to touch or pressure receptors in skin) 2. How endings respond to chemicals and hormones found in the gut 3. How currently available drugs may be useful in reducing sensitivity 4. The mechanisms by which inflammation affects sensitivity 5. How nerve growth factors may trigger changes in sensitivity 6. How pores or channels in nerve endings determine their functionRead moreRead less
Novel geometric invariants. Quantum theory is the language of fundamental physics, it describes the small scale structure of matter and possibly space-time. Sophisticated models in condensed matter physics and string theory have exposed geometric and topological structure as basic building blocks of the theory. Issues thrown up by quantum theory are very similar to, and have provided techniques to solve, problems in the geometry of three and four dimensional manifolds. Exciting two way exchanges ....Novel geometric invariants. Quantum theory is the language of fundamental physics, it describes the small scale structure of matter and possibly space-time. Sophisticated models in condensed matter physics and string theory have exposed geometric and topological structure as basic building blocks of the theory. Issues thrown up by quantum theory are very similar to, and have provided techniques to solve, problems in the geometry of three and four dimensional manifolds. Exciting two way exchanges of methods, problems and solutions have emerged. This project aims to settle fundamental questions in the interaction between these two fields.Read moreRead less