DNA sequencing allows us to see into the microbial world in fine detail. This enables us to investigate how bugs like bacteria cause infections and other diseases. In this fellowship, I will use DNA sequencing and analysis to investigate how bacterial infections are transmitted in hospitals and cities, how bacteria become resistant to the antibiotic drugs we use to treat infected people, and how the bacteria that live in our nose and throat contribute to development of asthma in young children.
Reconsideration Of The Mechanisms Underlying Movement Changes With Pain
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$401,361.00
Summary
Pain changes the way we move. Although undisputed, there is a surprising lack of agreement regarding the underlying mechanisms. This project involves an innovative mix of neurophysiological methods to investigate how the drive to muscle cells from the nervous system is altered during pain. We aim to resolve the perplexing problem of how pain changes our ability to activate muscle. Our findings are likely to provide a clear understanding of the underlying mechanisms and guide rehabilitation.
Improving Upper Limb Function In Hereditary Cerebellar Ataxia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$437,034.00
Summary
Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) causes in-coordination and muscle weakness which may result in the affected person being unable to walk or use their arms effectively. In-coordination is a result of destruction of nerves in the spine and the area of the brain that controls movement (cerebellum). This study will assess the use of brain stimulation to improve coordination and function in people with FRDA. The results of this study may also result in treatments for similar inherited cerebellar ataxias.
Cancer Epidemiology In High-risk Populations And Complex Cancers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$451,716.00
Summary
My research program aims to better understand the causes of cancer and factors that influence outcomes after cancer diagnosis. It employs classical and innovative cancer epidemiology and includes large-scale studies of cancer incidence, survival and risk factors in people with immune dysfunction. It also includes studies of lymphoid malignancies and ‘cancer of unknown primary’ origin. The research program aims to build an evidence base for interventions that will reduce the burden of cancer nati ....My research program aims to better understand the causes of cancer and factors that influence outcomes after cancer diagnosis. It employs classical and innovative cancer epidemiology and includes large-scale studies of cancer incidence, survival and risk factors in people with immune dysfunction. It also includes studies of lymphoid malignancies and ‘cancer of unknown primary’ origin. The research program aims to build an evidence base for interventions that will reduce the burden of cancer nationally and internationally.Read moreRead less
We stand without falling by using silent senses from muscles and the balance organs of the inner ear to unconsciously detect and control our movements. Since the leg muscles provide both the force and the sense, and critically rely on good circulation, they are vitally important. I propose to study how these sensory and muscle functions are used to control balance, posture and stepping reflexes, making it easier to identify older people who will fall and design new preventative strategies.
The proposal builds on innovative technologies patented and published by my group. The project has two specific objectives: 1) to deliver the new generation of intelligent biomedical devices that have the capacity to control infections, inflammation and foreign body response; and 2) to develop a novel, non-invasive and affordable point of care diagnostic technology for early detection of chronic kidney diseases, and kidney and bladder cancers that is much needed in this space of healthcare.
Screening And Characterisation Of Mammalian Epigenetic Modifiers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$470,143.00
Summary
All the information to form an adult is contained in the DNA of the fertilized egg. Development is achieved by turning genes on and off, controlled by proteins called epigenetic modifiers. Sometimes this fails, leading to disease. Despite their vital role, we have data on just 20% of the potential epigenetic modifiers in humans. I will use novel screen-based technology to find hundreds more, to enable us and others to characterise the role of epigenetics in normal development and disease.
Optimising Patient Outcomes Following Surgery: Bridging The Fields Of Antimicrobial Stewardship, Microbiology And Infection Prevention
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$431,000.00
Summary
Over 2.4 million surgeries are performed yearly in Australia. Up to 15% of procedures are complicated by infection leading to patient suffering. These infections are also implicated in the emergence of antibiotic resistance. My research will help us understand how infections develop, how to prevent these infections and how to incorporate best-practice into patient care. My research will bridge these key areas to help improve outcomes for patients undergoing surgical procedures.
Using Modelling To Evaluate STI Epidemiology Control Strategies And Investigate Chlamydial Within-host Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$94,250.00
Summary
This research will further our understanding of the mechanisms that give rise to the development of Chlamydia within a cell and how it causes disease, ultimately providing targets for drug-vaccine design. This project will also design and evaluate epidemic control strategies to inform policy makers for reducing the incidence and prevalence of sexually transmitted infections. These applications are addressed by developing mathematical models, biophysical theory, and statistical analyses.