Information Encoding By Temporal Structure Of Afferent Spike Trains
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$231,175.00
Summary
Our ability to sense, discriminate and interpret touch stimuli underpins some of the most crucial functions of the human hand that relate to object exploration and manipulation. The fundamental mechanism of how nerve impulses generated by tactile receptors are interpreted by the nervous system is not understood. Only by discovering the underlying neural encoding mechanisms can we appreciate the functional impairments in patients and learn to identify them before they become widespread and irreve ....Our ability to sense, discriminate and interpret touch stimuli underpins some of the most crucial functions of the human hand that relate to object exploration and manipulation. The fundamental mechanism of how nerve impulses generated by tactile receptors are interpreted by the nervous system is not understood. Only by discovering the underlying neural encoding mechanisms can we appreciate the functional impairments in patients and learn to identify them before they become widespread and irreversible.Read moreRead less
Role Of Dendritic Information Processing In Visual Circuit Computations
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$895,244.00
Summary
Vision is the primary sensory modality in man, and its disturbance carries an enormous socio-economic burden. The dynamic operations of the neuronal assemblies that underlie vision are poorly understood, partly because of an incomplete description of the computational properties of visual neuronal circuits. The aims of the application are to mechanistically dissect defined computational operations of visual neural circuits using advanced electrophysiological and optical recording techniques.
Functional Anisotropies In The Processing Of Orientation And Direction-of-motion By Human Visual Cortex
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$366,164.00
Summary
We will study patterns of activity in the human brain to identify the cortical signature of normal visual function. The correspondences between patterns of brain activity and the structure and motion of the visual image in the normal human brain will provide data against which brain activity in a range of disorders from amblyopia to schizophrenia can be assessed.
Efferent Control Circuitry Of The Auditory Brainstem
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$406,306.00
Summary
Detection of important sounds within a noisy background is a crucial function of the mammalian hearing system and defects in this function impair social interaction, learning and development. In addition, activity in the brain needs to be carefully regulated by intrinsic circuitry in order to prevent excessive activity responsible for conditions such as tinnitus. The mechanisms by which the brain achieves this are poorly understood and this project aims to improve our understanding of some of th ....Detection of important sounds within a noisy background is a crucial function of the mammalian hearing system and defects in this function impair social interaction, learning and development. In addition, activity in the brain needs to be carefully regulated by intrinsic circuitry in order to prevent excessive activity responsible for conditions such as tinnitus. The mechanisms by which the brain achieves this are poorly understood and this project aims to improve our understanding of some of the brain circuits involved.Read moreRead less
Dendritic Activity And Neuronal Output During Sensory Perception
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$832,748.00
Summary
A fundamental goal of neuroscience is to understand how sensory experiences arise from activity in the brain. This is no easy feat and is the basis of the research in this proposal. Here, using cutting edge recording techniques, the activity of brain cells within the cortex will be measured during sensory-based behavioural tasks. This research will provide insight into therapeutic approaches to numerous brain diseases where sensory processing is compromised.
Brain Pathways Serving Conscious And Sub-conscious Vision
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$571,444.00
Summary
In humans and other primates the visual system comprises evolutionary new pathways (called magnocellular or M, and parvocellular or P) superimposed on evolutionary old pathways (called koniocellular or K). These parallel pathways carry visual information from the retina, through a brain centre in the thalamus called lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN), to the cerebral neocortex. Our aim is to study the role of the K pathway in visual processing.
We will investigate changes in the retina secondary to disease process and try and modify them to allow a longer time frame for intervention. These changes (remodelling) are detrimental to visual function and the effectiveness of measures aimed at restoring vision, eg, bionic eye.
The Cellular Organisation Of Interneurones In Human Retina
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$526,454.00
Summary
Our goal is to determine the numbers and types of nerve cells in the human retina: the part of the eye where visual processing starts. This data will serve as a baseline against which effects of visual disease can be measured.
The Vestibulo-collic Reflex In Humans And Its Use In Diagnosis Of Vertigo
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$278,691.00
Summary
This project will investigate the vestibulo-collic reflex (VCR): a head-stabilising reflex of the neck muscles. The VCR plays an important role in human balance, but is not well-understood. A form of the reflex is used to test vestibular (balance) function in patients with dizziness and vertigo, however the accuracy and interpretation of the test as it is currently used is not optimal. This project aims to improve the accuracy of the VCR in the diagnosis of balance disorders.
Circadian Control Of Peripheral Gastric Satiety Signals
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$701,010.00
Summary
When we feel full after a meal it is the result of a variety of different nerve signals from the gut in response to distension of the stomach and specific nutrients. These signals exhibit circadian variations. The aim of this project is to determine circadian control of gastric nerve satiety signals and to determine how this is affected by obesity and what happens when you disrupt circadian rhythm. This will ultimately identify targets and treatment regimes for the pharmacological treatment of o ....When we feel full after a meal it is the result of a variety of different nerve signals from the gut in response to distension of the stomach and specific nutrients. These signals exhibit circadian variations. The aim of this project is to determine circadian control of gastric nerve satiety signals and to determine how this is affected by obesity and what happens when you disrupt circadian rhythm. This will ultimately identify targets and treatment regimes for the pharmacological treatment of obesity.Read moreRead less