Investigating Caloric Vestibular Stimulation As A Novel Therapeutic Intervention For Chronic Pain, Mania And Depression.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$340,963.00
Summary
Chronic pain, mania and depression are common health problems worldwide and represent an enormous burden of illness. Current treatments may be costly, invasive and have serious side-effects. In the proposed project, demonstration of therapeutic benefit with a novel, simple method of brain stimulation without such limitations could change how these disorders are managed. Moreover, the findings would be of substantial significance in developing countries where treatments are often non-existent.
The Cause Of Undescended Testis And Inguinal Hernia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$743,848.00
Summary
This study aims to define in both animal models and children how the testis descends from the abdomen to scrotum, and how undescended testis and inguinal hernia are likely to be caused by defects in the same, very indirect signalling pathway. The results will demonstrate where to look for genetic causes and proof of principle for possible future medical treatments for the 3 commonest major operations in children for congenital and acquired undescended testis and inguinal hernia.
An Investigation Of Cortical Function In Autism Spectrum Disorders Using TMS, FMRI And EEG
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$324,480.00
Summary
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are severe psychiatric conditions, but our neurobiological understanding of these disorders is limited. Using an array of modern neuroscience techniques, this study investigates aspects of brain functioning that may contribute to social and behavioural impairments in ASD. While enhancing our neurobiological knowledge, this research also provides exciting new directions for ASD assessment and treatment.
Deciphering IFN Type III, TGF?, IL-10 And Adenosine Pathways In Natural Killer Cells: Enhancing The Innate Anti-metastatic Response Against Breast Cancer Progression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$320,891.00
Summary
This project will determine whether one or more factors produced in tumours (eg. cell hormones and metabolites) inhibits NK cells from controlling breast cancer spread using the best available mouse tumour models. We will use genetics to specifically delete response to these factors by NK cells. It is a completely novel approach and this information will allow for the more rational design of cancer treatments following surgery and local radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy.