Structural-functional connectivity in the brain. This project aims to develop magnetic resonance imaging analysis methods to non-invasively study brain connectivity. Recent advances in imaging can comprehensively describe the brain’s complex network of functional and structural connections (the brain ‘connectome’). This project will simultaneously investigate structural and functional connectivity, and characterise the dynamic properties of the connectome using graph-theoretic approaches. This p ....Structural-functional connectivity in the brain. This project aims to develop magnetic resonance imaging analysis methods to non-invasively study brain connectivity. Recent advances in imaging can comprehensively describe the brain’s complex network of functional and structural connections (the brain ‘connectome’). This project will simultaneously investigate structural and functional connectivity, and characterise the dynamic properties of the connectome using graph-theoretic approaches. This project should give neuroscientists computational tools to comprehensively map the network architecture of the human brain.Read moreRead less
Understanding Neurodevelopment In Preterm Children Utilising MRI
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$302,123.00
Summary
Children born very preterm are more likely to have movement, learning and behavioural difficulties resulting from abnormal brain development or injury around the time of birth. This project will help identify common brain alterations in preterm children using MRI, as well as the causes and consequences of such abnormalities. Ideally, this research will help health professionals to prevent abnormalities and injury, or to intervene early to reduce the adverse effects of prematurity.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0775747
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$160,000.00
Summary
Distributed Medical Image Analysis and Visualisation Engine (MedVis). Improved understanding of neurological processes is crucial to improving clinical outcomes for patients. MedVis will contribute in three ways: support development of new methods of interpretation and analysis of complex neurological studies, allowing current methods to be applied more efficiently, and enabling distributed simulations and visualisations in real-time from remote sites.
The leading-edge, grid-based, software and ....Distributed Medical Image Analysis and Visualisation Engine (MedVis). Improved understanding of neurological processes is crucial to improving clinical outcomes for patients. MedVis will contribute in three ways: support development of new methods of interpretation and analysis of complex neurological studies, allowing current methods to be applied more efficiently, and enabling distributed simulations and visualisations in real-time from remote sites.
The leading-edge, grid-based, software and computational techniques developed for the project will enable visualization, analysis and modelling of massive volumes of image and other visualisation data. This capability is important in medical research where large visualisation data volumes are being created and studied by experts remote from each other.
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A novel approach to diffusion MRI for greatly improved imaging of brain white matter and its connectivity. In this project, innovative new imaging and reconstruction techniques will be developed to provide images of brain connectivity, with unprecedented detail. Such images will allow extremely detailed investigations into the white matter connections that allow brain regions to communicate, and improve our understanding of how the brain operates.
Advances in positron emission tomography now allow specific pathological features of many brain diseases such as Alzheimer's disease to be measured with a brain scan during life. This Fellowship will assist Professor Rowe and his team in their world leading work on new PET scanning techniques to improve diagnosis and assist the development of treatment for Alzheimer's and other degenerative diseases of the brain.
We have previously made the most widely used animal brain atlas in the world. This atlas based on stained histological sections of the rat brain. In recent years, advances in MRI have made it possible to generate images of the rat brain at very high resolution. We have obtained a very high quality MRI image set from colleagues in Duke University in the USA, and we have begun to map these images in great detail, using our histological atlas as a guide.
Imaging Of Acute Ischemic Stroke – Improving Patient Selection For Thrombolysis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$367,946.00
Summary
Stroke is a major cause of death and disability in our community and is most often due to a blocked blood vessel. Powerful treatments are available to open blocked blood vessels but there are restrictions on eligibility and some risks. This research aims to improve doctors' understanding of stroke in the individual patient to aid treatment decisions by identifying those with potentially salvageable brain tissue and avoiding those with high risk of bleeding complications.
Brainstem And Hypothalamic Function And Anatomy In Migraine
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$652,828.00
Summary
Migraine is a disabling condition characterized by mostly unilateral throbbing head pain and a range of associated neurological symptoms. The underlying mechanisms responsible for the initiation of migraine remains unknown. We aim to determine brain anatomy and activity patterns in migraineurs throughout the migraine cycle. An understanding of the mechanisms responsible for migraine will aid in better treatment development.
EXTEND-IA Randomized Trial Of Intra-arterial Clot Retrieval In Ischemic Stroke
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$764,534.00
Summary
Most strokes are caused by a blocked blood vessel in the brain. Current treatments to dissolve the blockage improve recovery for many patients but often fail to unblock larger brain arteries. The EXTEND-IA trial will use advanced brain imaging to identify patients who have the most to gain if the blocked artery can be re-opened. The trial will test whether a new minimally invasive clot removal procedure performed after standard clot-dissolving treatment improves recovery after stroke.
High-resolution Brain Imaging Of Basal Ganglia Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$589,083.00
Summary
This project will develop new methods for high resolution MRI imaging of the human brain. We will assess functions of deep brain areas known as the basal ganglia that play a critical role in movement planning and co-ordination. Dysfunction within the basal ganglia is responsible for the motor impairments seen in people with Parkinson’s disease. In this project, we will examine changes in basal ganglia function and structure that lead to individual differences in movement control and learning.