The implications of resistance training for the control of movement. Resistance training (or weight lifting) is an essential element of comprehensive rehabilitation programs in a wide range of clinical settings. However, because we know little about how the organization of the nervous system is affected by training with high loads, the consequences of resistance training for our ability to control functional movements are unclear. The ultimate goal of this research is to generate basic knowledge ....The implications of resistance training for the control of movement. Resistance training (or weight lifting) is an essential element of comprehensive rehabilitation programs in a wide range of clinical settings. However, because we know little about how the organization of the nervous system is affected by training with high loads, the consequences of resistance training for our ability to control functional movements are unclear. The ultimate goal of this research is to generate basic knowledge about the impact of resistance training on nervous system function. The research will lead to the design of injury prevention and rehabilitation programs that are maximally effective, and provide a genuine benefit to the community.Read moreRead less
The Role Of Innate Inflammatory Responses In Viral Arthritis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$782,514.00
Summary
Viruses are known to cause arthritis (HIV, hepatitis viruses, mosquito borne viruses). Symptoms of viral arthritis include joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. The mechanism of disease is poorly understood. We have developed a novel animal model of disease and human cell culture models by which to study disease caused by viral infections. This models provide an excellent opportunity to explore the mechanisms of rheumatic disease in a functioning animal and to explore new treatment regimes.
Understanding Changes In The Mammalian Prenylome Induced By Statins And Prenyltransferase Inhibitors
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$566,308.00
Summary
Prenylation, the covalent attachment of isoprenoid lipids to proteins, is widespread in mammalian cells. Essential for a protein's normal function, it contributes to the progression of cancer and inflammation. We have developed a novel technology to identify all prenylated proteins in the cell. Aided by this method, we will analyse the effect of statins and anti-cancer drugs on protein prenylation. This will provide guidance in identifying a more effective clinical use for them.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE220100394
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$444,548.00
Summary
Momentarily immobile: the futures of backpacking and seasonal farm workers. This project aims to examine the experiences of backpackers and seasonal migrants who live in communal hostel accommodation while doing farm work in regional Queensland. This project expects to generate new knowledge using ethnographic and arts-based methods on how backpackers navigate periods of being affixed to the one place while completing required farm work, and their contribution to the socio-cultural life of regio ....Momentarily immobile: the futures of backpacking and seasonal farm workers. This project aims to examine the experiences of backpackers and seasonal migrants who live in communal hostel accommodation while doing farm work in regional Queensland. This project expects to generate new knowledge using ethnographic and arts-based methods on how backpackers navigate periods of being affixed to the one place while completing required farm work, and their contribution to the socio-cultural life of regional communities. Expected outcomes include greater understanding on the contributions of seasonal migrant labour, a public forum, recommendations for industry and governments, and an exhibition. This should provide significant benefits to encouraging post-pandemic growth back into regional communities and farming labour.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE190100940
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$352,000.00
Summary
Re-evaluating climate adaptation principles for a more resilient Australia. This project aims to investigate the problem of how to increase Australia's resilience to adverse weather and climate events. Increasing weather and climate related risks pose new operational and strategic challenges for Australia and the rest of the world. This project will critically investigate how decision principles have evolved and are used by climate adaptation professionals globally and nationally. Using conceptu ....Re-evaluating climate adaptation principles for a more resilient Australia. This project aims to investigate the problem of how to increase Australia's resilience to adverse weather and climate events. Increasing weather and climate related risks pose new operational and strategic challenges for Australia and the rest of the world. This project will critically investigate how decision principles have evolved and are used by climate adaptation professionals globally and nationally. Using conceptual modelling and pre-mortem method, the project will construct a novel policy relevant framework applicable to the Australian context. Expected outcomes include providing a set of widely applicable adaptation principles to support decision-making towards a resilient Australia.Read moreRead less
Competing demands on the axial muscles: Effects, consequences, compensations and mechanisms. Back and neck pain are major health issues and are associated with considerable cost to society and an individual's quality of life. A major issue is to identify factors that increase the chance of developing pain. This project will investigate a novel and innovative possibility; that competition between the many functions of the trunk muscles may increase the possibility for injury. We will study how th ....Competing demands on the axial muscles: Effects, consequences, compensations and mechanisms. Back and neck pain are major health issues and are associated with considerable cost to society and an individual's quality of life. A major issue is to identify factors that increase the chance of developing pain. This project will investigate a novel and innovative possibility; that competition between the many functions of the trunk muscles may increase the possibility for injury. We will study how the nervous system coordinates functions as diverse and movement of the spine, breathing, and control of head and eye movement. A key issue will be to identify whether situations arise in which control of the spine is compromised, potentially leading to increased risk of pain and injury. Such data can aid prevention and rehabilitation.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE130100129
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$150,000.00
Summary
Securing the data. This project will develop an integrated facility to support a collaborative research centre of government and university partners for research to better address priority issues in the fields of health, education, policing, and community services. The restricted access facility will allow researchers to remotely analyse confidential data in a secure environment.
What drives the Anterior Expansion of the Central Nervous System? A striking and highly conserved feature of the central nervous system is that the brain is larger than the spinal cord. Despite the manifest implications this has for nervous system function, the underlying drivers are largely unknown. This project aims to investigate the mechanisms controlling anterior expansion of the central nervous system, and will generate new knowledge in the areas of nervous system development and evolution ....What drives the Anterior Expansion of the Central Nervous System? A striking and highly conserved feature of the central nervous system is that the brain is larger than the spinal cord. Despite the manifest implications this has for nervous system function, the underlying drivers are largely unknown. This project aims to investigate the mechanisms controlling anterior expansion of the central nervous system, and will generate new knowledge in the areas of nervous system development and evolution. This project aims to impact on our understanding of nervous system function, develop bioinformatics tools with broad utility within the biosciences field, strengthen Australia’s international standing in the developmental neuroscience, and enhance the capacity for interdisciplinary international collaborations.Read moreRead less
Dynamics of Locomotion: Visualisation in skill acquisition & rehabilitation. How does visual information and attention determine the control and coordination of locomotion? Using large-screen projection of computer graphics and immersive virtual reality, we will examine the influence of visual information on driver training, gait in the elderly, cardiorespiratory control, and the attentional interference of mobile phones on driving. Experiments will be based on principles from dynamical and comp ....Dynamics of Locomotion: Visualisation in skill acquisition & rehabilitation. How does visual information and attention determine the control and coordination of locomotion? Using large-screen projection of computer graphics and immersive virtual reality, we will examine the influence of visual information on driver training, gait in the elderly, cardiorespiratory control, and the attentional interference of mobile phones on driving. Experiments will be based on principles from dynamical and complex systems theory and will inform the design of innovative algorithms for autonomous mobile robots. Expected outcomes include improved road safety, new methods for the rehabilitation of those with gait disorders, and a deeper understanding of the physiological response to virtual exercise.Read moreRead less