Fungi are increasingly causing life-threatening infections. Little is known about the mechanisms underlying these infections. We will compare the genomes of high and low virulent fungal strains to gain insides into the basis of these differences by using C. gattii as model of a globally highly pathogenic fungus. The findings will be generalized by comparing the obtained results with the genomes of other important pathogenic fungi to develop a scientific basis for better treatment strategies.
Evolutionary Response Of Dengue And Chikungunya Viruses To A Novel Biocontrol Method
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$421,681.00
Summary
Dengue and chikungunya are mosquito-transmitted viruses that present significant public health threats to Australia and the Asia-Pacific. This project will investigate whether dengue and chikungunya can adapt in response to a bacterium that limits replication of the viruses in the mosquito. The research will provide critical data to inform new mosquito control methods aimed at breaking the virus transmission cycle. More broadly, the research will allow us to understand how viruses adapt to strat ....Dengue and chikungunya are mosquito-transmitted viruses that present significant public health threats to Australia and the Asia-Pacific. This project will investigate whether dengue and chikungunya can adapt in response to a bacterium that limits replication of the viruses in the mosquito. The research will provide critical data to inform new mosquito control methods aimed at breaking the virus transmission cycle. More broadly, the research will allow us to understand how viruses adapt to strategies aimed at limiting their replication.Read moreRead less
Cross-national Comparison Of Influences For The Development Of Harmful Young Adult Alcohol Use
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$571,737.00
Summary
Although young adulthood is a time of high alcohol problems, there is cross-national variation in rates of problems and policy responses. This project will survey age 24 adults in Washington State in the USA in 2013-14 that were initially recruited in 2002 (aged 13) and annually resurveyed at ages 14 and 15. The sample has been matched to enable comparison of behaviours and longitudinal influences to an equivalent longitudinal cohort being followed in Victoria, Australia (Combined N = 1,556).
DNA Barcoding Of Pathogenic Fungi As The Basis For The Development Of Novel Standardized Diagnostic Tools
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$560,398.00
Summary
Fungal infections are increasing and have major health impacts, with a high economic burden. Timely initiation of therapy is the key to improve patient outcomes. However, reliable identification tools for fungal pathogens are lacking. We will use comparative genome analysis to develop unique fungal signatures (DNA barcodes) and establish an online database to allow for rapid identification for diagnosis in the clinical setting and as a quarantine tool for border protection.
How Best To Protect Public Health: A Comparative Analysis Of Regulatory Safety Warnings On Medicines In Australia, Canada The European Union And The United States
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,002,283.00
Summary
Medicines have important health benefits but can also lead to harm. When new safety concerns arise, national regulatory agencies issue warnings to health professionals and the public. These warnings differ between countries, but no research has compared the effectiveness of different approaches. This study compares safety advisories on medicines in Australia, Canada, the United States, and the European Union in order to identify how to best protect public health.
Rates, Patterns And Determinants Of Alcohol’s Harm To Others: A Cross-national Comparative Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$305,856.00
Summary
Alcohol causes harms to drinkers, and others around them, including spouses, children, family, friends, workmates and strangers. Australian and New Zealand work on alcohol’s harm to others is being replicated by the WHO in 7 countries (Chile, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam). We aim to analyse datasets from nine countries and compare the magnitude and patterning of problems across and within cultures – identifying opportunities for reducing harm from others’ drinking.
Mechanisms Of Antibiotic-induced Persistent Bacterial Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$632,048.00
Summary
Golden staph still causes significant human infections and resistance to antibiotics is an ever growing problem with this bacteria. This project will determine how resistance to some antibiotics is also changing the bacteria to promote persistent, difficult to treat infections. The insights from this study will help understand evolution of this bacteria, and help design new strategies for management.
Each year approximately 24,000 Australian children are born too early. A new international study led by Western Australian researchers is studying the role that genetics play in preterm birth. This study will evaluate the genomes of 10,000 women of which 2,000 come from Western Australia. It is anticipated that this study will advance our knowledge about the genetic basis of preterm birth and assist in providing customised clinical care to those at highest risk.
Comparative Analysis Of Human And Kangaroo Leishmania: Defining Human Pathogenicity Genes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$539,334.00
Summary
Leishmaniasis is a global infectious disease affecting millions and killing thousands each year. This project will utilise the recent discovery in Australia of a related pathogen to identify novel parasite genes and pathways involved in virulence in humans. The latest techniques in comparative genomics and molecular biology will identify the genes that cause human disease . Appropriate genes will then be used to develope a novel vaccine using the Australian parasite.
Social And Cultural Resilience And Emotional Wellbeing Of Aboriginal Mothers In Prison (SCREAM)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$925,847.00
Summary
The increasing imprisonment of Aboriginal women is a major public health issue affecting Aboriginal communities. One way in which the burden of disease and cycle of incarceration within families can be addressed is by improving health outcomes for incarcerated Aboriginal mothers and female carers. This mixed-methods study uses appropriate health measures, narrative data and action research to identify culturally safe models of health care for delivery in prisons and on re-integration to the comm ....The increasing imprisonment of Aboriginal women is a major public health issue affecting Aboriginal communities. One way in which the burden of disease and cycle of incarceration within families can be addressed is by improving health outcomes for incarcerated Aboriginal mothers and female carers. This mixed-methods study uses appropriate health measures, narrative data and action research to identify culturally safe models of health care for delivery in prisons and on re-integration to the community.Read moreRead less