The atlas of trace metals in the mouse brain: a new tool for neuroscientists. This project will produce the first atlas of trace metals in the mouse brain: a set of 'maps' of a type of brain often used to study diseases affecting the human brain. This online resource will show neuroscientists unprecedented 3D detail of the distribution in the brain of trace metals, which are implicated in such diseases as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
Integrative brain imaging technologies. This project aims to develop quantitative metabolic imaging using simultaneous magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET). The current generation of MR-PET scanners are capable of simultaneously acquiring MRI and PET data to enable quantitative anatomical, physiological and metabolic imaging. The project aims to develop new MRI methods for quantitative anatomical mapping, MR-based motion correction of dynamic PET scan data, and ....Integrative brain imaging technologies. This project aims to develop quantitative metabolic imaging using simultaneous magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET). The current generation of MR-PET scanners are capable of simultaneously acquiring MRI and PET data to enable quantitative anatomical, physiological and metabolic imaging. The project aims to develop new MRI methods for quantitative anatomical mapping, MR-based motion correction of dynamic PET scan data, and joint estimation of physiological and metabolic organ activity. These advances will create innovative imaging technologies for advanced biomedical imaging research with a particular emphasis in healthy ageing.
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Single cell imaging of trace elements by laser ablation - inductively coupled plasma - mass spectrometry. The precise mechanism of how many diseases function on the cellular level is not well understood. Trace elements are important to normal cellular function and have the potential to cause significant damage if delicate levels are disturbed. This project will introduce a new, cost-effective alternative to the synchrotron for mapping of trace elements in single cells. This breakthrough science ....Single cell imaging of trace elements by laser ablation - inductively coupled plasma - mass spectrometry. The precise mechanism of how many diseases function on the cellular level is not well understood. Trace elements are important to normal cellular function and have the potential to cause significant damage if delicate levels are disturbed. This project will introduce a new, cost-effective alternative to the synchrotron for mapping of trace elements in single cells. This breakthrough science will transform a common analytical instrument into a powerful new tool for probing the cellular mechanisms of chronic illness. This frontier technology will help determine the role of trace metals in the development of neurodegenerative disease.Read moreRead less
Auditory and Vestibular Ringing--Detection and theraputic interventions. Tinnitus effects up to 30% of the elderly population. To date no single suppression modality has been successful across all tinnitus sufferers. This study will apply an aural, low level, modulated, fractal suppression strategy designed to induce a "natural" olivary efferent response capable of suppressing/reducing tinnitus.
Balance disorders e.g. Meniere's Disease and nausea (seasickness) are unwanted outcomes of vestibu ....Auditory and Vestibular Ringing--Detection and theraputic interventions. Tinnitus effects up to 30% of the elderly population. To date no single suppression modality has been successful across all tinnitus sufferers. This study will apply an aural, low level, modulated, fractal suppression strategy designed to induce a "natural" olivary efferent response capable of suppressing/reducing tinnitus.
Balance disorders e.g. Meniere's Disease and nausea (seasickness) are unwanted outcomes of vestibular dysfunction/hypersensitivity. This study will apply a low level, low frequency, modulated, acoustic pressure wave designed to induce a ?natural? olivary efferent response and an end organ endolymph/perilymph balance shift. It is postulated these stimuli will reduce the effects of vestibular dysfunction/hypersensitivity.
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Using the eye as a window to the central nervous system for improved drug testing. The annual cost of treating brain illnesses is US$250 billion. Each new drug costs about US$900 million to develop. This research will give Pfizer Pty Ltd, the project’s industry partner, a more efficient and direct way of testing whether drugs can get into and affect the brain. This will reduce the cost of drug development, which ultimately means cheaper drugs. The project will develop new technologies to put Aus ....Using the eye as a window to the central nervous system for improved drug testing. The annual cost of treating brain illnesses is US$250 billion. Each new drug costs about US$900 million to develop. This research will give Pfizer Pty Ltd, the project’s industry partner, a more efficient and direct way of testing whether drugs can get into and affect the brain. This will reduce the cost of drug development, which ultimately means cheaper drugs. The project will develop new technologies to put Australia at the forefront of neuropharmaceutical and neuroscience research. A new research platform will foster collaborations with the pharmaceutical industry both within Australia and overseas. This industrial link will promote a unique post-graduate experience by providing exposure to academic and industrial environments for Australian scientists.Read moreRead less
Chronic pain and functional impairment following traumatic injury: an investigation into the impact of compensation status and experience. This project will enhance understanding of the impact of the psychosocial factors and the compensation process on recovery from traumatic injury. The project will generate new resources (screening and referral guidelines; educational materials) to improve decision making consistency, client experience, and recovery from road trauma.
Evaluating the impact of obesity on knee load over time in those who have undergone optimal surgical re-alignment after total knee replacement . This project investigates the impact of obesity on alignment and knee load over time in those who have undergone total knee replacement. This information is critical for understanding whether obesity results in increasing knee load after surgery which can lead to more rapid wearing of the knee surfaces and an earlier need for revision surgery.
The development and testing of a device to enhance the application of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation. This project aims to develop and evaluate a new device designed to substantially enhance the use of transcranial magnetic stimulation, a technology, which is increasingly being applied in the treatment of disorders such as depression, as well as in the study of normal and abnormal brain function.
Bilateral Cochlear Implants for Children: Does a Second Implant Improve Language, Psychosocial and Other Outcomes? Severe-profound congenital hearing loss engenders significant costs to society. In 2005, specialised education cost -- on average $25,000 per child, loss of productivity cost -- $6.7 billion, and social security benefits were paid to approximately 129,000 individuals who were unemployed due to hearing loss. If bilateral cochlear implantation results in improved language, social dev ....Bilateral Cochlear Implants for Children: Does a Second Implant Improve Language, Psychosocial and Other Outcomes? Severe-profound congenital hearing loss engenders significant costs to society. In 2005, specialised education cost -- on average $25,000 per child, loss of productivity cost -- $6.7 billion, and social security benefits were paid to approximately 129,000 individuals who were unemployed due to hearing loss. If bilateral cochlear implantation results in improved language, social development, and academic outcomes, the community benefits arising will be greatly improved quality of life for these individuals and significant savings to society. In partnership with Cochlear Ltd, this study will provide some of the first data worldwide comparing the effects of an additional implant on language, social and educational outcomes.Read moreRead less
Prediction of epilepsy seizure onset using nonlinear analysis of EEG recordings. This project will develop the theory and algorithms for reliable and robust prediction of the onset of epileptic seizures and the characterisation of epileptic seizures based on EEG data. Our interdisciplinary team consists of neuroscientists and systems engineers supported with clinicians and software developers. The team will develop the theory and design, implement and evaluate decision support software that is a ....Prediction of epilepsy seizure onset using nonlinear analysis of EEG recordings. This project will develop the theory and algorithms for reliable and robust prediction of the onset of epileptic seizures and the characterisation of epileptic seizures based on EEG data. Our interdisciplinary team consists of neuroscientists and systems engineers supported with clinicians and software developers. The team will develop the theory and design, implement and evaluate decision support software that is able to interpret eeg data and present epilepsy relevant information to clinicians and patients. Our methods are based on statistical signal processing, nonlinear dynamics (bifurcation and time-series methods) and systems engineering (system identification, adaptive methods).Read moreRead less