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Developing Novel Preclinical Models For Neurodevelopmental Disorders - From Bedside To Bench
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,714,215.00
Summary
I will use the knowledge gained from our studies of progressive brain structural and cognitive changes in neuropsychiatric disorders (esp. psychosis and schizophrenia), to develop novel animal models of brain development, identify the impact of insults (e.g. viral infection) at different stages of development, and identify new treatments and optimal timing of interventions to prevent or ameliorate brain changes and cognitive deficits.
A Network Approach To Mapping And Modifying Brain Changes In Psychosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,163,245.00
Summary
Psychosis fundamentally alters a person’s relationship with reality. Brain scans can map which parts of the brain are affected by psychosis, but they cannot reveal the actual disease processes that cause these changes. I will address this gap by integrating brain imaging with genetics and mathematical modelling to identify the brain circuits and molecules that impact risk for psychosis, and to develop targeted therapies that modify risk-related brain dysfunction.
Harnessing The Extracellular Matrix To Fight Obesity-induced Cognitive Impairment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$645,205.00
Summary
The health burden of obesity in Australia is great, but the detrimental impact of obesity on brain function is not yet understood. This research program takes an innovative approach to define how obesity changes non-neuronal brain components that regulate neuroplasticity and protect neurons from damage. Outcomes will define new mechanisms to prevent obesity-induced cognitive impairment and critical knowledge gain leading to novel therapeutic approaches and policy changes to improve health.
Reducing The Mortality Gap For People With Schizophrenia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,231,125.00
Summary
People with schizophrenia die >16 years earlier than the general population, mostly due to avoidable diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. This research aims to conduct clinical trials among people with schizophrenia of 1. an existing diabetes medication (metformin) to prevent initial weight gain due to antipsychotic medications and 2. a novel diabetes medication (exenatide) to help people who don’t have adequate weight loss with metformin.
Development Of Novel Therapies To Treat Obesity Related Metabolic Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,981,372.00
Summary
Obesity results in the development of many diseases particularly as we age. These diseases include type 2 diabetes, fatty liver diasease and dementia. This research rpogram with develop new strategies and therapies targeted to treat these obesity related diseases.
Regulatory Strategies To Promote Healthier Australian Diets
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$645,205.00
Summary
Unhealthy diets are a leading cause of ill health. In contrast to our global leadership in tobacco control, Australia remains slow to use law as a tool to support healthy eating. This project will generate new insights on features of effective food policies to target excess sugar consumption. Using an innovative fusion of law and science, its findings will inform and accelerate current proposals to improve food labelling and tax sugary drinks to promote healthier Australian diets.
Healthy Diet And Weight Management In Pregnancy: Evidence To Ease A Hefty Clinical Burden.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,705,260.00
Summary
Approximately 50% of women are overweight or obese on entering pregnancy, placing women at increased risk of well documented pregnancy complications. This proposal will: 1) Translate RCT evidence into clinical practice to provide dietary advice for pregnant women 2) Address why pregnancy interventions have not impacted weight gain despite improved maternal diet 3) Consider the key features of an intervention before conception 4) Evaluate a pilot RCT weight loss intervention
Driving Advances In Sugar-sweetened Beverage Policy And Resolving The Unknown Substitution Effects Into Artificially-sweetened Beverage, Fruit Juice And Water Consumption.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,449,800.00
Summary
Many countries are introducing sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs) taxes and other policy measures to curb consumption. However, artificially sweetened beverages (ASBs) and fruit juices are being excluded from these policy measures. This may have unintended consequences for consumption behaviours and create other negative health outcomes. We will examine substitution effects of SSB policy on water, ASBs and fruit juice consumption, and make recommendations for public health policy.
Age Related Macular Degeneration: Novel Ways To Reduce Vision Loss Through Understanding A High-risk Phenotype And Validating A New Early Intervention.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,156,372.00
Summary
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in older individuals. AMD eyes with reticular pseudo drusen (RPD) are now recognised as at high-risk of faster progression to vision loss. Identifying the underlying mechanisms driving RPD is crucial for to identify specifically targeted therapeutic options. Validating our subthreshold laser trial, and our early endpoint will offer the first proven intervention to slow AMD progression to vision loss.
Targeting The Immune Cells Of The Brain To Develop Novel Treatments For Neurodevelopmental And Mental Health Problems In Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,800,000.00
Summary
Neurodevelopmental and mental health problems are common in children and cause major impairment and cost to society. This research will define how the maternal immune system while pregnant can affect the baby brain. Using patient studies and laboratory research, this research will result in novel ways to reduce the prevalence and severity of developmental and mental health problems in children and adults, by targeting the immune cells resident in the brain.