Improving neuronal cell function with cell permeable copper complexes. Metal-based drugs offer an exciting new approach to treatment of neurodegeneration. However, little is known about how cells metabolise these drugs and this information is critical for further drug development. This project will determine how metal-based drugs are metabolised by neuronal cells and how this may result in therapeutic benefit.
Novel roles for importin alpha proteins in the nucleus. The project will provide fundamental new information about how changes in cell function are influenced by importin (IMP) alpha proteins, both through changes in gene transcription and through alterations to intracellular transport. These findings will inform areas of national priority that include Aging Well, Aging Productively with specific regard to cellular stress responses, and A Healthy Start to Life in the context of production of hea ....Novel roles for importin alpha proteins in the nucleus. The project will provide fundamental new information about how changes in cell function are influenced by importin (IMP) alpha proteins, both through changes in gene transcription and through alterations to intracellular transport. These findings will inform areas of national priority that include Aging Well, Aging Productively with specific regard to cellular stress responses, and A Healthy Start to Life in the context of production of healthy, genetically intact sperm. This project draws together an international team to investigate a phenomenon with implications for new understanding of normal developmental processes and the response of cells/tissues to disease conditions.Read moreRead less
Improving cognitive function in the elderly. The ageing population has been identified as one of the major issues facing contemporary Australian society. For Australia, human ageing has significant societal, economic and, importantly, personal/human costs. The economic costs associated with ageing reflect decreased productivity as well as a higher incidence of a variety of illnesses including cardiovascular and respiratory disease and, importantly, neurological conditions such as Parkinson's dis ....Improving cognitive function in the elderly. The ageing population has been identified as one of the major issues facing contemporary Australian society. For Australia, human ageing has significant societal, economic and, importantly, personal/human costs. The economic costs associated with ageing reflect decreased productivity as well as a higher incidence of a variety of illnesses including cardiovascular and respiratory disease and, importantly, neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). We will complete two large scale studies examining the efficacy of twelve months administration of two pharmacologically active supplements in reducing the cognitive effects of aging in elderly participants.
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An autonomously controlled ankle exoskeleton for gait rehabilitation. This project addresses a critical problem in gait rehabilitation; predicting unstable locomotion and designing interventions to augment limb-joint function. The project will develop an autonomous ankle-foot assistive device to actively increase ground clearance when high-risk foot trajectory is detected. Using wearable sensor data, machine learning algorithms will predict high-risk gait and compute an actuator-induced ankle to ....An autonomously controlled ankle exoskeleton for gait rehabilitation. This project addresses a critical problem in gait rehabilitation; predicting unstable locomotion and designing interventions to augment limb-joint function. The project will develop an autonomous ankle-foot assistive device to actively increase ground clearance when high-risk foot trajectory is detected. Using wearable sensor data, machine learning algorithms will predict high-risk gait and compute an actuator-induced ankle torque to maintain safe foot-ground clearance. A wearable autonomous joint-actuation system will contribute significantly to rehabilitation across a range of gait-impaired populations. The project's scientific and technological innovations will provide the opportunity for future developments in assistive technologies. Read moreRead less
FLOW STUDIES OF CELL CULTURE BIOREACTORS. The proposed research program consists of a number of stages, amongst which is the study of flows within mixed flasks, the study of a small-scale Taylor-Couette vessel, and the development of a three-dimensional Holographic Particle Image Velocimetry flow measurement system. A successful project will be a valuable contribution to the development of cell and tissue scale up systems. In the long term, such systems will potentially provide the means of grow ....FLOW STUDIES OF CELL CULTURE BIOREACTORS. The proposed research program consists of a number of stages, amongst which is the study of flows within mixed flasks, the study of a small-scale Taylor-Couette vessel, and the development of a three-dimensional Holographic Particle Image Velocimetry flow measurement system. A successful project will be a valuable contribution to the development of cell and tissue scale up systems. In the long term, such systems will potentially provide the means of growing cell and tissue in quantities suitable for implantation or use in other therapeutic applications that are currently deemed impossible.Read moreRead less
Solid phase synthesis of side-chain cross-linked peptide oligomers. This research will provide a unique opportunity to investigate the biological pathways and causative factors leading to diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. Such information will guide the design and development of therapeutic strategies and diagnostic reagents.
Modulating the molecular and cellular physiology of ageing skeletal muscle. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of how ageing affects muscle is of increasing importance to the community as the number of older persons in the population continues to escalate and the age of retirement increases. Old muscles are slower and weaker than young muscles, and are more easily injured. This proposal is focussed on developing safe therapies to prevent or reverse these age-related effects. Making old musc ....Modulating the molecular and cellular physiology of ageing skeletal muscle. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of how ageing affects muscle is of increasing importance to the community as the number of older persons in the population continues to escalate and the age of retirement increases. Old muscles are slower and weaker than young muscles, and are more easily injured. This proposal is focussed on developing safe therapies to prevent or reverse these age-related effects. Making old muscles young again, is a research strategy that will promote healthy ageing and enable older Australians to enjoy a better quality of life.Read moreRead less
The effect of mitochondrial and nuclear-cytoplasmic variation on longevity, metabolism and stress resistance in Drosophila. Much research points to a major role of free radical damage in aging, thus the belief that antioxidants might be beneficial in delaying aging. Free radicals are mostly formed in the subcellular organelles which consume oxygen and produce energy, and this may be the major site of age-related damage. This project seeks to understand the degree to which variation among these ....The effect of mitochondrial and nuclear-cytoplasmic variation on longevity, metabolism and stress resistance in Drosophila. Much research points to a major role of free radical damage in aging, thus the belief that antioxidants might be beneficial in delaying aging. Free radicals are mostly formed in the subcellular organelles which consume oxygen and produce energy, and this may be the major site of age-related damage. This project seeks to understand the degree to which variation among these subcellular organelles affect free radical damage and aging, using the fruitfly Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism.Read moreRead less
Numerical investigation of signal mechanotransduction of bone cells - application to bone remodeling. The understanding of signal mechanotransduction of bone cells is directly related to mechanical activation of bone remodeling processes, i.e., resorption and formation of bone tissue. Understanding of bone remodeling is essential for the development of new bone implants, the prognosis of osteosporosis, and studies related to changes in microgravity (e.g. space flight) to name a few key applicati ....Numerical investigation of signal mechanotransduction of bone cells - application to bone remodeling. The understanding of signal mechanotransduction of bone cells is directly related to mechanical activation of bone remodeling processes, i.e., resorption and formation of bone tissue. Understanding of bone remodeling is essential for the development of new bone implants, the prognosis of osteosporosis, and studies related to changes in microgravity (e.g. space flight) to name a few key applications. This research proposal closely aligns with one of the major national research priorities, i.e., promoting and maintaining good health (ageing well, ageing productively). The research project is aimed to understand how mechanically induced loading may activate remodeling of bone.
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School autonomy reform and Australian public education. This project aims to provide an evidence base for policymakers and practitioners that articulates how Australian public schools at an individual and system level engage with school autonomy reform. The project expects to generate an evidence base and new knowledge in the form of dilemma cases, position papers and a practice framework to support social justice through school autonomy reform. This evidence base will produce national economic ....School autonomy reform and Australian public education. This project aims to provide an evidence base for policymakers and practitioners that articulates how Australian public schools at an individual and system level engage with school autonomy reform. The project expects to generate an evidence base and new knowledge in the form of dilemma cases, position papers and a practice framework to support social justice through school autonomy reform. This evidence base will produce national economic and social benefits for Australian communities by identifying the requisite knowledge and practices that will enable key stakeholders to mobilise school autonomy in ways that produce just outcomes for all students.Read moreRead less