Understanding how reproduction and sexual conflict drive sex-dependent longevity and ageing. The biological study of longevity and ageing has two important fronts: understanding how evolution shapes lifespan and ageing, and the mechanistic study of how molecules, genes, hormones, tissues and cells interact during ageing. The evolutionary study of ageing is considered one of the success stories of the emerging field of evolutionary medicine, yet we desperately need greater integration of the evol ....Understanding how reproduction and sexual conflict drive sex-dependent longevity and ageing. The biological study of longevity and ageing has two important fronts: understanding how evolution shapes lifespan and ageing, and the mechanistic study of how molecules, genes, hormones, tissues and cells interact during ageing. The evolutionary study of ageing is considered one of the success stories of the emerging field of evolutionary medicine, yet we desperately need greater integration of the evolutionary and mechanistic spheres. This project addresses why males and females have different lifespans and age differently in a way that bridges evolutionary and mechanistic study, and will build Australia's research capacity to study ageing at both levels. Read moreRead less
Why do good males die young? The relationship between ageing and sexual selection. A biological understanding of ageing is directly relevant to human welfare. We will use lab and field studies to explore the evolutionary genetics of ageing in an Australian cricket, with particular emphasis on how diet and the timing of reproduction influence the rate at which crickets deteriorate with age. We will also test whether biological differences between males and females generate genetic conflicts over ....Why do good males die young? The relationship between ageing and sexual selection. A biological understanding of ageing is directly relevant to human welfare. We will use lab and field studies to explore the evolutionary genetics of ageing in an Australian cricket, with particular emphasis on how diet and the timing of reproduction influence the rate at which crickets deteriorate with age. We will also test whether biological differences between males and females generate genetic conflicts over ageing rates. Our results will not only complement an evolutionary study of ageing, but may ultimately suggest interventions that may prolong human life or improve the quality of life in an ageing population.Read moreRead less
Linking the evolutionary and bioenergetic causes of sex differences in lifespan and ageing. The biological study of longevity and ageing has two important fronts: understanding how evolution shapes lifespan and ageing, and the mechanistic study of how genes, hormones, tissues and cells interact during ageing. Interventions to prolong longevity and improve quality of life depend on a vigorous and innovative research effort in both spheres. This project addresses why males and females have differe ....Linking the evolutionary and bioenergetic causes of sex differences in lifespan and ageing. The biological study of longevity and ageing has two important fronts: understanding how evolution shapes lifespan and ageing, and the mechanistic study of how genes, hormones, tissues and cells interact during ageing. Interventions to prolong longevity and improve quality of life depend on a vigorous and innovative research effort in both spheres. This project addresses why males and females have different lifespans and age differently in a way that bridges evolutionary and mechanistic study, and will build Australia's research capacity to study ageing at both levels. Because of the human interest in diet, sex, reproduction and ageing, we expect this research will be a showcase for public interest in science.Read moreRead less
The role of sexual conflict in the evolution of lifespan and ageing. Despite the central importance of ageing in our own lives, our understanding of the evolution of ageing is still incomplete. Reproductive interests of males and females often diverge, resulting in sexual conflict which may in turn drive the evolution of rapid ageing. I will use experimental evolution to investigate the role of sexual conflict in the evolution of age-specific mortality, reproductive ageing and lifespan in the se ....The role of sexual conflict in the evolution of lifespan and ageing. Despite the central importance of ageing in our own lives, our understanding of the evolution of ageing is still incomplete. Reproductive interests of males and females often diverge, resulting in sexual conflict which may in turn drive the evolution of rapid ageing. I will use experimental evolution to investigate the role of sexual conflict in the evolution of age-specific mortality, reproductive ageing and lifespan in the seed beetle Callosobruchus maculates. This study will reveal the role of sexual interactions and reproduction in the ageing process and result in the development of important new resources for resolving the genetic basis of deteriorative ageing.Read moreRead less
Genetics of Postmenopausal Bone Loss. The major consequence of bone loss in our ageing society is fracture. At 50 years for women, the lifetime risk of sustaining an osteoporotic fracture is 50%. The consequences of these fractures, which can include reduced life expectancy, prolonged medical care, and loss of independence, have a profound socioeconomic impact in an ageing population. The proposed study offers a unique opportunity to examine the contribution of genetic factors to postmenopausal ....Genetics of Postmenopausal Bone Loss. The major consequence of bone loss in our ageing society is fracture. At 50 years for women, the lifetime risk of sustaining an osteoporotic fracture is 50%. The consequences of these fractures, which can include reduced life expectancy, prolonged medical care, and loss of independence, have a profound socioeconomic impact in an ageing population. The proposed study offers a unique opportunity to examine the contribution of genetic factors to postmenopausal osteoporosis.Read moreRead less
ARC/NHMRC Research Network in Ageing Well. The ARC Research Network on Ageing Well will support interdisciplinary, high quality research in the National Research Priority Goal of Ageing Well, Ageing Productively. It will build scale and focus on Australia's notable research strengths in ageing, promote collaborative research, and extend research capacities. The Network will link outstanding researchers from many disciplines, nurture developing researchers, relate social to health researchers, s ....ARC/NHMRC Research Network in Ageing Well. The ARC Research Network on Ageing Well will support interdisciplinary, high quality research in the National Research Priority Goal of Ageing Well, Ageing Productively. It will build scale and focus on Australia's notable research strengths in ageing, promote collaborative research, and extend research capacities. The Network will link outstanding researchers from many disciplines, nurture developing researchers, relate social to health researchers, strengthen international collaboration, and involve and inform end-point users. It will foster research which responds to the aspirations and needs of older Australians and informs action that can improve experiences of individual and population ageing.Read moreRead less
Special Research Initiatives - Grant ID: SR0354689
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$30,000.00
Summary
Ageing Well Research Network. Ageing is one of the most significant changes facing Australia. It is essential that Australia plans to achieve the opportunities as well as meet the challenges of ageing. The ARC Ageing Well Research Network will concentrate on the National Research Priority area 'Ageing Well, Ageing Productively'. It will generate innovative, multi-disciplinary approaches necessary to understand ageing people, relations between age groups, and the economic, social, and policy con ....Ageing Well Research Network. Ageing is one of the most significant changes facing Australia. It is essential that Australia plans to achieve the opportunities as well as meet the challenges of ageing. The ARC Ageing Well Research Network will concentrate on the National Research Priority area 'Ageing Well, Ageing Productively'. It will generate innovative, multi-disciplinary approaches necessary to understand ageing people, relations between age groups, and the economic, social, and policy contexts that shape ageing experiences. It will bring together researchers and end-point users - including governments, consumers, employers, and service providers - informing research agendas as well as translating and applying findings to national goals.Read moreRead less