Neural Computations For Predictive Coding In Visual Cortex
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$479,832.00
Summary
The project aims to use the principle of "predictive coding" - a theory that promises to be a unified theory of the brain - to understand how the visual cortex makes predictions about future events, at cellular level. This basic knowledge will not only shed light on how the cerebral cortex functions at the cellular level, but may also clarify the neuronal basis of mental conditions such as schizophrenia and autism.
Our overall objective is to significantly improve the efficacy and efficiency of image-guided neurosurgery for brain tumours by including realistic computation of brain deformations, based on a biomechanical model, in a system to improve intra-operative visualisation, navigation and monitoring. The system will create an augmented reality visualisation of the intra-operative configuration of the patient’s brain merged with high resolution pre-operative imaging data.
Improving Patient Safety In Radiation Therapy With The Watchdog Real-time Treatment Delivery Verification System
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$593,742.00
Summary
Radiation therapy is a highly effective cancer treatment with extremely high doses delivered using very complex treatment machines. Unfortunately errors have occurred resulting in cases of patient death and mistreatment. We have developed a novel method to assess the treatment delivery in real-time to prevent errors. The method uses imaging devices that are already present on the treatment machine meaning that this method could have a major impact on patient safety in modern radiation therapy.
Improved Risk Assessment For Drugs Causing Cardiac Arrhythmias
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$638,166.00
Summary
Fatal heart rhythm disturbances are an all too common side effect of many drugs. Tests that are in place to guard against this are effective, but widely considered too stringent, meaning the development of potentially useful new therapeutics has been hampered. This study will characterise the precise mechanisms by which drugs cause arrhythmias and identify specific patterns on patient ECGs associated with the risk of rhythm disturbances that can be used in more effective clinical testing.
Reducing The Greatest Uncertainty In Radiotherapy.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$594,197.00
Summary
The weakest link in radiotherapy is defining treatment volumes (contouring). Lack of accuracy and consistency in clinical trial contouring has been shown to result in reduced patient outcomes. Manual review of contouring is resource intensive, expensive and for advanced treatments unachievable in a timely fashion. We will assess an automated approach to contouring assessment using 4 clinical trial datasets, changing practice for future studies and enabling consistent assessment in the clinic.
How Are Axons Guided To Their Targets In The Developing Nervous System?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$329,644.00
Summary
Many neurodevelopmental disorders are probably the result of wiring defects. In this project we will use new technologies to study how growing nerve fibres are steered to their targets during development, and use this data to create new mathematical models which can predict which way nerve fibres should grow in different situations. This will advance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying both normal and abnormal brain development.
Development And Validation Of A Health Policy Simulation Model For Type 1 Diabetes.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$409,199.00
Summary
This proposal brings together an international multi-disciplinary team to develop and validate a health economic computer simulation model for type 1 diabetes and its complications. It examines the impact of diabetes on costs as well as quality of life. Outcomes generated by the model will inform health policy decisions regarding allocation of resources for people with type 1 diabetes such as cost-effectiveness analysis of new treatments and technologies.
Clinical Outcomes With Electroconvulsive Therapy: Insights From Computational Modelling
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$347,767.00
Summary
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is the treatment of choice for severe, resistant depression. However it use is reduced by concerns about memory problems. The effectiveness and side effects of ECT depend on how it is given, but clinical trials can only test 1 variation at a time. This study will use sophisticated computational modelling to understand how varying the treatment approach affects clinical outcomes, allowing the development of next-generation, custom-designed ECT treatment.
Beyond The Connectome: Modelling Large-scale Brain Dynamics
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$419,847.00
Summary
Several very large international efforts are currently under way that aim to map brain anatomy and activity in unprecedented detail across the lifespan. But our understanding of how complex brain activity emerges from the anatomy has lagged far behind. We will address this problem using a novel combination of state-of-the-art structural connectivity data, cutting-edge modelling, and ultrafast high-resolution recordings of brain activity.
Approximately 7% of elderly men have an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and AAA rupture usually results in death. This research aims to improve the limitations in AAA risk assessment. Currently, the maximum diameter determines if the aneurysm is at risk of rupture. However, many small AAAs rupture and 75% of larger ones never burst. Using computer models generated from medical imaging can substantially improve the understanding of rupture risk, therefore, saving lives and reducing health care co ....Approximately 7% of elderly men have an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and AAA rupture usually results in death. This research aims to improve the limitations in AAA risk assessment. Currently, the maximum diameter determines if the aneurysm is at risk of rupture. However, many small AAAs rupture and 75% of larger ones never burst. Using computer models generated from medical imaging can substantially improve the understanding of rupture risk, therefore, saving lives and reducing health care costs.Read moreRead less