Object Recognition Processes For Motor Output Formation In Visual Agnosic Patients
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$199,260.00
Summary
Damage to the temporo-occipito-parietal areas of the brain leads to selective impairment in cognitive activities, including motor control and vision. Impaired higher visual processes necessary for object recognition, with intact primary visual functions, is defined as visual agnosia. Experimental work in this disorder has been confined largely to the perceptual aspects, neglecting the functional (motoric) consequences. In a series of kinematic and perceptual experiments, we will require patients ....Damage to the temporo-occipito-parietal areas of the brain leads to selective impairment in cognitive activities, including motor control and vision. Impaired higher visual processes necessary for object recognition, with intact primary visual functions, is defined as visual agnosia. Experimental work in this disorder has been confined largely to the perceptual aspects, neglecting the functional (motoric) consequences. In a series of kinematic and perceptual experiments, we will require patients with visual agnosia to grasp objects presented in unusual perspectives or variable illumination. The findings will enlarge our knowledge in three ways. First, they will clarify how distributed, but parallel object-recognition processes are coordinated for intended action towards a goal. Little is known about how we adapt our actions to object perception. A tool can be viewed from different angles, or as having different functional uses, but currently we are unable to explain how the mental representation influences the motor output to that tool. By studying a disrupted system, as in visual agnosia, we can speculate about the organisation of the intact system. Second, this project has important implications for new rehabilitative approaches for subjects affected by object recognition disorders. Only if we understand more fully the nature of the poor visuo-motor coordination, can we implement more efficient rehabilitative techniques. Finally, this project will also contribute to the classification of visual agnosia. Although it is commonly agreed that all agnosic patients are different, there is no standard taxonomy for the disorder. An instrument is necessary which represents the basic empirical phenomena, and which provides objective distinctions between different syndromes. Kinematic characterisation of the perceptual and motor control dysfunction in visual agnosia may be the key to open the file of this fascinating yet poorly understood disorder.Read moreRead less
The Molecular Basis Of Bacterial Infectious Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$16,230,996.00
Summary
Bacterial infectious diseases are a serious threat to human health, accounting for over 10 million deaths each year. This multidisciplinary collaborative team is investigating the complex interactions between major disease-causing bacteria and their human hosts, in order to determine how they cause disease. These studies will make a major contribution to fundamental knowledge in this field. This information is also essential for the development of cheaper and more effective vaccines, as well as ....Bacterial infectious diseases are a serious threat to human health, accounting for over 10 million deaths each year. This multidisciplinary collaborative team is investigating the complex interactions between major disease-causing bacteria and their human hosts, in order to determine how they cause disease. These studies will make a major contribution to fundamental knowledge in this field. This information is also essential for the development of cheaper and more effective vaccines, as well as novel drugs. These are urgently needed to reduce death and illness due to bacterial infectious diseases in the 21st century. 11Read moreRead less
The separation of carbon dioxide from industrial sources using nanoporous carbon. Carbon nanotubes and nanoporous carbon membranes offer the possibility of low cost energy efficient separations of gas mixtures. Possible applications include the purification of greenhouse gases for sequestration and the purification of hydrogen from reformer gas for use in a hydrogen energy economy. The proposed project involves the development of mathematical models and computer simulations to understand and ....The separation of carbon dioxide from industrial sources using nanoporous carbon. Carbon nanotubes and nanoporous carbon membranes offer the possibility of low cost energy efficient separations of gas mixtures. Possible applications include the purification of greenhouse gases for sequestration and the purification of hydrogen from reformer gas for use in a hydrogen energy economy. The proposed project involves the development of mathematical models and computer simulations to understand and optimise the nanoporous structure for different gas separations, and experimental research to produce the carbon nanoporous materials and determine their effectiveness of gas separation.Read moreRead less