Listen and learn - statistical learning and the adapting auditory brain. This project aims to explore the link between rapid neural adaptation - a form of learning referred to as statistical learning - and human listening performance in noisy environments. The project aims to generate a new understanding of mechanisms that contribute to listeners' abilities to understand speech in noise, and to complex communication disorders such as dyslexia. Expected outcomes will include increased capacity to ....Listen and learn - statistical learning and the adapting auditory brain. This project aims to explore the link between rapid neural adaptation - a form of learning referred to as statistical learning - and human listening performance in noisy environments. The project aims to generate a new understanding of mechanisms that contribute to listeners' abilities to understand speech in noise, and to complex communication disorders such as dyslexia. Expected outcomes will include increased capacity to investigate a broad range of cognitive and communication functions. Benefits will include potential technologies and algorithms to assist listening (in devices such as hearing aids), language development and reading.Read moreRead less
Special Research Initiatives - Grant ID: SR1101002
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$21,000,000.00
Summary
Stem Cells Australia. Despite progress in stem cell research, scientists do not understand how stem cells “decide” what to become. Stem Cells Australia will draw upon strengths within Australia’s premier stem cell research universities and institutes. This collaboration between leading bioengineering, nanotechnology, stem cell and advanced molecular analysis experts, will fast-track efforts to deliver a fundamental understanding of the mechanisms of stem cell regulation and differentiation, and ....Stem Cells Australia. Despite progress in stem cell research, scientists do not understand how stem cells “decide” what to become. Stem Cells Australia will draw upon strengths within Australia’s premier stem cell research universities and institutes. This collaboration between leading bioengineering, nanotechnology, stem cell and advanced molecular analysis experts, will fast-track efforts to deliver a fundamental understanding of the mechanisms of stem cell regulation and differentiation, and the ability to control and influence this process. Stem Cells Australia will deliver new methods for stem cell propagation and manipulation, new translational technologies for therapeutic applications, and will prepare Australia’s future stem cell scientific leaders.Read moreRead less
Broad spectrum nanomedicine for Meningitis treatment. Brain inflammatory diseases are among the top ten infectious causes of death. The project aims to provide Australian doctors with a superior alternative of treating infections that do not respond to conventional antibiotics. The nanomedicine developed will reduce the burden of hospital and boost Australia economy in the biomedical sector.
Atypical cognition in autism: preference for nonverbal coding and impaired connectivity? This project will investigate whether individuals with autism prefer to think 'in pictures' rather than use words, and whether their thinking shows evidence of limited connections across brain regions. Establishing either characteristic for autism would provide important direction in improving diagnosis and intervention for affected children.
Studying the impact of pulsed magnetic fields on neural tissue. This project will determine the optimal parameters of pulsed magnetic fields for treating the ageing and/or damaged brain. The safety features, low cost and compact size of the medical device being investigated maximise compliance and make it relevant to populations in remote and rural areas.
Modulating neuron activity with terahertz light. The increasing prevalence of high frequency electromagnetic radiation for military applications, communication and imaging has prompted interest in the effects of these frequencies in neuroscience. The primary aim of this project is to understand the interactions and effects of terahertz light (or T-rays) on neurons and brain tissue and will build on Australia's position as a leader in terahertz technology. This work will identify optimal paramete ....Modulating neuron activity with terahertz light. The increasing prevalence of high frequency electromagnetic radiation for military applications, communication and imaging has prompted interest in the effects of these frequencies in neuroscience. The primary aim of this project is to understand the interactions and effects of terahertz light (or T-rays) on neurons and brain tissue and will build on Australia's position as a leader in terahertz technology. This work will identify optimal parameters for neuronal modulation with one of the potential outcomes being the possibility of controlling neuron firing rates which has applications in neuroscience. It also has clinical implications in terms of the suppression of pain and other neurological disorders.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE110100114
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$360,000.00
Summary
Nanoscale Characterisation Centre WA analytical electron microscope facility. This analytical facility for Western Australia will provide researchers with much needed access to new electron microscope instrumentation. The facility will support major research efforts in key disciplines, including minerals and mining, energy, engineering, nanotechnology, medical science, forensics, agriculture and animal science.