Development Of Microscope-in-a-needle Devices For Improved Clinical Diagnostics
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$327,746.00
Summary
We have developed a new high-resolution optical imaging technology. The unique aspect of our research has been to redesign the imaging probe, miniaturising it to a few hundred microns in diameter, and encase it in a hypodermic needle – a ‘microscope-in-a-needle’. We are developing specific imaging probes to aid in the assessment of lung disease; the diagnosis of liver disease; and integrated into a brain biopsy needle to enable safer brain biopsies.
Characterisation Of Eurl, A Novel Gene Implicated In The Etiology Of Abnormal Brain Development And Intellectual Disability
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$597,541.00
Summary
Intellectual disability affects around one per cent of Australians, and can arise from genetic abnormalities during fetal life, such as through abnormal regulation of gene expression. We have identified a novel gene, known as eurl, which controls brain assembly as well as the ability of neurons to form functional connections within the brain. We will investigate how this novel gene controls brain development, and characterise eurl as a potential therapeutic target for learning and memory.
Developing Interpretable Machine Learning Models For Clinical Imaging And Single-cell Genomics
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,312,250.00
Summary
Machine learning methods will be vital to make best use of the deluge of data generated by high-throughput technologies in biomedical science. To get the most out of these models, however, we need to be able to unpack the 'black box'. I will use curated clinical and public research data to benchmark and develop interpretable deep learning models and software tools. These models will be used for breast cancer screening programs and for analysis of complex, large-scale single-cell genomics data.
Aspirin For The Prevention Of Cognitive Decline In The Elderly: A Neuro-Vascular Imaging Study (ENVIS-ion) From ASPREE
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,341,232.00
Summary
The ENVIS-ion trial will examine whether Aspirin is effective in delaying the onset of worsening of thinking and memory abilities in healthy older adults. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of brain structure will detect markers of early worsening of thinking and memory abilities. Blood vessels in the back of the eye (retina) share many features with vessels in the brain. We will compare whether aspirin lessens changes over time of features shown with brain MRI and retinal photography.
Imaging defects at atomic resolution via state-of-the-art atomic force microscopy and petascale simulations. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) promises to deliver resolution of individual atoms on surfaces and therefore, in principle, is capable of observing surface defects. However, the image obtained is a convolution of many complex interactions. Thus the key questions are what is being actually observed when we see something with “atomic resolution” in AFM and can point defects be really detected ....Imaging defects at atomic resolution via state-of-the-art atomic force microscopy and petascale simulations. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) promises to deliver resolution of individual atoms on surfaces and therefore, in principle, is capable of observing surface defects. However, the image obtained is a convolution of many complex interactions. Thus the key questions are what is being actually observed when we see something with “atomic resolution” in AFM and can point defects be really detected? The aim of this proposal is to combine state-of-the-art experimental AFM techniques with computer simulations that are capable of generating AFM images to answer these questions. Our ability to harness the potential of AFM for many applications in areas such as nanoscience and crystal engineering hinges on being able to correctly interpret AFM images.Read moreRead less
A reliable physical model of molecular motion in crystals. The scientific benefits would flow, in the first instance, to the large national and international communities of scientists whose research makes use of the results of X-ray diffraction experiments. Applications of the research to amino acids and peptides will benefit investigations into the structure and molecular dynamics of biological systems, including proteins and enzymes. Studies of charge densities in crystals will obtain a standa ....A reliable physical model of molecular motion in crystals. The scientific benefits would flow, in the first instance, to the large national and international communities of scientists whose research makes use of the results of X-ray diffraction experiments. Applications of the research to amino acids and peptides will benefit investigations into the structure and molecular dynamics of biological systems, including proteins and enzymes. Studies of charge densities in crystals will obtain a standard tool for improved modelling of molecular motion, resulting in physically more realistic charge density functions, and hence greater insight into the relationship between properties of crystals and their constituent molecules.Read moreRead less
Stroke outcomes directly relate to brain tissue rescue. We have contributed to changes in clinical practice through many clinical trials of new protocols and therapeutic strategies. Our program will focus on brain salvage in the pre-hospital setting and the acute hospital environment. We will use novel approaches to enhance brain recovery and design new implementation strategies to maximise the benefits of these therapeutic advances.
Restoration Of Cognitive Deficits Induced By Diabetes Through The Modulation Of Cerebrovascular Integrity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$261,251.00
Summary
Diabetes is a known risk factor for the development of dementia. However the details of this association have not been known. Recent evidence consistently shows that the integrity of blood vessels in the brain may be central to the onset of dementia, and consistently, damaged brain blood vessels are often reported in diabetic patients and animal models. This project is the first to target in restoring the integrity of those brain blood vessels in order to reverse diabetes-associated dementia.
Restoration Of Diabetes Associated Cognitive Deficits Through The Modulation Of Cerebrovascular Integrity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$430,998.00
Summary
Diabetes is known to increase the risk of dementia. Although the mechanisms are currently unknown, a recently emerging body of evidence suggest that damaged blood vessels of the brain may be central to onset and progress of cognitive dysfunction. Consistently, the dysfunction of brain blood vessels is often observed in the brain of diabetes subjects. Therefore, this project will investigate whether the amelioration of disrupted brain blood vessels restores the cognitive function in diabetes.