The Role Of Insulin Hypersecretion In Beta Cell Dysfunction In Type 2 Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,622.00
Summary
The treatment of diabetes involves the use of drugs that stimulate the release of insulin from the pancreas to reduce the high blood sugar levels. However, we believe that while in the short term this is a good strategy, in the long-term it damages the cells that produce insulin leading to a worsening state of diabetes. It is the aim of this application to understand the mechanisms by which the insulin producing cells are damaged when forced to oversecrete insulin.
Mood and anxiety disorders represent a tremendous cause of disability and morbidity. This research will use cutting-edge brain imaging technologies to understand why these disorders typically emerge in young people and whether brain imaging can reliably predict the effectiveness of different treatments for individual patients.
Diet And Mental Health: Translating New Knowledge Into Innovative Prevention And Treatment Strategies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$463,652.00
Summary
I have pioneered the development of a robust body of evidence demonstrating the important role of diet in mental health and I am now recognised internationally as a research leader in this new field. The next important step is to translate this knowledge into new prevention and treatment strategies in order to address the substantial global burden of illness attributable to mental disorders.
Randomised Controlled Trial Of Early Intervention To Improve Sexual And Couple Functioning After Prostate Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$405,000.00
Summary
Treatment for localised prostate cancer has a long term negative impact on the sexuality, quality of life, and relationship quality of Australian men and their intimate partners. This study will trial a remote access couples based sexuality intervention for this patient and carer group that has potential for broader translation into community and acute health care settings. This approach will also have broader application for chronic disease self management for other health conditions.
Reducing Perinatal Lung, Heart And Brain Injury In Preterm Infants – From Bench To The Clinic.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$463,652.00
Summary
Many infants are exposed to an adverse environment whilst developing in the womb, and are therefore at increased risk of lung, heart and brain injury, with life-long consequences. This research is focused on improving the entry into the world of vulnerable infants, thus reducing the risk and severity of brain injury.
Characterisation Of Sub-clinical Cardiac Dysfunction Using Novel Cardiac Exercise Imaging
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$429,552.00
Summary
Heart failure is caused by heart muscle weakness and is associated with reduced quality of life and survival. Identification of heart failure in its earliest stages provides clinicians with an opportunity to institute preventative measures and prevent patients from developing symptoms. This project utilises novel ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging techniques performed during exercise to identify heart muscle weakness at its earliest stage.
Structural Connectomes In Traumatic Brain Injury: Can Secondary Disease Progression Be Stopped And Cognitive Deficits Be Reversed?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$431,000.00
Summary
Many people with traumatic brain injury (TBI) experience cognitive problems, including poor memory and concentration. TBI is often referred to as a ‘hidden disability’ because the overwhelming majority of patients with TBI show no abnormalities on standard MRI or CT scans. In my project, I will delineate the mechanisms of secondary injury in finer detail through enhanced neuroimaging techniques, resulting in new assessment and treatment modalities for individuals with TBI.