Epilepsy affects over 65 million people worldwide and approximately 30% of sufferers do not respond to drugs. For these people, electrodes are placed in the brain to monitor brain activity and stop the initiation or progression of seizures. However, state-of-the-art devices require risky open-brain surgery. In this project, we are developing a Stentrode Neuro-Stimulator (SNS) for the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy without the need for open-brain surgery.
This proposal seeks to develop a novel non-invasive method of measuring intra-cranial pressure, an important diagnostic parameter in many form of brain injury or neural disease. It works by quantitative video analysis of the pulsation of the major vein in the eye during induced rises in eye pressure. Many years of study by our group have determined the relationship between vein pulsation pressure and intra-cranial pressure, and this information is used to produce an accurate measurement of intra ....This proposal seeks to develop a novel non-invasive method of measuring intra-cranial pressure, an important diagnostic parameter in many form of brain injury or neural disease. It works by quantitative video analysis of the pulsation of the major vein in the eye during induced rises in eye pressure. Many years of study by our group have determined the relationship between vein pulsation pressure and intra-cranial pressure, and this information is used to produce an accurate measurement of intra-cranial pressure without the need for surgery.Read moreRead less
Application Of Sutureless Technology 'SurgiLux' For Dura Mater Repair: A Proof Of Concept Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$213,125.00
Summary
A unique technology that combines biomaterials and lasers to effectively close and seal wounds could replace sutures in delicate surgery close to the brain. Wound closure in the cranium is still reliant upon sutures or 'stitches' and these have complications; a major one being leakage of cerebro spinal fluid (CSF). The application of 'SurgiLux' technology will both close and seal these wounds quickly and easily, with significant health and economic benefits.
Interactive Attention Training Technology To Enhance Cognitive Skills In Early Life
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$759,680.00
Summary
Over 30,000 Australian children enter school with attention difficulties each year. We have established a suite of tasks to train attention based on over 20 years of research into neurodevelopmental disorders and attention. These are delivered on tablets in the form of a game known as TALI Train. We now aim to show TALI can improve attention in children with acquired brain injuries and typically developing children for commercialisation to a broad market.
Development Of A High Acuity, Diamond Retinal Prosthesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,010,214.00
Summary
Over recent years our team has developed a retinal implant to restore sight to people with certain types of blindness. With 256 independently controllable electrodes this device is among the most sophisticated in the world. We aim to conduct experiments to demonstrate that our device can provide improved better visual acuity than the world leaders with a view to developing a competitive commercial medical technology.
Compound Culture Media To Improve Human IVF Pregnancies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$254,340.00
Summary
In Australia 1 in 6 couples require IVF to conceive. Although pregnancy rates have improved over the last 10 years the live birth rate in Australia per cycle is only 17%. This project will assess a new method for the culture of embryos for the ability to maintain embryo vitality and produce healthy babies.
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.
Electrical Stimulation Of The Brain For Restoring Vision
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,555,864.00
Summary
This project is focused on the clinical demonstration of the Monash Vision Group’s ‘Gennaris’ cortical prosthesis or bionic eye. The clinical work will demonstrate the use of the Gennaris as a viable medical device that provides useful vision to people with adult-onset profound vision loss in their everyday living environments. This will place MVG in a position to attract funding from investors or commercial partners to perform multi-site clinical trials and obtain regulatory approval.
Development Of A Novel Microfluidic Device To Treat Male Infertility
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$508,397.00
Summary
This research aims to develop a novel technology for the separation of high quality sperm. It is envisaged this will replace existing technology to improve the reproductive outcomes of both humans, as well as animals.
From The Synchrotron To The Clinic: Translation Of A Novel Functional Lung Imaging Technology
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$891,834.00
Summary
Our team has recently developed a synchrotron technology with a startling capacity for dynamic functional imaging that can act as a sensitive regional indicator of lung disease. We will demonstrate that this technology can be translated from the synchrotron to the lab and eventually the clinic. We will provide proof of this concept by the application of this technology to emphysema, asthma, lung cancer, cystic fibrosis lung disease and neonatal resuscitation.