The Role Of Bisphenol A In The Development Of Chronic Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$397,549.00
Summary
There is accumulating evidence to suggest that the environment we live in may be important in the development of chronic disease. This project examines a key environmental toxin Bisphenol A (BPA) and explores the role it has in the development of diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease (CVD). In this project, we will explore whether there is an independent relationship between BPA and the development of diabetes, CVD and obesity in humans in a prospective setting.
Occupational And Environmental Exposures Associated With Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis In Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$287,388.00
Summary
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive scarring lung disease of unknown cause with little effective treatment from which most patients die within 2-3 years. Although relatively rare, the public health impact is similar to many cancers. We will undertake a nationwide case-control study to identify jobs and exposures associated with the development of IPF. The results will influence policy to control exposures and over time reduce the occurrence of this devastating lung disease.
Genetic Epidemiology Of Endometrial Cancer: Towards Understanding Aetiology And Improving Risk Prediction.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$353,573.00
Summary
Studies investigating thousands of genetic markers have revolutionised our understanding of genes involved in cancer, and shown that a single gene can be associated with multiple cancers. We will conduct the largest ever study to find new genes for endometrial cancer, the most common gynaecological cancer. Our unique approach will examine >11million markers across the genome, some specifically in regions known to be important for other cancers. Findings will be used for risk prediction models ....Studies investigating thousands of genetic markers have revolutionised our understanding of genes involved in cancer, and shown that a single gene can be associated with multiple cancers. We will conduct the largest ever study to find new genes for endometrial cancer, the most common gynaecological cancer. Our unique approach will examine >11million markers across the genome, some specifically in regions known to be important for other cancers. Findings will be used for risk prediction models.Read moreRead less
Cross-national Comparison Of Influences For The Development Of Harmful Young Adult Alcohol Use
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$571,737.00
Summary
Although young adulthood is a time of high alcohol problems, there is cross-national variation in rates of problems and policy responses. This project will survey age 24 adults in Washington State in the USA in 2013-14 that were initially recruited in 2002 (aged 13) and annually resurveyed at ages 14 and 15. The sample has been matched to enable comparison of behaviours and longitudinal influences to an equivalent longitudinal cohort being followed in Victoria, Australia (Combined N = 1,556).
The Emerging Problem Of Non-tuberculous Mycobacteria Infection: Understanding Aetiology, Geospatial Epidemiology And Developing Interventions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$988,791.00
Summary
This project will be largest study of non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infection in cystic fibrosis. By combining growing the bacteria with detailed information from the CF patient data registry, geographical location and environmental conditions, this study will provide novel insights into factors associated with NTM. Gene sequencing and airway infection profiling will extend understanding and has the potential to identify novel risk factors and biomarkers for NTM-related airways disease.
Prospective Study Of Birth Defects From Fetotoxic Agents In The Public Water Supply
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$732,036.00
Summary
Recent research in Australia & internationally shows that birth defects are more common in areas where mothers are exposed to poor quality drinking water, particularly when treatment chemicals known as trihalomethanes (THMs) are present. We will determine the risk that high THM levels pose to unborn babies by accurately measuring individual exposures to THMs & correlating these with adverse birth outcomes. The study will be in Perth where THM levels are very high in a number of suburbs.
Interplay Of Genetic And Environmental Factors On Age-related Cataract Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$217,519.00
Summary
We aim to investigate factors influencing the development of age-related cataract, using data collected from two population-based studies of older persons: the Blue Mountains Eye Study and the Beaver Dam Eye Study (USA). We will assess genetic susceptibility to the two common forms of age-related cataract, replicated in two Asian samples, and determine how genetic and environmental factors jointly contribute to the development of cataract in some older persons.
Healthcare Costs Of Heatwaves And Benefits Of A Heat Health Intervention
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$300,922.00
Summary
Heatwaves cause a significant and preventable health burden in Australia, which will escalate with climate change. This project will estimate the health costs of heatwaves, and project increases due to climate and demographic changes. The costs and benefits of public health warnings and interventions will be examined, using a case study of heatwaves in Adelaide. This evidence is needed to support evidence-based policies to limit the health impact heatwaves.
Dengue Transmission Under Climate Change In Northern Australia: Linking Ecological And Population Based Models To Develop Adaptive Strategies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$444,293.00
Summary
The mosquito-transmitted viral disease, dengue, is likely to be influenced by climate change. It has been accorded priority for human health adaptation research (National Adaptation Research Plan, Human Health). Dengue has major health impacts in North Queensland, and causes major losses to the Queensland blood supply. The research will develop a model for climate-related changes in the future occurrence of dengue to predict risk in North Queensland and other parts of Australia.
The study will look at the effects of air pollution on conditions related to the heart and respiratory systems in 12,000 men enrolled in the Health in Men study in 1996-1998. We will estimate exposure to air pollution at different points in time by modelling the dispersion of pollutants around Perth. We will use data from air monitoring stations for the relevant time period. We will then look at the relationship between air pollution and health effects between 1998 and 2010.