High-resolution Brain Imaging Of Cerebellar Non-motor Functions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$336,012.00
Summary
This project will develop and apply cutting-edge methods for high resolution, high-field (7 Tesla) functional brain imaging to assess non-motor functions within the cerebellum in the living human brain. This is crucial for understanding and later assessing changes in cerebellar networks and effects of treatment and rehabilitation strategies in a range of cerebellar disorders.
Brainstem And Hypothalamic Function And Anatomy In Migraine
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$652,828.00
Summary
Migraine is a disabling condition characterized by mostly unilateral throbbing head pain and a range of associated neurological symptoms. The underlying mechanisms responsible for the initiation of migraine remains unknown. We aim to determine brain anatomy and activity patterns in migraineurs throughout the migraine cycle. An understanding of the mechanisms responsible for migraine will aid in better treatment development.
Seeing Clearly: Examining The Consequences Of Glaucoma For The Human Brain
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$439,694.00
Summary
Glaucoma is a major cause of blindness. Many people are unaware of the resulting blind region (scotoma) and fail to get an eye test, allowing the disease to progress. This project aims to see how the brain ‘fills in’ the scotoma, and the effect of different scotoma types, using vision tests, brain imaging, and behavioural methods. The results will tell us whether the region around a scotoma helps or hinders the person's remaining vision, which is critical for activities such as driving.
Non-invasive Methods For Localising Epileptic Brain Activity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$662,889.00
Summary
Drug-resistant epilepsy, which arises from areas of damaged brain surface, affects 20 million people. A major challenge is the accurate identification of the location of seizure origin. We will measure the brain's electrical activity (EEG) and changes in blood oxygenation (fMRI), and combine both using advanced mathematical techniques in order to non-invasively pinpoint damaged regions for targeted removal or implantation of a seizure control device.
The ability of humans to detect and be aware of errors in behaviour is a fundamental aspect of human cognition. As the saying goes: "To Err Is Human". This project seeks to understand how individual differences in our genetic makeup contribute to our ability to detect and be aware of errors in our behaviour. Understanding the biological systems underpinning error monitoring may assist in the treatment of many psychiatric disorders which are marked by poor awareness of behaviour.
Neural Predictors Of Treatment Response In Youth Depression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$519,596.00
Summary
Depression is the single greatest cause of disability and morbidity in young people. In order to reduce its substantial burden on individuals and society, there is a need to optimise the early provision of existing treatments. In this study, we will use cutting-edge neuroimaging technology to identify “biomarkers” in the brain that will help to more accurately determine which available treatments are likely to be most effective and safe for an individual patient.
A Brain-based Model Of Anxiety Sensitivity In Panic Disorder
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$402,214.00
Summary
This project will combine advanced brain imaging and brain network modelling to better understand the neurobiology of panic disorder with relevance to its treatment.
Probing Neural Circuits Of Emotion With Ultrafast FMRI And Dynamic Natural Stimuli
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$306,012.00
Summary
Emotion is central to our everyday experience and forms the backbone of our social relationships. Our understanding on emotion, however, mostly relies on strictly controlled task designs, using highly simplified and/or artificial stimuli. In this project, we propose a new platform to study brain activity underlying natural emotional experience. The design and methodology developed in this proposal will provide fundamental outcomes for understanding emotion disturbances in mental disorders.
Neural Mechanisms Of Language Facilitation In Aphasia Due To Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$523,192.00
Summary
This project will assess the underlying neural mechanisms by which neurostimulation improves impaired language functions after stroke (aphasia). This will be accomplished by using a novel combination of functional magnetic resonance imaging and simultaneous transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) administered to different brain regions. These studies will provide crucial information necessary to optimise future clinical trials that combine tDCS with language therapy.
High-resolution Brain Imaging Of Basal Ganglia Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$589,083.00
Summary
This project will develop new methods for high resolution MRI imaging of the human brain. We will assess functions of deep brain areas known as the basal ganglia that play a critical role in movement planning and co-ordination. Dysfunction within the basal ganglia is responsible for the motor impairments seen in people with Parkinson’s disease. In this project, we will examine changes in basal ganglia function and structure that lead to individual differences in movement control and learning.