Genetic And Environmental Determinants Of Brain Networks In Ageing
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Summary
Is brain ageing genetically or environmentally determined, or an interaction of both? We will explore the influence of genes and the environment on brain connectivity during ageing by studying how the brain network relates to cognitive functions.
Risk Factors For Diabetic Retinopathy And Its Treatment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$75,006.00
Summary
My research focuses on optimizing treatment for diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macula oedema; which contribute significantly to rates of vision loss worldwide. I am investigating whether genetics play a role in the development of this disease so we can develop a personalized approach to treatment. I am exploring whether there are risk factors for poorer response to current treatment. I am also investigating whether a new drug (Ozurdex) is a better alternative in remote communities.
Young Adult Myopia: Genetic And Environmental Associations
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$809,271.00
Summary
Myopia affects 80% of school leavers in the cities of East Asia, 45% of Asian Australian school leavers and is probably on the rise in European Australian adolescents. Increased levels of education and lack of time outdoors are known to increase the risk of myopia. We will examine 2,000 young adults to find the genes that interact with these risk factors. In addition to confirming when these risk factors are most important, identifying molecular pathways opens the avenue of new treatments.
Interaction Of Genetic And Environmental Risk Factors In Eye Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$456,641.00
Summary
I aim to discover the genetic risk factors associated with a debilitating infection of the front of the eye caused by an amoeba, and associated with water use and contact lenses; and dry eye disease, a condition affecting over 20% of the elderly, and has significant affects on quality of life and functioning. The relationship of genetic and environmental factors will lead to identification of at risk populations, novel treatment paradigms and more sophisticated diagnostic techniques.
Aberrant Nerve Excitability: An In-depth Study Of HCN Channel Activity In Neurological Disorders (epilepsy And Chronic Neuropathic Pain).
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$205,315.00
Summary
Chronic neuropathic pain and epilepsy carry a high burden of disease, and have a major impact on health resources. Abnormal nerve excitability is implicated in both conditions. This study evaluates the use of a non-invasive test applied to peripheral nerve in the measurement of nerve excitability in neuropathic pain and epilepsy. The aim is to establish a sensitive biomarker of disease in assessment and diagnosis of patients, and to help direct therapy and measure response to treatment.
Health And Fertility Of Young Men Conceived Using Intra-cytoplasmic Sperm Injection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$362,570.00
Summary
The injection of a single sperm into the egg (ICSI) has been the main IVF treatment for men with poor sperm quality since 1993 but is now often used for other types of infertility. Concern has been raised about the health of the children. We will approach >800 parents and their adult sons conceived using ICSI and will assess his general health and development, and fertility. This work will improve patient counselling and practice guidelines, and direct research into the safety of ICSI.
Genetic Influence On Cognitive Function And Medication Response In Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$401,361.00
Summary
ADHD is one of the most common child mental health conditions, with cognitive deficits that impact everyday functioning, educational and social outcomes. Not all children with ADHD achieve equal benefit from medication. The disorder appears to be genetic with many genes contributing a small risk for the disorder. This project asks how DNA variation influences ADHD brain function and how they respond to medication. This project is important to improve the clinical diagnosis and outcome for ADHD.
Factors That Influence Disease Severity In Tuberculosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$149,076.00
Summary
Tuberculosis (TB) is a major global health problem and is one of the leading causes of death from an infectious disease worldwide. The severity of disease that occurs with TB is dependent on many complex factors including the infected person’s immune system and factors related to the TB organism itself. This research will determine the key factors that cause severe disease in TB which will translate into improved care of TB patients and enhance further research in this field.
The Aetiology Of Alcohol Use Disorders In Adulthood: A Generational Perspective
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$630,927.00
Summary
This study aims to investigate the causes of alcohol problems in adult Australians. We will follow-up participants from a birth cohort study who are now in their thirties. We will assess long term outcomes from in-utero exposure to alcohol and biological, developmental and genetic predictors of alcohol disorders in adulthood. This study also aims to study genetic factors which may be important in the development of alcohol abuse and dependence.