Epilepsy And Stress: An Explanatory Electrophysiological Model
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$100,233.00
Summary
Epilepsy is one of the most common recurrent neurological disorders worldwide, affecting between 1 and 2% of the population. The cascade of events culminating in epilepsy, or the role of seizures in altering brain structures and circuits has been difficult to define. Previous work from our group has shown that stress markedly accelerates the process of epilepsy development. I am developing a model of brain functioning from observed brain cells to chart the changes associated with seizures, stres ....Epilepsy is one of the most common recurrent neurological disorders worldwide, affecting between 1 and 2% of the population. The cascade of events culminating in epilepsy, or the role of seizures in altering brain structures and circuits has been difficult to define. Previous work from our group has shown that stress markedly accelerates the process of epilepsy development. I am developing a model of brain functioning from observed brain cells to chart the changes associated with seizures, stress, and potential treatments.Read moreRead less
Establishing The Intrinsic Regenerative Capacity Of The Adult Human Heart In Health And Disease And The Use Of Recombinant Cellular Growth Factors To Reverse Heart Failure In Vitro
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$110,615.00
Summary
Heart failure is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Australia. We hope to change this bleak outlook by showing that the human heart can regenerate, thereby challenging the long-held dogma that our heart cannot regrow. Using human heart samples we will measure the intrinsic capability of these cells to regenerate in heart failure compared to what occurs in normal, healthy ageing. In addition, we will explore the use of extracellular growth factors to stimulate these heart muscle cells
Improving Repair In Dystrophic Muscles By Targeting ADAMTS5 Activity And Connective Tissue Remodeling
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$95,313.00
Summary
In muscle diseases such as muscular dystrophy degeneration exceeds its capacity to repair. Connective tissue remodelling facilitates the repair process; however the mechanisms by which it does this are poorly defined. This Project examines the role of connective tissue turn-over during muscle repair. It is anticipated that new insights into muscle regeneration will be gained to underpin development of therapeutics that promote muscle repair in skeletal muscle wasting diseases.
Optimising Human Vascularisation And Liver Tissue Engineering Models To Develop Functional Bio-artificial Human Liver Tissue
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$124,761.00
Summary
This project aims to grow human blood vessels and liver cells derived from human stem cells within a supporting scaffold to generate a “liver in a dish”. Transplantation involves connecting blood vessels in this structure to those of the recipient. This should restore function in mice with human-like liver disease, thereby demonstrating potential of this technology to be developed as an alternative to liver transplantation.
A Study Of Various Bone Scaffolds In A Maxillary Sinus Model
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$61,711.00
Summary
This project investigates using animal derived and artificial bone in regions of the mouth that are deficient and not suitable for replacing missing teeth using dental implants. Traditional techniques of bone replacement require the use of a patient's own bone. These procedures are associated with post-operative morbidity and this bone is present in limited quantity. The use of these bone replacements may overcome these challenges and eliminate the need for using patient's bone.
Proof Of Principle For Minimally-Invasive Intravascular Brain-Computer Interface
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$110,068.00
Summary
Severe injury to limb or spinal cord leads to significant disability. Despite advances in many areas of modern medicine, prosthetic limbs have changed little over decades. A new field of medicine seeks to create a "brain-computer interface" that is capable of controlling a robotic limb, or any electronic device just by thinking. Brain-computer interfaces are currently implanted in an open brain operation. This project aims to demonstrate that a brain-computer interface can be be implanted in a m ....Severe injury to limb or spinal cord leads to significant disability. Despite advances in many areas of modern medicine, prosthetic limbs have changed little over decades. A new field of medicine seeks to create a "brain-computer interface" that is capable of controlling a robotic limb, or any electronic device just by thinking. Brain-computer interfaces are currently implanted in an open brain operation. This project aims to demonstrate that a brain-computer interface can be be implanted in a minimally invasive procedure.Read moreRead less
I am a practicing specialist Periodontist focused on growing bone around dental implants used to replace teeth. I will achieve this by comparing available materials to new materials and techniques. Dental implants are a very common treatment modality which results in improved outcomes compared to traditional methods of tooth replacement. This research will improve the outcome of dental implant placement and allow greater utilisation of this treatment modality.
Ischaemic Stroke And Atrial Fibrillation: Development Of A Novel Artificial Intelligence System Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$92,335.00
Summary
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an abnormal heart rhythm which is a common cause of stroke. AF can often go unrecognized as patients may have no symptoms. This project aims to develop computer software which can automatically detect underlying AF based on MRI brain scan pattern, in patients who have had an acute stroke. This project has the potential to offer several benefits, including reduced need for costly investigations, improved AF detection and a larger pool of patients being treated for AF.
Three Dimensional Ex Vivo Modelling Of Neuromuscular Junction Formation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$120,253.00
Summary
Re-establishing functional connections between neurons and muscle is an important step in the recovery process after neuromuscular injury or surgery. In order to study the connection forming process in isolation a biological model of nerve muscle connection formation is required. This study aims to buid a biological model consisting of neurons and muscles in a three dimensional environment and to assess the quality of the functional connections that develop.
MIGRATORY CHARACTERISTICS OF SKIN-DERIVED NEURAL PRECURSORS AS A NOVEL REGENERATIVE THERAPY FOR ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$46,945.00
Summary
Memory decline in Alzheimer's disease is linked to a massive loss of neurons and the connections between these cells. Stem cell therapy has the potential to combat this neuronal loss by replenishing the brain with healthy functional neurons. This study aims to develop a new type of neural stem-like cell, termed skin-derived neural precursors, which can be isolated from a patient’s own skin. The outcomes from this work will provide the necessary data for progress into human clinical trial.