"Smart Food" - The fulcrum in the energy balance equation. The overall aim of the project is to establish how nutrients best promote an increase in energy expenditure and therefore weight loss. The experiments will be performed in rats using sophisticated technologies to introduce specific combinations of fats, carbohydrates or proteins directly into the stomach and then measure energy expenditure in a specialised type of energy burning rather than energy storing fat called brown adipose tissue. ...."Smart Food" - The fulcrum in the energy balance equation. The overall aim of the project is to establish how nutrients best promote an increase in energy expenditure and therefore weight loss. The experiments will be performed in rats using sophisticated technologies to introduce specific combinations of fats, carbohydrates or proteins directly into the stomach and then measure energy expenditure in a specialised type of energy burning rather than energy storing fat called brown adipose tissue. These experiments will uncover the mechanisms that relate nutrients in the stomach and activation of brown adipose tissue. They will provide a framework on which this project can build a knowledge of smart diets that will allow the effective control of body weight through modulation of energy expenditure. Read moreRead less
Evaluation of peanuts as a source of bioactive nutrients for enhancement of endothelial function and cognitive performance. Functional foods represent one of the fastest growing food markets in the world, particularly foods which can offset adverse health conditions. The Partner Organisation, Peanut Company of Australia (PCA), is committed to developing peanut varieties, such as the high oleic peanut, that are nutritionally superior to the traditional varieties. By investing in research PCA aims ....Evaluation of peanuts as a source of bioactive nutrients for enhancement of endothelial function and cognitive performance. Functional foods represent one of the fastest growing food markets in the world, particularly foods which can offset adverse health conditions. The Partner Organisation, Peanut Company of Australia (PCA), is committed to developing peanut varieties, such as the high oleic peanut, that are nutritionally superior to the traditional varieties. By investing in research PCA aims to substantiate the nutritional benefits of these products and position itself in functional foods. Scientific evaluation of the health benefits that can be derived from consuming foods will enhance the national food industry through the growth of domestic and international licensing and export markets, and provide new employment opportunities in both rural and manufacturing sectors.Read moreRead less
Adequate nutrition is necessary for recovery from illness. 30-40% of hospitalised patients may be malnourished. The critically ill are at higher risk because of increased energy requirements yet often receive less than 50% of required nutritional intake. Adequate nutrition therapy is associated with improved patient outcomes, such as reduced mortality and reduced infectious complications. Robust strategies to implement of evidence-based recommendations for nutrition therapy are required.
The Effect Of Selected Nutraceuticals On Brain Blood Vessels And Memory.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$445,206.00
Summary
The human brain receives 1000L of blood per day, distributed through minute vessels called capillaries. The integrity and function of brain capillaries is compromised with aging and this may contribute to memory disturbances. Our laboratory has identified several naturally occurring compounds that prevent age-associated defects of brain capillaries. The primary aim of this project is to explore if these agents are beneficial for restoring brain capillary function and memory.
Plasticity of gastrointestinal vagal afferents. The aim of this project is to identify how leptin modulates specific subtypes of vagal afferent within the gut and the plasticity of this system under different dietary conditions. This proposed project will substantially increase understanding of the interactions between leptin, known to influence food intake, and vagal afferent satiety signals. It will also increase understanding of how these interactions alter in obesity and ultimately provide t ....Plasticity of gastrointestinal vagal afferents. The aim of this project is to identify how leptin modulates specific subtypes of vagal afferent within the gut and the plasticity of this system under different dietary conditions. This proposed project will substantially increase understanding of the interactions between leptin, known to influence food intake, and vagal afferent satiety signals. It will also increase understanding of how these interactions alter in obesity and ultimately provide targets and/or concepts for the pharmacotherapy of obesity.Read moreRead less
Design rules for nutritionally-functional grains. Design rules for nutritionally-functional grains. This project aims to design the most comprehensive specifications yet for nutritionally enhanced and health-modulating starch in grain-based foods. Why starch resists small intestinal digestion is not understood; this limits plant breeders and food (ingredient) manufacturers’ ability to tailor starch structures for optimal human nutritional value. This project will study how resistant starch survi ....Design rules for nutritionally-functional grains. Design rules for nutritionally-functional grains. This project aims to design the most comprehensive specifications yet for nutritionally enhanced and health-modulating starch in grain-based foods. Why starch resists small intestinal digestion is not understood; this limits plant breeders and food (ingredient) manufacturers’ ability to tailor starch structures for optimal human nutritional value. This project will study how resistant starch survives digestion in the small intestine and passed to the large intestine using a model for the large intestine to define the microbial fermentation of resistant starch fractions. This research is expected to improve breeding programmes and food ingredients and promote the nutritional value of grain-based foods.Read moreRead less
Optimising Exercise and Nutrition Throughout the Life Cycle. During the past decade the proportion of Australia's population aged 65 years and over has increased to 13% (2.7 million). During the same period, the proportion of the population aged 85 years and over has more than doubled and is now the fastest growing subpopulation in Australia. As the number of elderly persons continues to grow, sarcopenia-related conditions will have a dramatic and inevitable impact on the lives of all Australian ....Optimising Exercise and Nutrition Throughout the Life Cycle. During the past decade the proportion of Australia's population aged 65 years and over has increased to 13% (2.7 million). During the same period, the proportion of the population aged 85 years and over has more than doubled and is now the fastest growing subpopulation in Australia. As the number of elderly persons continues to grow, sarcopenia-related conditions will have a dramatic and inevitable impact on the lives of all Australians. The novel dietary protocols developed from the results of the studies undertaken in this proposal will translate into better treatment options for reversing age-dependent muscle degeneration. This is a critical first step for improving the standard of living for a large portion of Australian society.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE150100037
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$170,000.00
Summary
Laser microdissection facility. Laser microdissection facility: Laser microdissection (LMD) is a proven and effective approach to isolate pure cell populations from heterogeneous tissue samples in order to analyse DNA, RNA, and protein content. LMD provides an important advantage to research engaged in basic biological research as it allows for molecular profiling at the cellular level that can not be achieved from whole tissue samples. This project will provide a LMD facility aimed at understan ....Laser microdissection facility. Laser microdissection facility: Laser microdissection (LMD) is a proven and effective approach to isolate pure cell populations from heterogeneous tissue samples in order to analyse DNA, RNA, and protein content. LMD provides an important advantage to research engaged in basic biological research as it allows for molecular profiling at the cellular level that can not be achieved from whole tissue samples. This project will provide a LMD facility aimed at understanding many important biologically cellular mechanisms.Read moreRead less
Bitter Taste As A Mediator Of Food Intake And Postprandial Glycaemia In Health And Type 2 Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$735,430.00
Summary
The gut “tastes” contents passing through it in a similar manner to the tongue. Recent evidence suggests that bitter substances in the gut can reduce appetite and slow the emptying of meals from the stomach, by stimulating gastrointestinal hormone release. We propose studies to understand how this system functions in health and type 2 diabetes, and whether it can be targeted to provide new diabetes treatments