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New Projection Neurons Are Added To The Brain Throughout Life – Identifying Their Source And Function.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$505,991.00
Summary
Scientists aim to use our body’s own stem cells to make new nerve cells for brain repair. There are two major types of nerve cell: long range and short range; and until now we did not know how to make new long range nerves. I recently discovered that a special type of brain stem cell, the OPC, makes new long range nerves throughout life. We are building on this discovery by trying to understand the signals that control this process in order to direct OPCs towards nerve regeneration.
An Olfactory 'stress Test' For The Early Detection Of Alzheimer's Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$743,450.00
Summary
Early detection of Alzheimer's disease will be especially important when treatments become available that can slow or halt the progress of the disease. The sense of smell (olfaction) is affected early in the evolution of Alzheimer's disease. We have introduced a simple, inexpensive modification to standard testing of olfaction that we believe may help identify individuals with very early stage Alzheimer's disease. Our study is designed to assess this promising new approach.
Neural Circuits For Odour-processing In The Rodent Piriform Cortex 'in Vivo'
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$488,817.00
Summary
We are studying the brain circuits that enable mammals to recognise odours. We will apply puffs of odorants to the nose of an anaesthetised mouse while measuring electrical signals in the odour-processing region of its cerebral cortex. Our work will answer fundamental questions about how the brain interprets sensory inputs in order to build a coherent picture of the world. This is basic research that will, in the longer term, shed light on the disturbances that occur during mental illness.