Development of integrated biological markers of brain function. With the rapid growth of both brain imaging and genetics, we can now examine the biological basis of complex brain functions, such as memory. Our goal is to combine these techniques to develop evidence-based biological markers of normal function. These markers can then be used to screen for early signs of abnormal function (eg. in Alzheimer's disease) and to assess treatment effects. Two unique features ensure the project's feasibil ....Development of integrated biological markers of brain function. With the rapid growth of both brain imaging and genetics, we can now examine the biological basis of complex brain functions, such as memory. Our goal is to combine these techniques to develop evidence-based biological markers of normal function. These markers can then be used to screen for early signs of abnormal function (eg. in Alzheimer's disease) and to assess treatment effects. Two unique features ensure the project's feasibility: a) access to the first standardized, normative brain database (from the Brain Resource Company Ltd) and b) a scientific collaboration supporting the integration of brain imaging and genetics.Read moreRead less
Gene-brain pathways in emotional brain stability and instability. Emotional instability is a defining trait of major mental illnesses. The ability to identify individuals susceptible to emotional instability will be important in limiting the burden of disease from these illnesses. Mental conditions cost the Australian economy approximately $14.9 bill p/a, and depression will be the second leading contributor to burden of disease by 2020. The project will provide the first evidence for the combin ....Gene-brain pathways in emotional brain stability and instability. Emotional instability is a defining trait of major mental illnesses. The ability to identify individuals susceptible to emotional instability will be important in limiting the burden of disease from these illnesses. Mental conditions cost the Australian economy approximately $14.9 bill p/a, and depression will be the second leading contributor to burden of disease by 2020. The project will provide the first evidence for the combination of gene-brain-behaviour markers which best capture emotional instability versus resilience. This evidence base will be crucial to developing new tools and strategies for early intervention, and ultimately prevention, for these conditions of mental health.Read moreRead less
"Evidence based" evaluation of treatment in ADHD. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is marked by limitations in diagnostic accuracy, psychobiological characterisation and assessment of treatment efficacy. A national consortium of scientists and clinicians is planning to address these issues using an assessment protocol recently developed by the Brain Resource Company Ltd, which involves integrated neuroscientific and psychometric measurement that taps many of the brain's informati ...."Evidence based" evaluation of treatment in ADHD. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is marked by limitations in diagnostic accuracy, psychobiological characterisation and assessment of treatment efficacy. A national consortium of scientists and clinicians is planning to address these issues using an assessment protocol recently developed by the Brain Resource Company Ltd, which involves integrated neuroscientific and psychometric measurement that taps many of the brain's information processing networks. Specifically, the aims of the project are to identify biological and cognitive markers that reflect ADHD in its untreated form, and markers that discriminate treatment effects relative to the pre treatment profile. The results from this study will be translated into a product that uses the protocol to provide a service able to profile ADHD more accurately and evaluate the effects of treatment.Read moreRead less
CogChip: development of a targeted genotyping chip for executive function. This project aims to use DNA sequencing technology to identify the genetics of executive function. Our capacities to focus on a task at hand, to filter distractions and to inhibit unwanted impulses, are collectively referred to as executive functions. Executive function varies on a continuum in the general population across the lifespan, with individual differences largely due to differences in underlying genetics. The pr ....CogChip: development of a targeted genotyping chip for executive function. This project aims to use DNA sequencing technology to identify the genetics of executive function. Our capacities to focus on a task at hand, to filter distractions and to inhibit unwanted impulses, are collectively referred to as executive functions. Executive function varies on a continuum in the general population across the lifespan, with individual differences largely due to differences in underlying genetics. The project proposes to leverage this knowledge to develop a customised genotyping chip, which may find application for prediction of individual differences in executive ability across multiple settings including education and industry. Expected outcomes for the project will include breakthrough insights into the biology of cognition, and a genetic read-out of individual differences in executive ability, which could have broad application including the potential to facilitate the targeting of cognitive, educational or workplace training for those most at risk of adverse outcomes.Read moreRead less
Movement patterns and behavioural strategies of Estuarine Crocodiles: A long-term remote monitoring study using an underwater acoustic array. The on-going recovery of the estuarine crocodile population is creating a paradox for Australians. Although a salient species, an iconic animal, and a firm tourist attraction, estuarine crocodiles pose a significant risk to the public. Knowledge of where crocodiles go, what they do when they get there, and why they select particular habitats at certain tim ....Movement patterns and behavioural strategies of Estuarine Crocodiles: A long-term remote monitoring study using an underwater acoustic array. The on-going recovery of the estuarine crocodile population is creating a paradox for Australians. Although a salient species, an iconic animal, and a firm tourist attraction, estuarine crocodiles pose a significant risk to the public. Knowledge of where crocodiles go, what they do when they get there, and why they select particular habitats at certain times is critical for sustaining the Australian crocodile population, whilst ensuring public safety. This long term study will utilise the latest advancement in underwater acoustic technology to monitor the behavioural and physiological strategies used by estuarine crocodiles in occupying critical habitats, providing vital information for resource managers and policy makers. Read moreRead less
An investigation of memory functioning of the prefrontal cortex. This project aims to investigate the role of the prefrontal cortex in human memory. While the medial temporal lobe has long been recognised as imperative for basic memory processes, the prefrontal cortex has only recently been recognised to mediate higher-level strategic memory processes. This project will clarify the memory functions of the dorsolateral, orbitofrontal, and medial prefrontal lobes by studying performance of individ ....An investigation of memory functioning of the prefrontal cortex. This project aims to investigate the role of the prefrontal cortex in human memory. While the medial temporal lobe has long been recognised as imperative for basic memory processes, the prefrontal cortex has only recently been recognised to mediate higher-level strategic memory processes. This project will clarify the memory functions of the dorsolateral, orbitofrontal, and medial prefrontal lobes by studying performance of individuals with damage in these areas using memory tests and tasks. Our findings will enhance understanding and theorising of the neural basis of memory and have implications for management and rehabilitation of memory impairments in brain injured individuals.Read moreRead less
New generation psychology advances in science motivation and engagement. Following alarming declines in science participation and performance at school and beyond, this project aims to harnesses educational psychology, physiological psychology, and neuro-psychology, to develop “new generation” advances in science motivation and engagement. Building on latest developments in mobile data capture in psychology, the project will identify key elements of student motivation and engagement associated w ....New generation psychology advances in science motivation and engagement. Following alarming declines in science participation and performance at school and beyond, this project aims to harnesses educational psychology, physiological psychology, and neuro-psychology, to develop “new generation” advances in science motivation and engagement. Building on latest developments in mobile data capture in psychology, the project will identify key elements of student motivation and engagement associated with outcomes in school-based scientific disciplines. With a comprehensive understanding of motivation and engagement, effective intervention to boost outcomes is possible. Enhancing the motivation and engagement that underpins research and innovation in society can enhance a nation’s competitiveness and optimise students’ potential.Read moreRead less
Developing vehicle-based advanced warning countermeasures for driver fatigue. Driver fatigue is a major problem in Australia in terms of health, road safety and economic impact. Countermeasures to combat the influence of driver fatigue have been limited to public campaign strategies like resting every 2 hours. There has been little robust research on developing on-road countermeasures that could warn the driver of their fatigue status. This proposed project involves a collaboration with Compumed ....Developing vehicle-based advanced warning countermeasures for driver fatigue. Driver fatigue is a major problem in Australia in terms of health, road safety and economic impact. Countermeasures to combat the influence of driver fatigue have been limited to public campaign strategies like resting every 2 hours. There has been little robust research on developing on-road countermeasures that could warn the driver of their fatigue status. This proposed project involves a collaboration with Compumedics Ltd, a leading medical device company, to conduct sophisticated research into developing an EEG and wheel behaviour fatigue countermeausure. We will further explore EEG and wheel behaviour patterns associated with fatigue, investigate noise control strategies, and conduct laboratory and on road field trials of the fatigue monitor. If this device is able to assess fatigue reliably and warn drivers in sufficient time to avert accidents, then substantial economic and social benefits will occur.Read moreRead less
Next generation smart lighting to improve sleep and alertness. Light has a powerful influence on our sleep and alertness. The manipulation of the amount of blue in a light source and the visual brightness of a light source are key factors, but there has been no systematic study that can guide manufacturers in the design of the ideal light source for promoting either sleep or alertness. This study will systematically examine the impact of the amount of blue light in a light source and the visual ....Next generation smart lighting to improve sleep and alertness. Light has a powerful influence on our sleep and alertness. The manipulation of the amount of blue in a light source and the visual brightness of a light source are key factors, but there has been no systematic study that can guide manufacturers in the design of the ideal light source for promoting either sleep or alertness. This study will systematically examine the impact of the amount of blue light in a light source and the visual brightness, creating a wide range of combinations that can be used to model the optimal light specifications for sleep and alertness, while maintaining visual acuity and colour discrimination. This will be the evidence base needed by the lighting industry to create the next generation of smart lighting.Read moreRead less
A longitudinal study of neuropsychological and neuromotor effects of low level manganese exposure. This study will investigate the neuropsychological and neuromotor effects of low level exposure to mangenese particulate. Previous studies have indicated symptomology of high level exposure, but there is contention in the literature regarding the effects of low levels of exposure. Our aim is to refine measures of cumulative exposure and develop a more comprehensive and senstitive testing protocol t ....A longitudinal study of neuropsychological and neuromotor effects of low level manganese exposure. This study will investigate the neuropsychological and neuromotor effects of low level exposure to mangenese particulate. Previous studies have indicated symptomology of high level exposure, but there is contention in the literature regarding the effects of low levels of exposure. Our aim is to refine measures of cumulative exposure and develop a more comprehensive and senstitive testing protocol than has been reported thus far. These measures and protocols will be incorporated into a longitudinal design, which has not been conducted in research studies to date. In addition, a database of exposure variables will be developed to facilitate long-term, accurate research into the effects of the low levels of exposure.Read moreRead less