Electric Field Manipulation For Targeted Neural Excitation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$545,135.00
Summary
The aim of this study is to investigate innovative techniques for steering current to enhance existing and assist in the development of new neurostimulation strategies.
Selective Activation Of Retinal Networks In Response To High Frequency Electrical Stimulation: A Computational Modelling, In Vitro And In Vivo Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$955,197.00
Summary
Arguably the greatest challenge facing designing a more effective bionic eye occurs at the interface between the electrodes and the retina. We will investigate new ways of steering electricity that will allow stimulation to specifically target pre-determined areas and cells in the retina. While contributing directly to our knowledge of how the retina functions, the work will also be a critical enabler of improved vision processing and stimulation strategies in future generations of a bionic eye.
Improving Cardiac Valve Implant Outcomes With Advanced Computer Simulation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$593,367.00
Summary
This project focuses on improving heart valve procedures, specifically focusing on new transcatheter techniques of heart valve implantation. The research uses advanced imaging and computer simulation techniques to predict the outcome and improve minimally invasive heart procedures.
Determining The Electrical Stimulation Parameters Required To Program The Bionic Eye To Effect Vision.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$458,449.00
Summary
Our eyes are invaluable organs that we use for nearly all daily tasks. Loss of vision is devastating but, unfortunately, little can be done at this time. One strategy to restore vision is through a prosthetic to stimulate the retina. For a prosthetic to work, however, we must first understand how the retina encodes the visual image. Our research seeks to decode the retinal signals and determine how a Bionic Eye could be programmed to mimic them.
Development Of A High Acuity, Diamond Retinal Prosthesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,010,214.00
Summary
Over recent years our team has developed a retinal implant to restore sight to people with certain types of blindness. With 256 independently controllable electrodes this device is among the most sophisticated in the world. We aim to conduct experiments to demonstrate that our device can provide improved better visual acuity than the world leaders with a view to developing a competitive commercial medical technology.
HARNESSING THE PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF STRONTIUM AND ZINC TO PRODUCE NOVEL BIOMATERIALS FOR ORTHOPAEDIC APPLICATIONS
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$560,082.00
Summary
Large skeletal defects resulting from congenital defects or disease processes are challenging to regenerate and represent a major financial burden to our health system. Bone graft treatments are widely used but have considerable drawbacks. Available synthetic alternatives lack the physical-biological properties necessary. We have developed new scaffolds with improved mechanical-biological properties for bone regeneration.
Mechanisms Of Bone Formation At The Device/tissue Interface: Role Of Biomaterial Surface Chemistry Modification
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$489,375.00
Summary
In 1992 300,000 prosthetic devices, artificial hips and knees were implanted into patients in a global market worth $2.1 billion. Growth in this field of medicine has been exceptional with now more than 1 million implants carried out each year. In 1998-99, 38,512 artificial hips and knees were implanted in Australia alone, with approximately 10% of these replacing older, failed implants. Since joint replacements provide great benefits for the patient considerable health funding is required for j ....In 1992 300,000 prosthetic devices, artificial hips and knees were implanted into patients in a global market worth $2.1 billion. Growth in this field of medicine has been exceptional with now more than 1 million implants carried out each year. In 1998-99, 38,512 artificial hips and knees were implanted in Australia alone, with approximately 10% of these replacing older, failed implants. Since joint replacements provide great benefits for the patient considerable health funding is required for joint replacements. However, failure of the implants is a major concern to the patient and financially to our health system, especially with the ever increasing life expectancy of our population. The long-and short-term success of an implant depends on the healthy support of the surrounding bone. This study aims to find ways of improving the attachment of healthy bone to the implant by modifying the surface characteristics of the implant. We will modify the surface chemistry of biomaterials with divalent cations, such as magnesium, which is known to play a critical role in bone remodelling and skeletal development. Our goal is to improve the formation of healthy bone that will promote a rapid and permanent fixation of implant into skeletons. This study goes further to study the factors, inside the cell, on the cell surface and secreted by the cell, which promote this attachment. Once these factors are identified, it should be possible to alter implant surfaces in ways to improve stability. In this proposal we will use novel bioceramic coatings and ion beam technologies. This study will not only improve our understanding of the interactions of bone and implant but also identify ways of improving implants to benefit the patient's quality of life and reduce costs in this important heath areaRead moreRead less
At present the failure rate of joint replacement is unacceptably high and will continue to rise due to the ageing and active life styles of the baby-boomer generation, placing an increasing burden on the health budget. We have developed a new bioactive material with improved mechanical-biological properties for bone regeneration. We will modify the surface of the currently used orthopaedic implants with this bioactive material to promote permanent fixation of the prosthesis to the bone.