Novel, High-throutyput Platform For Rapid Identification, Quantintation, Differential Diagnosis, And Resistance Testing
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$333,362.00
Summary
This proposal utilizes a newly invented process (multiplex tandem polymerase chain reaction, MT-PCR) to measure multiple (up to 100) genetic targets (eg RNA or DNA) in one sample. A range of different virus and bacterial genes can be detected, including those which make the influenza virus different (eg H1N1 or H5N1) and allow it to bypass vaccine immunity or resist drug therapy (due to neuraminidase inhibitor resistance). We will simultaneously target infections which are influenza-like (ILI) o ....This proposal utilizes a newly invented process (multiplex tandem polymerase chain reaction, MT-PCR) to measure multiple (up to 100) genetic targets (eg RNA or DNA) in one sample. A range of different virus and bacterial genes can be detected, including those which make the influenza virus different (eg H1N1 or H5N1) and allow it to bypass vaccine immunity or resist drug therapy (due to neuraminidase inhibitor resistance). We will simultaneously target infections which are influenza-like (ILI) or which might make influenza infection worse (eg staphylococcal pneumonia) as well as their resistance genes (eg MRSA). The test is rapid and automated and includes a specimen processing (DNA and RNA extraction) function that is being developed in parallel. We expect to be able to conduct high-throughput screening of multiple samples for a limited number of targets or conduct multiple tests on fewer specimens, simply by adjusting assay configuration. Measurement of the rise and fall in concentrations of influenza virus in infected persons will allow us to understand when they are no longer infectious to others, to predict when they are getting better or worse, and allow us to better understand the pattern of illness in people who are immunized against influenza or on drug therapy, or are in some other special category (eg immune compromise due to organ transplantation). While this will be able to be rolled out by our industry partners in the event of an influenza pandemic, it does not require an outbreak for successful development, and has value well beyond influenza diagnosis.Read moreRead less
Validation Of Non-invasive Finite Element Method Based Localization Of Seizure Onset Zone In Epilepsy Using EEG-MEG
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$87,191.00
Summary
Epileptic seizures in the brain are often focal. If anti-epileptic drugs are ineffective, a deep brain stimulator may be implanted to abort seizures at their onset or the seizure tissue may be removed. This project aims to locate the seizure tissue from non-invasive EEG-MEG recordings of seizure-like brain activity using a realistic computer model of the electromagnetic fields in the brain. Knowing the location more exactly will improve the outcomes of deep brain stimulation and removal surgery.
The Optimization Of Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) For Malaria
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$44,934.00
Summary
The ability to reliably diagnose malaria infections is key to both the management of individual patients as well as public health efforts to control the disease. Current Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) for malaria have unacceptable sensitivity. The project will determine the low sensitivity of current malaria RDTs available on the market and help produce a malaria RDT with higher sensitivity and stability. This will bring great health benefits to millions of people.
Predicting, Diagnosing And Treating Synucleinopathies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$3,738,220.00
Summary
Parkinson’s Disease and Lewy Body Dementia carry a high socioeconomic burden and there are currently no disease-modifying treatments. Existing symptomatic therapies focus on replacing neurotransmitters that are made by neurons that have mostly degenerated prior to clinical diagnosis, warranting a clear need to identify cases at a stage when they might benefit most from neuroprotective interventions, as well as improving symptomatic and developing disease modifying treatments.