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.
Evaluation Of Blood-based Screening Tests For Colorectal Neoplasia; From Biomarker Candidates To Accurate And Acceptable Tests
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$767,382.00
Summary
Current bowel cancer screening tests require people to collect a stool sample. While able to be done at home, this creates certain inconveniences and has other barriers to its use including being distasteful to some. Also, even though stool tests are useful they are not as accurate as we would like. We have discovered a molecule in the blood of patients with bowel cancer that could, if configured as a screening test, serve to be of even greater accuracy and also be more acceptable to people.
Comprehensive Clinical Tests Of Vestibular Function To Track Vestibular Compensation And Meniere’s Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$390,625.00
Summary
This Project will apply new, fast, safe, comprehensive, balance tests we have developed to measure the function of the balance receptors of the inner ear. We will track changes in balance function during disease and recovery in the many, and increasing, number of Australian patients with balance disorders. These tests will give us insight into changes in the inner ear associated with severe attacks of vertigo and why some patients recover so poorly after damage to inner ear balance receptors.
A Novel Multi-gene Marker Blood Test To Increase Community Participation In Colorectal Cancer Screening.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$581,116.00
Summary
Bowel cancer screening programs are vital for early detection and prevention, but participation with the traditional faecal testing mode is less than 35%. Reasons include dislike or unsuitability for faecal testing. These barriers could be overcome and participation could increase using a different sampling mode for the screening test. We have developed a blood test for bowel cancer and will investigate if people who will not screen with the stool test will screen with the blood test instead.
Population Based Genetic Testing For High-risk Breast And Ovarian Cancer Predisposition Genes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,112,985.00
Summary
Inherited mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 confer a very high risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Importantly, once carriers are identified, effective strategies are available that can dramatically reduce the risk of cancer. We will perform genetic testing of a healthy western population to identify breast/ovarian cancer genes before the women develop cancer. Population-based screening could significantly reduce the incidence of these diseases.
Studies On The Effects Of Endogenous And Exogenous Opioids In Modulating Exercise-induced Dyspnoea In People With Moderate / Severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Two Double-blind Randomised, Placebo Controlled Trials.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$197,086.00
Summary
There is evidence that morphine-like chemicals made by the body itself help reduce breathlessness. It is not clear whether this response is because of the effects of these morphine-like chemicals on the brain, in the lung or both. This study will help understand where these chemicals act to reduce breathlessness in people with emphysema during exercise. Subsequently, it will also help to understand whether small, regular doses of morphine safely further reduce breathlessness during exercise.
Identification And Characterisation Of Novel FLT3-ITD Co-operating Mutations
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$659,245.00
Summary
Acute myeloid leukaemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. We have identified new genes that act with the known oncogene FLT3-ITD in myeloid disease. We will examine in detail how these new genes contribute to the development of AML. This will aid in the development of new therapies for groups of AML patients with these mutations.
The Vestibulo-collic Reflex In Humans And Its Use In Diagnosis Of Vertigo
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$278,691.00
Summary
This project will investigate the vestibulo-collic reflex (VCR): a head-stabilising reflex of the neck muscles. The VCR plays an important role in human balance, but is not well-understood. A form of the reflex is used to test vestibular (balance) function in patients with dizziness and vertigo, however the accuracy and interpretation of the test as it is currently used is not optimal. This project aims to improve the accuracy of the VCR in the diagnosis of balance disorders.
NOVEL NON-INVASIVE METHODS FOR THE EARLY DETECTION OF PULMONARY VASCULAR DISEASE
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$320,463.00
Summary
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a severe, progressive disorder. Current non-invasive diagnostic modalities are insensitive for detecting early disease, thus preventing early intervention with therapy. We aim to develop novel and reproducible ways to assess the pulmonary circulation, which will ultimately allow for the early diagnosis of PAH and in turn facilitate early initiation of treatment and improved patient outcomes.
Identifying Undiagnosed HIV Infection Among Australian Gay Men: Delivering HIV Testing Through A National, Community-based Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$781,432.00
Summary
Gay men remain the group primarily affected by HIV in Australia. People with undiagnosed HIV infection contribute disproportionately to HIV transmission in Australia. This study will deliver HIV testing to gay men in community settings, provide test results to consenting participants and estimate the prevalence of HIV and undiagnosed HIV infection. It will contribute significantly to reducing the number of undiagnosed HIV infections in Australia by providing strategic knowledge to guide HIV prev ....Gay men remain the group primarily affected by HIV in Australia. People with undiagnosed HIV infection contribute disproportionately to HIV transmission in Australia. This study will deliver HIV testing to gay men in community settings, provide test results to consenting participants and estimate the prevalence of HIV and undiagnosed HIV infection. It will contribute significantly to reducing the number of undiagnosed HIV infections in Australia by providing strategic knowledge to guide HIV prevention programs.Read moreRead less