Genomic Investigation Of Major Human Diseases And Lifespan
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$463,652.00
Summary
I am focused on finding disease genes for major human neurological diseases that increase with age. In my future research I will use human population genetics data combined with animal research to find genes that can block pain perception, or promote long life while preserving brain function in the elderly. My research efforts can help provide a better basic understanding of age-related diseases, and may help us identify new therapies to help us live productive, long lives.
Distinguishing Self From World: Understanding The Neural Basis Of Schizophrenia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$453,307.00
Summary
Self-generated sensations - such as tickling oneself - typically evoke less activity in the EEG than physically identical, externally-produced sensations. Schizophrenia patients do not exhibit this “electrophysiological self-suppression” (ESS), which accounts for their characteristic tendency to misattribute their own thoughts and actions to other people. This project aims to rectify ESS levels in schizophrenia by artificially altering patients’ sensory feedback to self-generated actions.
Multisensory Determinants Of Postural Instability And Falls In Older Adults; Prevention And Rehabilitation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$387,489.00
Summary
With an increased longevity of the population, age-related health problems, such as falls, are a significant socioeconomic issue to be addressed. Many sensory systems (e.g. vision, hearing, balance) are known to gradually become disrupted as a consequence of ageing. This project will investigate the consequences of declining sensory systems for balance control in older adults and to develop technology to prevents falls in them.
Neuroimmune Interactions In Functional And Organic Gastrointestinal Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$419,180.00
Summary
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) are chronic, incurable diseases of the lower gastrointestinal tract with unknown causes and poor treatment options. Both the immune and nervous systems are altered in GI disease, but have traditionally been studied in isolation. My research investigates how the neuro-immune axis is altered in these diseases, using animal models and human tissue samples to identify novel treatment options for these debilitating diseases.
Identifying The Underlying Causes Of Chronic Visceral Pain And Discovering Novel Therapeutic Treatments
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$470,144.00
Summary
Chronic pain is a major, but under appreciated social, clinical and economic challenge. Globally >1.5 billion people suffer from chronic pain. In the USA alone pain is the leading cause of disability, affecting 115 million adults and costing >$630 billion, more than cancer, heart disease and diabetes combined. By using pre-clinical models and translational science this proposal will identify the key mechanisms underlying chronic pain and also identify novel targets for new therapeutic trea ....Chronic pain is a major, but under appreciated social, clinical and economic challenge. Globally >1.5 billion people suffer from chronic pain. In the USA alone pain is the leading cause of disability, affecting 115 million adults and costing >$630 billion, more than cancer, heart disease and diabetes combined. By using pre-clinical models and translational science this proposal will identify the key mechanisms underlying chronic pain and also identify novel targets for new therapeutic treatmentRead moreRead less
Determining The Mechanisms Underlying Chronic Visceral Pain And Providing Novel Treatment Strategies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$415,218.00
Summary
Gastroenteritis activates special types of nerve endings in the gut to cause acute pain. In chronic gut pain, although the damaged tissue has healed, the nerve endings remain active and don’t reset back to normal. This project will identify why this occurs, determining pain mechanisms associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, a leading form of chronic pain. It will identify which ion channels and receptors can be targeted allowing the development of novel and effective therapies for pain relief.