Role Of Neurogenesis In Clinical Recovery From Depression During ECT: Application Of A Novel In Vivo Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Technology
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$587,478.00
Summary
Neurogenesis refers to the generation of new brain cells, which is now known to continue well into adulthood. On the basis of animal studies, deficiencies in neurogenesis have been implicated in development of depression, and stimulation of neurogenesis proposed as one of the ways that anti-depressants may work. Using the latest technological advances in brain imaging, we will for the first time assess the merit of these theories in humans with depression before and after treatment.
Disruption Of The Ability To Simulate One’s Personal Future: Insights From Epilepsy And Implications For Neurosurgical Planning And Presurgical Counselling
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$353,711.00
Summary
The human memory system supports not only recollecting the past but also imagining the future (prospection). This is an important skill, enabling us to envision the consequences of alternative courses of action. Patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) frequently experience memory problems, suggesting that they will show parallel difficulties with prospection. We will study prospection in TLE patients before and after temporal lobe surgery, and the clinical implications thereof.
Control Of Prosthetic Limbs From Decoded Brain Signals
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$895,832.00
Summary
This research will restore mobility to patients who suffer from paralysis. We aim to create a device, known as a brain-machine interface, which is an artificial communication path from the brain that bypasses an injury, such as a damaged spinal cord or stroke. The interface will decode a user’s intent and act upon it. Decoders will use physiological principals and state-of-the-art machine learning methods. We will test a user’s ability to control an artificial limb using decoded brain activity.
Effects Of Intestinal Inflammation On Functioning Of Enteric Neurons: From Animal Models To Humans
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$345,206.00
Summary
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, two debilitating conditions known as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), affect more than 61,000 Australians. There is no cure for IBD. All gut functions are controlled by enteric neurons in the gut wall. Inflammation causes damage and death of these neurons leading to gut dysfunctions. This is the first study defining the classes of human enteric neurons affected by inflammation. This study will test several potential new targets for the treatment of IBD.