A New Mouse Model That Determines The Effects Of A Unilateral Vestibular Prosthesis On Vestibular Plasticity.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$455,678.00
Summary
Much like a cochlear implant restores auditory function, a vestibular prosthesis restores balance function. It is not clear whether the limited results from vestibular prostheses is due the device not stimulating one component (the otoliths) of the vestibular system essential for self-repair. We will test mutant mice that lack otoliths to determine the importance of stimulating the otoliths in restoring function. This work will shape the future direction of prosthesis development.
Functional Connectivity Between Visual Cortical Areas In The Non-human Primate
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$387,585.00
Summary
Visual information going from the eyes to the brain is processed in different parts of the brain to extract useful information. However, to be able to select what is important from among the vast number of objects in the scene, top-down signals from higher areas need to act on incoming signals in earlier areas. This project aims to identify what sort of neural pathways are involved in this and how it is done at the cellular level.
Muller Cell Reactivity During Diabetic Retinopathy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$258,000.00
Summary
Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in the working population. In some patients with diabetes, blood vessels within the retina proliferate, haemorrhage or cause retinal detachment. The underlying changes within the retina that lead to the proliferation of blood vessels are not well understood. One of the factors that leads to changes in retinal blood vessels is an increase in growth factors from cells within the retina called Muller cells. Muller cells are vital for the normal function of ....Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in the working population. In some patients with diabetes, blood vessels within the retina proliferate, haemorrhage or cause retinal detachment. The underlying changes within the retina that lead to the proliferation of blood vessels are not well understood. One of the factors that leads to changes in retinal blood vessels is an increase in growth factors from cells within the retina called Muller cells. Muller cells are vital for the normal function of the retina and are known to be abnormal late in diabetes. They may also be dysfunctional early in diabetes and could play a significant role in causing the early changes seen in diabetes. Therefore a good understanding of how Muller cells change and the time at which they change is vitally important to gain a better understanding of the defects that are associated with diabetes. Furthermore, an understanding of the basic underlying cellular changes that occur in dibaetes will aid the development of more specific therapeutic agents in the future.Read moreRead less
Rationale For Non-invasive Treatment Of Retinopathy Of Prematurity: Dark Rearing As A Means Of Mimicking Physiological Vascularisation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$413,900.00
Summary
We aim to develop a new, non-invasive and cost-effective treatment for the disease Retinopathy of Prematurity, the leading cause of childhood blindness across the globe. We intend to test our hypothesis that raising neonates in conditions of total darkness and high oxygen will closely mimic conditions for inducing normal retinal vascular development, and thus prevent the initiating event of the disease. Ultimately, the project intends to lay the groundwork for a translation to the human conditio ....We aim to develop a new, non-invasive and cost-effective treatment for the disease Retinopathy of Prematurity, the leading cause of childhood blindness across the globe. We intend to test our hypothesis that raising neonates in conditions of total darkness and high oxygen will closely mimic conditions for inducing normal retinal vascular development, and thus prevent the initiating event of the disease. Ultimately, the project intends to lay the groundwork for a translation to the human condition.Read moreRead less