Discovering sources of individual differences in first language acquisition. This project aims to investigate the processes of language acquisition to support the development of evidence-based strategies for improving children's early language. Some children learn language earlier and more easily than others. Understanding why this is the case is important because successful acquisition is strongly associated with positive life outcomes such as academic achievement and psychological wellbeing. T ....Discovering sources of individual differences in first language acquisition. This project aims to investigate the processes of language acquisition to support the development of evidence-based strategies for improving children's early language. Some children learn language earlier and more easily than others. Understanding why this is the case is important because successful acquisition is strongly associated with positive life outcomes such as academic achievement and psychological wellbeing. This project focuses on typically developing children, investigating how their ability to detect frequently occurring patterns in the environment significantly contributes to their acquisition of grammar in early childhood. The project plans to use an innovative triangulation of experimental methods from developmental psychology, longitudinal analysis and cognitive modelling to drive the development of new models of language acquisition and transform our understanding of both typical and atypical acquisition.Read moreRead less
Detecting stress-induced changes to subcellular copper pools in brain cells. Copper (Cu) plays essential roles in the functioning of brain cells, but the regulation and activity of this metal is poorly understood. This project aims to map sub-cellular Cu pools in brain cells, with particular emphasis on the effects of cellular stresses on these pools. These studies are expected to contribute important new methods for the study of Cu biology, and could provide valuable information about how Cu ho ....Detecting stress-induced changes to subcellular copper pools in brain cells. Copper (Cu) plays essential roles in the functioning of brain cells, but the regulation and activity of this metal is poorly understood. This project aims to map sub-cellular Cu pools in brain cells, with particular emphasis on the effects of cellular stresses on these pools. These studies are expected to contribute important new methods for the study of Cu biology, and could provide valuable information about how Cu homeostasis is maintained or perturbed under various stresses. In the future, this work is expected to form the basis of studies of brain Cu pools in neurodegenerative diseases.Read moreRead less
Combating rising sexually transmitted infections among older Australians. This project aims to explore older Australians' knowledge of, and safe sexual practices in regards to, sexually transmitted infections (STIs). STI rates have increased rapidly amongst older age groups in recent years, yet there is a significant research gap concerning older Australians' knowledge of STIs and the preventative sexual practices they engage in. This project is understood to be the only known Australian study c ....Combating rising sexually transmitted infections among older Australians. This project aims to explore older Australians' knowledge of, and safe sexual practices in regards to, sexually transmitted infections (STIs). STI rates have increased rapidly amongst older age groups in recent years, yet there is a significant research gap concerning older Australians' knowledge of STIs and the preventative sexual practices they engage in. This project is understood to be the only known Australian study considering older people's knowledge and practices in relation to STI prevention. In examining this issue the project aims to contribute towards the development of policy and educational resources for older Australians, and is expected to work towards enabling optimal sexual health for older individuals.Read moreRead less
Ageing in China and Australia: Promoting health, productivity and wellbeing. This project aims to provide insights into the ways in which life-span development and social change in China have influenced the development of policies to support the health, productivity and wellbeing of people entering later life. China’s population is rapidly ageing, bringing pressure on intergenerational support arising from smaller families, migration, urbanisation, and growing social inequalities. It may also br ....Ageing in China and Australia: Promoting health, productivity and wellbeing. This project aims to provide insights into the ways in which life-span development and social change in China have influenced the development of policies to support the health, productivity and wellbeing of people entering later life. China’s population is rapidly ageing, bringing pressure on intergenerational support arising from smaller families, migration, urbanisation, and growing social inequalities. It may also bring opportunities. Using an understanding of social determinants, cultural context and policy responses, the project plans to undertake cross-national comparisons with Australia and examine historical influences and social variations within China. The project aims to deliver a better understanding of how public policy can enhance productivity, health and wellbeing of an ageing population.Read moreRead less