Fluid mechanics and physiology of blockages in vascular systems. Vascular disease is a major health problem both in Australia and worldwide. In particular, cardiovascular disease is a major killer of adult Australians. Engineers and mathematicians working with biologists will gain a greater understanding of vascular diseases, a major health problem, including cardiovascular disease, which is one of the biggest killers worldwide, as well as tackling renal circulation problems, which are a signifi ....Fluid mechanics and physiology of blockages in vascular systems. Vascular disease is a major health problem both in Australia and worldwide. In particular, cardiovascular disease is a major killer of adult Australians. Engineers and mathematicians working with biologists will gain a greater understanding of vascular diseases, a major health problem, including cardiovascular disease, which is one of the biggest killers worldwide, as well as tackling renal circulation problems, which are a significant problem and may contribute to hypertension. Detailed measurement and prediction will be undertaken of the mechanical loading and response of cells to their microenvironment, an important first step to controlling pathological responses which lead to a variety of autoimmune problems.Read moreRead less
Heparan sulfate proteoglycan from smooth muscle cell basal lamina: It's role in cell signalling. Heart disease is the major killer of people in the Western world. central to this disease is the killing of heart muscle tissue to it being starved of oxygen via a "heart attack". One of the common treatments is coronary artery bypass surgery, however, the supply of vessels that can be used is limited. In order to provide an alternative supply of vessels, we are aiming to engineer blood vessels i ....Heparan sulfate proteoglycan from smooth muscle cell basal lamina: It's role in cell signalling. Heart disease is the major killer of people in the Western world. central to this disease is the killing of heart muscle tissue to it being starved of oxygen via a "heart attack". One of the common treatments is coronary artery bypass surgery, however, the supply of vessels that can be used is limited. In order to provide an alternative supply of vessels, we are aiming to engineer blood vessels in the laboratory. The major cell of the wall of arteries, the smooth muscle cell, is critical to normal functioning and integration of these transplanted arteries. To do this we will need to understand the cell signalling responses of these cells in relation to molecules in their surrounding environment.Read moreRead less