Neuroimaging changes underpinning improvements in cognition in the elderly. Natural supplements are often used to improve brain and cognitive function, however, we do not know how these supplements work in the brain. Using novel brain imaging scans, the project will investigate whether 12-month administration of two promising natural supplements improves brain markers of ageing and cognitive decline in an elderly population.
Nanoliposomal delivery of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to neuronal cells. Omega-3 fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are essential for brain function. They are effective as adjunct treatments for depression, but at high doses. The project will develop nanoliposomes to target delivery of DHA to brain cells. Efficient delivery of DHA to brain cells will increase its effectiveness as a dietary supplement and lessen the burden of disease.
Examining healthcare professionals' communication across the surgical pathway to improve patient safety. Recent data show breakdowns in communication contributed to 16% of sentinel events in Australia, the majority of which were of a surgical nature. Financial costs associated with adverse events are enormous, estimated at around $A2billion/year. Economic burden is predicted to increase with further complexities surrounding patients' surgical care. This study will result in new knowledge about c ....Examining healthcare professionals' communication across the surgical pathway to improve patient safety. Recent data show breakdowns in communication contributed to 16% of sentinel events in Australia, the majority of which were of a surgical nature. Financial costs associated with adverse events are enormous, estimated at around $A2billion/year. Economic burden is predicted to increase with further complexities surrounding patients' surgical care. This study will result in new knowledge about communication patterns to inform the development of reporting methods and strategies that positively influence the practices of healthcare professionals. Strategies could be extrapolated to the broader healthcare sector, and provide tactical direction aimed at averting clinical errors, preventing patient harm and reducing healthcare costs.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE100100001
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$360,000.00
Summary
An advanced thermogravimetric analysis system for world-leading research in clean energy, catalysis, material science and nanotechnology. Many chemical reactions occurring in solid materials during heating significantly affect the materials' stability, and subsequently affects the processes of production of clean energy, material synthesis, catalyst preparation, and nanotechnology. No equipment currently exists in Australia that will mitigate the wide range of conditions in such reactions in ma ....An advanced thermogravimetric analysis system for world-leading research in clean energy, catalysis, material science and nanotechnology. Many chemical reactions occurring in solid materials during heating significantly affect the materials' stability, and subsequently affects the processes of production of clean energy, material synthesis, catalyst preparation, and nanotechnology. No equipment currently exists in Australia that will mitigate the wide range of conditions in such reactions in materials processing. This situation impedes research progress in Australia, disadvantages Australian research students, and ultimately makes our research less competitive internationally. The establishment of the proposed apparatus will increase the competitiveness of Australian science and engineering, and contribute to the development of new Australian technologies that are important to the Australian economy and to environmental sustainability.Read moreRead less
Who determines gestation length - mother or fetus? This project will extend our knowledge of a key biological process - pregnancy. Variation of gestation length by 10% is generally deleterious to the offspring, and smaller babies have been shown to be more susceptible to later life diseases. Therefore, extension of the information gained from this project will likely impact researchers in species conservation, pest control, and the livestock industries, as well as human, obstetric care and pract ....Who determines gestation length - mother or fetus? This project will extend our knowledge of a key biological process - pregnancy. Variation of gestation length by 10% is generally deleterious to the offspring, and smaller babies have been shown to be more susceptible to later life diseases. Therefore, extension of the information gained from this project will likely impact researchers in species conservation, pest control, and the livestock industries, as well as human, obstetric care and practice. Specifically, knowledge gained from this project may lead to means of limiting (pest control) as well as enhancing (endangered species) species survival.Read moreRead less
Examining the complexity of communication processes across transition points from the emergency department to improve medication safety. Problems in communication contribute significantly to adverse events that lead to serious harm for Australian consumers. Recent data show medication errors account for over 25% of all adverse events, while over 50% of consumers who move across transition points have medication errors relating to their treatment regimen. Financial costs from adverse events are e ....Examining the complexity of communication processes across transition points from the emergency department to improve medication safety. Problems in communication contribute significantly to adverse events that lead to serious harm for Australian consumers. Recent data show medication errors account for over 25% of all adverse events, while over 50% of consumers who move across transition points have medication errors relating to their treatment regimen. Financial costs from adverse events are estimated at around $A2billion/year, which are likely to increase with further complexities involving consumer care. This study will result in new knowledge about communication processes to inform the development of reporting methods and strategies, which positively influence the practices of health professionals in managing medications as consumers move across different environments.Read moreRead less
Secondary aerosol formation from engine exhaust emissions. This project aims to investigate the role of reactive volatile organic compounds from vehicles using alternative fuels in the formation and evolution of secondary organic aerosols (SOA). Expected outcomes of the project include greatly improved understanding of the mechanisms and precursors of SOA formation. The benefits should provide the knowledge needed to set vehicle emission regulations that can properly control urban air pollution ....Secondary aerosol formation from engine exhaust emissions. This project aims to investigate the role of reactive volatile organic compounds from vehicles using alternative fuels in the formation and evolution of secondary organic aerosols (SOA). Expected outcomes of the project include greatly improved understanding of the mechanisms and precursors of SOA formation. The benefits should provide the knowledge needed to set vehicle emission regulations that can properly control urban air pollution episodes because the mechanisms and precursors of its formation will be better understood. The project will also provide an experimental framework that will guide policy formulation and provide the science needed for development of strategies to improve air quality and health.Read moreRead less
Preventing Adverse Events in Hospitals. Our research will construct strategies and tools for preventing hospital adverse events and should develop knowledge and expertise about reducing care complications in high risk patients.This research has collaborating partners which are hospitals in Victoria, South Australia and Queensland. These form part of the preventative healthcare network with implications for the nation's social and economic fabric through their role in reducing morbidity, mortali ....Preventing Adverse Events in Hospitals. Our research will construct strategies and tools for preventing hospital adverse events and should develop knowledge and expertise about reducing care complications in high risk patients.This research has collaborating partners which are hospitals in Victoria, South Australia and Queensland. These form part of the preventative healthcare network with implications for the nation's social and economic fabric through their role in reducing morbidity, mortality and supporting the health of all Australians. Since acquired complications have comparable costs to the healthcare system as that of all other forms of injury combined, there will be substantial benefits to hospitals through reduced costs.Read moreRead less
Optimising flex fuel engine performance. This project will enable alternative fuels to be used optimally in engines for transport and distributed electricity generation. This will benefit Australian industry through better engine control technology and the Australian public through reduced emissions and cost in running engines using natural gas or LPG.
Mapping the connectome that controls blood pressure. The connections that an individual brain cell receives from other cells ultimately determines its behaviour. Using a revolutionary new technique, the project will create a map of the brain cells that control blood pressure.