Understanding Neurodevelopment In Preterm Children Utilising MRI
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$302,123.00
Summary
Children born very preterm are more likely to have movement, learning and behavioural difficulties resulting from abnormal brain development or injury around the time of birth. This project will help identify common brain alterations in preterm children using MRI, as well as the causes and consequences of such abnormalities. Ideally, this research will help health professionals to prevent abnormalities and injury, or to intervene early to reduce the adverse effects of prematurity.
The Role Of SPARC In Regeneration And Neurogenesis In The Central Nervous System.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$324,870.00
Summary
Stroke is a leading cause of disability in the elderly. Although the brain has built-in mechanisms for repairing itself, these processes are slow and incomplete. We are investigating how these natural repair mechanisms work and how to stimulate them to improve recovery. Our initial results suggest that a protein called SPARC, which is involved in wound healing outside the nervous system, may be able to recruit new nerve cells and blood vessels to damaged brain tissue.