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.
Clinical Research Translation In Fluorescence-guided Surgery Of Brain Cancer: Developing A Surgical Endoscope With Enhanced Contrast
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
This proposal aims to improve the life expectancy of brain cancer patients by developing a new neurosurgical optical imaging device. The technology will transform the recently developed fluorescence-guided surgery procedure, where the tumour is endowed with artificial fluorescence. Our state-of-the art technology will enhance the fluorescence detection beyond visual perception to help remove hard-to-detect small cancer cell clusters, resulting in more accurate surgical removal of tumours.
Imaging Of Acute Ischemic Stroke – Improving Patient Selection For Thrombolysis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$367,946.00
Summary
Stroke is a major cause of death and disability in our community and is most often due to a blocked blood vessel. Powerful treatments are available to open blocked blood vessels but there are restrictions on eligibility and some risks. This research aims to improve doctors' understanding of stroke in the individual patient to aid treatment decisions by identifying those with potentially salvageable brain tissue and avoiding those with high risk of bleeding complications.
Improving Methodolgies For The Early Detection Of Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$317,860.00
Summary
Early detection of tumours and diseases is vital for an effective and successful treatment. Current early detection methods are invasive and use toxic or radioactive chemicals. This project focuses on understanding how non-toxic, non-invasive ‘smart’ polymeric devices would work for early disease detection. It will provide next generation early detection devices which will reduce the cost of treatment, and increase the effectiveness of therapy.
Functional Neuroimaging In Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$176,719.00
Summary
Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) represents a significant public health issue in Australian communities. Complications can include prolonged symptoms, depression and progressive deterioration of brain function. Clinical management of mTBI hinges on accurate assessment of recovery. The aim of the current study is to investigate the role of novel functional brain imaging techniques such as diffusion tensor imaging and connectivity studies, in the assessment of brain disturbance following mTBI.
The Clinical Features, Causes And Diagnosis Of Severe Epilepsies Of Infancy: A Population-based Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$227,261.00
Summary
Severe epilepsies of infancy (SEI) are characterised by frequent seizures and are often resistant to treatment. The prognosis is typically poor. The cause is unknown in many infants. This study will identify genes and brain malformations causing SEI, determine the frequency and clinical features of each cause, and measure the diagnostic yield of genetic testing and brain imaging. The findings will improve timely diagnosis of SEI and guide research priorities for development of novel therapies.
Novel Approaches To Improve Cognitive Recovery Following Stroke And Traumatic Brain Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$344,724.00
Summary
Stroke and traumatic brain injury costs the Australian economy over $13 billion, annually. Both disorders result in impaired cognition that impedes individuals’ return to the community. Current rehabilitation strategies, however, fail to adequately rehabilitate cognitive deficits following these disorders. My fellowship will develop new strategies to improve rehabilitation of cognitive functions by using cutting-edge neuroimaging and electrophysiological techniques.