The Role Of The Neighbourhood Built Environment On Physical Activity And Sedentary Behaviour Among Youth And Adults
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$299,564.00
Summary
Modifying the built environment by improving parks is potentially a sustainable way to increase population level physical activity. This research aims to examine how features of parks may increase usage, provide greater opportunities for physical activity, and decrease sedentary behaviours among families primarily living in disadvantaged neighbourhoods. This research will provide evidence for policy makers and will assist planners to design parks that promote use and activity within parks.
Genetic And Environmental Risk Factors On Lifetime Risk Of Obstructive Lung Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$351,414.00
Summary
Classification of lifetime phenotypes of obstructive lung disease allows investigation of the effect of environmental and genetic influences on specific phenotypes along with the interactions between them. Through improved phenotyping ,the currently inconsistent relationships between asthma and COPD and their associations with genetic and environmental factors may become clearer.
An Investigation Of The Role Of Gene-environment Interactions And Epigenetics In Depression: Nature Combined With Nurture.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$337,602.00
Summary
Depression is one of the biggest public health problems, yet the causes remain largely unknown. This study aims to determine how environmental factors can combine with particular genes to increases an individual’s risk of depression. Environmental factors can also cause modifications to genes which can affect an individual’s health. This study will thus also examine whether women with post-natal depression and their children have different gene modifications than those without depression.
A Piggy-back Screen For Genes Involved In Cancer Epigenetics
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$302,123.00
Summary
Cancer can be caused not only by mutations in genes, but also by changes to our epigenome, which controls whether genes are on or off. There is much still to learn about the epigenome. We have developed a method to identify epigenome regulators. The epigenome is disrupted in cancer, but it is not know whether this starts tumour growth. I will use mutant mice to study this and analyse human cancers for mutations in epigenome regulators. This may lead to preventative screening and new treatments.
The aim of my research is to investigate the role that physical activity and sedentary behaviour (too much sitting) play in the development of cancer. My research will increase our understanding of how physical activity and sedentary behaviour influence cancer, and may lead to new strategies for cancer prevention.
New research has shown that chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a significant health issue for Aboriginal people living in regional and remote areas of Western Australia. The aim of this research is to reduce the burden this poorly recognised condition places on Aboriginal people and communities. To address this issue culturally appropriate CLBP information will be developed to build the skills of Aboriginal sufferers to self-manage pain, and health practitioners will be trained to deliver high qual ....New research has shown that chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a significant health issue for Aboriginal people living in regional and remote areas of Western Australia. The aim of this research is to reduce the burden this poorly recognised condition places on Aboriginal people and communities. To address this issue culturally appropriate CLBP information will be developed to build the skills of Aboriginal sufferers to self-manage pain, and health practitioners will be trained to deliver high quality care.Read moreRead less
The Economic Impact Of Managing Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease, Barretts Oesophagus And Oesophageal Cancer.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$301,764.00
Summary
Cancer of the oesophagus is a deadly disease with less than 20% of patients expected to live beyond one year after diagnosis. Oesophageal cancer is strongly linked to acid reflux and obesity. This study will look at the economic impact of treating patients for oesophageal cancer and associated precursor conditions and explore the cost-effectiveness of potential screening options for individuals at high-risk.