Gene-environment Interactions, Experience-dependent Plasticity And Pathogenic Mechanisms In Mouse Models Of Cognitive And Affective Disorders. Mental And Physical Activity As Modulators Of Brain And Behaviour In Healthy And Diseased States.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$250,805.00
Summary
Our aim is to understand how genes and environment combine to affect susceptibility to various brain disorders. We are using specific models involving human gene mutations associated with diseases, and manipulating environmental factors such as mental and physical activity. We are focused on neurological and psychiatric disorders, including Huntington’s disease, depression and schizophrenia. These efforts to understand brain diseases will facilitate development of therapeutic approaches.
Molecular Mediators, Epigenetic Modulators And Therapeutic Targets For Cognitive Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$763,845.00
Summary
Brain disorders constitute an enormous, and growing, burden. My research investigates how genes and environment combine to cause disorders of cognition, including dementia, schizophrenia and autism. The research will provide new insights into these disorders, at the level of molecules, cells and behaviour. I will explore how genetic and environmental factors interact, with a focus on mental activity, physical exercise and stress, which affect a range of neurological and psychiatric disorders.
Identifying The Genetic And Environmental Causes Of Congenital Malformation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$774,540.00
Summary
Birth defects are common, devastating and costly to families and to society. The cause is unknown in 80% of cases. This research is helping families by finding the gene mutations that cause birth defects. Gene discoveries, in some cases, will highlight environmental factors that are important for normal embryo formation, such as oxygen levels and dietary components. By identifying gene and environmental factors associated with causing birth defects, we hope to ameliorate or prevent many cases.
Exploring The Impact Of The Built Environment On Health And Health Behaviour Outcomes And The Translation Of Evidence Into Policy And Practice
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$841,575.00
Summary
Globally there is growing concern about the health, social, environmental, and economic impacts of rising levels of inactivity and obesity, coupled with projected population growth, climate change, declining oil supplies and rising fuel prices. Creating pedestrian-, cycling- and transit-friendly environments and encouraging alternative forms of transport is a priority. Working with policy-makers, this research aims to influence urban planning policy to create healthy, sustainable communities.
Chronic pain afflicts 1 in 5 Australians; it is one of our most expensive health care problems. Prof Moseley's research asks: (1) Why do some people get chronic pain but others don't? (ii) How can we treat chronic pain so sufferers can return to a meaningful, productive and comfortable life? (iii) How can we stop chronic pain from developing in the first place? His research involves behavioural and physiological experiments in humans, that lead to new treatments, which are tested in clinical tri ....Chronic pain afflicts 1 in 5 Australians; it is one of our most expensive health care problems. Prof Moseley's research asks: (1) Why do some people get chronic pain but others don't? (ii) How can we treat chronic pain so sufferers can return to a meaningful, productive and comfortable life? (iii) How can we stop chronic pain from developing in the first place? His research involves behavioural and physiological experiments in humans, that lead to new treatments, which are tested in clinical trials.Read moreRead less
Clinically Severe Obesity: A Better Understanding Of A Complex Condition, Improving Health Outcomes Through Effective Therapies, And Delivering A Comprehensive Clinical Pathway.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$701,539.00
Summary
Clinically severe obesity impacts on the health of 7-8% or 1.5 million Australians, yet poor access to integrated effective care. This challenging area of healthcare is distorted by perceptions and beliefs that are frequently contrary to clinical and physiological research findings. Professor Dixon’s plan is to: 1) To learn more about clinically severe obesity, 2) improve the assessment and delivery of effective care, and 3) improve clinical capacity to better care for these Australians.
The Role Of Maternal Asthma In The Health Of Mother, Fetus And Child
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$621,458.00
Summary
A/Prof Clifton is a world leader in the area of maternal asthma and pregnancy. Her strengths relate to the fact that she can interface between basic science and the clinic in order to change clinical practice and policy. She consistently publishes her work and is regularly invited as a plenary speaker. She is a recognised leader in her field by her many prestigious appointments. She was awarded an outstanding mentor award 2011 in recognition of her contribution to student supervision and staff m ....A/Prof Clifton is a world leader in the area of maternal asthma and pregnancy. Her strengths relate to the fact that she can interface between basic science and the clinic in order to change clinical practice and policy. She consistently publishes her work and is regularly invited as a plenary speaker. She is a recognised leader in her field by her many prestigious appointments. She was awarded an outstanding mentor award 2011 in recognition of her contribution to student supervision and staff mentoring.Read moreRead less
Prevention And Management Of Chronic Disease In Primary Health Care
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$898,008.00
Summary
Over the past 10 years, Mark Harris has developed and led an innovate program of research on better ways to prevent and manage chronic disease in primary health care. This has included research on early intervention to assess and reduce the risk factors for these conditions involving innovative approaches to patient education; team based care; information and decision support systems. This research is now being extended to focus on disadvantaged groups and communities.
Whiplash Injury: Mechanisms, Prediction And Directives For Improved Management Strategies.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$772,359.00
Summary
Whiplash is a costly condition with many people developing chronic symptoms. This research aims to improve the understating of involved mechanisms, diagnosis and classification of the condition from the time of injury until either recovery or the development of persistent pain. This will facilitate the early identification of those at risk of poor recovery and will lay the foundations for the development of improved early management, particularly in primary care.
Promoting Recovery After Neurotrauma: Basic Science, Clinical Trials And Community Engagement
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$356,269.00
Summary
To promote recovery after neurotrauma by controlling the spread of damage and by maximising function in surviving circuits. The work involves animal models & nanotechnology as well as clinical rehabilitation trials in humans with spinal cord injury.