Context Is Everything – Understanding How Spatial, Temporal And Behavioural Context Affect Sensory Processing
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$512,382.00
Summary
A possum in a tree is cute to see on a bushwalk, but scary to hear when we are trying to sleep. This illustrates that how we perceive a “target” is affected by “modulators” that are close in space or time to the target, or by the task at hand. Deficits in contextual modulation are apparent in many neurological conditions. This project will investigate the neural circuitry that mediates spatial, temporal and task-related contextual modulation.
Abnormalities in cells at the back of the eye called photoreceptors are associated with at least 50% of all cases of blindness in this country.This project will examine a novel mechanism of photoreceptor death. In particular, whether abnormalties in support cells at the back of the eye cause photoreceptors to lose contact with their nutrient source and die.
The Role Of Gliosis In Advanced Retinal Degeneration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$457,785.00
Summary
The development of treatments that restore vision assumes that the output neurons of the retina remain intact. Yet, there is now considerable evidence that the neurons that signal from the retina to the brain are altered in those that have degenerative diseases of the retina. Here, we will examine the cause of these cellular changes in an animal model and seek to prevent the loss of output neurons. This information is crucial for the development of treatments that seeks to restore vision.
Neuronal Activity And Variability Underlying Perception And Action
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$349,802.00
Summary
Perception and behaviour are often unpredictable. We do not identically perceive repeated stimuli, and even professional athletes cannot precisely replicate their actions. This project compares variations in the activity of motion-sensitive neurons in the brain with variability in motion perception and eye movements. This should give insights into how neuronal activity underlies conscious perception and eye movements and may ultimately help treat conditions with impaired control of movement.
Understanding The Organisation Of The Medial Parietal Cortex: Sensorimotor Integration For Goal-directed Behaviour
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$551,862.00
Summary
Reaching and grasping are of obvious significance for a productive life, and many of the brain areas known to be involved in the direction of arm movements are located in the parietal lobe. Stroke affecting this part of the brain causes disability, as people become unable to reach accurately, or to close their hands around objects with appropriate strength. This project will combine modern physiological and anatomical methods to reveal the brain circuitry responsible for such crucial skills.