Discovering genes for singing ability in Australian families. Music abilities are core to what makes us human, with singing ubiquitous in all cultures. Anecdotal evidence suggests that singing ability runs in families, supporting its genetic basis, however no research has systematically traced it across generations. Using an innovative web-based singing program and the latest molecular genetic techniques, this project aims to discover singing ability genes through the first Australian study of l ....Discovering genes for singing ability in Australian families. Music abilities are core to what makes us human, with singing ubiquitous in all cultures. Anecdotal evidence suggests that singing ability runs in families, supporting its genetic basis, however no research has systematically traced it across generations. Using an innovative web-based singing program and the latest molecular genetic techniques, this project aims to discover singing ability genes through the first Australian study of large families with many talented singers. This will generate new knowledge on the origins of human musicality and help Australia develop a sustainable source of cultural capital. It will build interdisciplinary research capacity and inform bespoke music learning programs that account for individual differences.Read moreRead less
The genetic basis of singing ability. This project aims to explore the heritability of music ability, focusing on singing and the contribution of genetic and environmental influences. Research suggests that deliberate practice (more than 10,000 hours) produces skilled musicianship, with minimal investigation of genetic influences. Mapping the human genome has opened up a new scientific frontier, and this project’s findings are expected to lead to the discovery of genes for singing. This will hel ....The genetic basis of singing ability. This project aims to explore the heritability of music ability, focusing on singing and the contribution of genetic and environmental influences. Research suggests that deliberate practice (more than 10,000 hours) produces skilled musicianship, with minimal investigation of genetic influences. Mapping the human genome has opened up a new scientific frontier, and this project’s findings are expected to lead to the discovery of genes for singing. This will help design and deliver music education programmes that take individual differences into account, differentiating between heritable aspects of musicianship and those more influenced by training.Read moreRead less
Locating genes for cognitive traits using linkage and association analyses. Our study is the 1st in the world to find significant linkage for IQ.The dataset is one of only 2 such in the world (based on sample size, range & type of measures).Identifying genes for cognitive ability using healthy subjects is important in understanding individual differences in normal cognitive functioning, but it may also provide clues into the underlying mechanisms of impaired cognitive ability. Diverging conditio ....Locating genes for cognitive traits using linkage and association analyses. Our study is the 1st in the world to find significant linkage for IQ.The dataset is one of only 2 such in the world (based on sample size, range & type of measures).Identifying genes for cognitive ability using healthy subjects is important in understanding individual differences in normal cognitive functioning, but it may also provide clues into the underlying mechanisms of impaired cognitive ability. Diverging conditions like reading disorder, schizophrenia, depression, alcoholism, and dementia all share deficits in cognitive ability.Downstream practical applications of identifying 'genes for cognition' include better educational, behavioural and biomedical management of learning and memory disorders, and other intellectual disabilities.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE160100088
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$390,000.00
Summary
Central nervous system insulin and hippocampal-dependent cognitive function. This project plans to examine the effects of both infusion of insulin into the brain and the genetic knockdown of insulin transport and activity on cognitive function in mice. This project should increase our understanding of how circulating insulin enters the brain to influence the brain and resulting behaviours.
Behaviour-genetic studies of literacy, language and attention. The primary national benefit will be the unrivalled picture that emerges about how genetic factors interact with aspects of the family and educational environment to determine the course of a child's progress in literacy and language. Policy makers will be able to use the information to guide curriculum refinement, and to develop policies for the identification and instruction of children at developmental risk in these domains. The p ....Behaviour-genetic studies of literacy, language and attention. The primary national benefit will be the unrivalled picture that emerges about how genetic factors interact with aspects of the family and educational environment to determine the course of a child's progress in literacy and language. Policy makers will be able to use the information to guide curriculum refinement, and to develop policies for the identification and instruction of children at developmental risk in these domains. The project will also strengthen Australia's position in the cutting-edge field of behavioural genetics through the postdoctoral support of a young scientist.Read moreRead less
Biological and behavioural rhythms of Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder. Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder is a disabling and prevalent sleep disorder in the adolescent and young adult population. Using an innovative laboratory method this project will carry out the world's first comprehensive study of it. The results of this study will point the way to an effective treatment of this presently poorly treated disorder.
Motor control of the upper airway muscle genioglossus. This project aims to evaluate a recent proposal about the motor control of the upper airway muscle Genioglossus. The upper airway muscles, the most complex in the human body, are critical for breathing and speaking, but are not well understood. Genioglossus draws the base of the tongue forward to maintain airway patency. This project will study genioglossus during wakefulness and sleep in normal healthy individuals. It is anticipated that th ....Motor control of the upper airway muscle genioglossus. This project aims to evaluate a recent proposal about the motor control of the upper airway muscle Genioglossus. The upper airway muscles, the most complex in the human body, are critical for breathing and speaking, but are not well understood. Genioglossus draws the base of the tongue forward to maintain airway patency. This project will study genioglossus during wakefulness and sleep in normal healthy individuals. It is anticipated that the project will suggest improved avenues for treatment of sleep related respiratory disorders.Read moreRead less
Understanding the physiological changes accompanying arousal from sleep. This project aims to investigate neural memory in upper airway dilator muscles. Following brief awakening from sleep (arousal), upper airway dilator muscle activity is elevated for 20–30 seconds despite inhibitory stimuli being present. The cause for the elevated activity is unknown. This project aims to investigate whether a form of neural memory contributes to the elevated activity. It expects to demonstrate that arousal ....Understanding the physiological changes accompanying arousal from sleep. This project aims to investigate neural memory in upper airway dilator muscles. Following brief awakening from sleep (arousal), upper airway dilator muscle activity is elevated for 20–30 seconds despite inhibitory stimuli being present. The cause for the elevated activity is unknown. This project aims to investigate whether a form of neural memory contributes to the elevated activity. It expects to demonstrate that arousal can induce a neural memory that is not inhibited by usual stimuli. The findings are expected to increase our understanding of normal human functioning but may also have implications for conditions where upper airway muscles are important such as dysphagia, sleep apnea and numerous other sleep disorders.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE190101244
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$342,411.00
Summary
Unravelling the relationship between food and the brain. This project aims to investigate how highly palatable foods that are high in fat and sugar, interact with the brain to cause their overconsumption. Highly palatable foods cause plasticity in brain reward circuitry in a manner similar to drugs of abuse. Identifying how these "junk" foods interact with reward areas of the brain will explore the neural mechanisms underlying the hedonic nature of appetite. This project will not only inform our ....Unravelling the relationship between food and the brain. This project aims to investigate how highly palatable foods that are high in fat and sugar, interact with the brain to cause their overconsumption. Highly palatable foods cause plasticity in brain reward circuitry in a manner similar to drugs of abuse. Identifying how these "junk" foods interact with reward areas of the brain will explore the neural mechanisms underlying the hedonic nature of appetite. This project will not only inform our understanding of how exposure to these foods can contribute to overeating and obesity, a huge and growing problem in Australia, but will also provide evidence to inform policy options relevant to advertising and marketing of these foods.Read moreRead less
Identifying genes for cognition. We have established a large twin sample and are the Australian arm of an international consortium to identify genes for cognition. This work will transform our understanding of brain functions that affect normal cognitive functioning. It has potentially enormous public health significance by providing clues into the underlying mechanisms of impaired cognitive ability. Many different conditions affect people's ability to think and remember (e.g. schizophrenia, dem ....Identifying genes for cognition. We have established a large twin sample and are the Australian arm of an international consortium to identify genes for cognition. This work will transform our understanding of brain functions that affect normal cognitive functioning. It has potentially enormous public health significance by providing clues into the underlying mechanisms of impaired cognitive ability. Many different conditions affect people's ability to think and remember (e.g. schizophrenia, dementia). By understanding how cognitive processes work in healthy individuals, we can better identify the fundamental mechanisms of impaired cognitive ability. This may have future applications for treating brain dysfunction, and managing memory of intellectual disabilities.Read moreRead less