Reconsideration Of The Mechanisms Underlying Movement Changes With Pain
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$401,361.00
Summary
Pain changes the way we move. Although undisputed, there is a surprising lack of agreement regarding the underlying mechanisms. This project involves an innovative mix of neurophysiological methods to investigate how the drive to muscle cells from the nervous system is altered during pain. We aim to resolve the perplexing problem of how pain changes our ability to activate muscle. Our findings are likely to provide a clear understanding of the underlying mechanisms and guide rehabilitation.
Exploring The Role Of MiRSNPs In Diagnosis And Prognosis Of Prostate Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$428,065.00
Summary
Genetic variants, when used alongside PSA and family history, could be a better early biomarker to identify men predisposable to develop prostate cancer or/and to distinguish slowly progressive from aggressive disease. We will undertake a comprehensive study on a special class of genetic variants "miRSNPs" in the non-coding region of the prostate cancer related genes and will also identify their mechanism of action, and their potential as a biomarker for prostate cancer diagnosis and prognosis.
Improving Upper Limb Function In Hereditary Cerebellar Ataxia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$437,034.00
Summary
Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) causes in-coordination and muscle weakness which may result in the affected person being unable to walk or use their arms effectively. In-coordination is a result of destruction of nerves in the spine and the area of the brain that controls movement (cerebellum). This study will assess the use of brain stimulation to improve coordination and function in people with FRDA. The results of this study may also result in treatments for similar inherited cerebellar ataxias.
Preventing Injury Through Evidence Based Product Design, Standards & Guidelines For Use
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$470,144.00
Summary
By 2020, road traffic injuries are predicted to become the third leading contributor to the global burden of disease. My vision is to prevent road crash-related by improving the performance of protective equipment. I will work to improve access to effective child restraint systems that are easy to use correctly; enhance safe mobility of older people; determine potential for improved motorcycle safety by enhanced design of vehicle and equipment; and appropriate use of motorcycles by children.
Developing Effective And Implementable Solutions To Reduce Traffic Injury Risk
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$415,218.00
Summary
By 2020 traffic crashes will be the 3rd leading cause of death and illness worldwide. This research works towards real solutions to reduce injury risk among child and elderly car occupants and motorcyclists by studying child restraints integrated into cars; restraint designs to improve comfort and protection for elderly occupants; education interventions for new immigrants; and risk factors for motorcycle crashes.