Discovering And Targeting Genes Regulating Skeletal Muscle Function, Metabolism, And Adaptations To Exercise Interventions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$431,000.00
Summary
Muscle wasting and decreased in mitochondrial function due to ageing or lack of physical activity are associated with reduced quality of life. The overarching aim is to develop a unique research program focusing on targeting specific genes, and to discover novel genes regulating muscle wasting and mitochondrial (dis)function. I anticipate this approach to assist in the development of targeted and personalised prevention and therapy for diseases associated with muscle (dis)function.
Central Blood Pressure: Physiology And Clinical Application
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$459,270.00
Summary
Current methods used by doctors to measure blood pressure (BP) have many limitations that could result in incorrect diagnosis and inappropriate treatment of high BP (hypertension). This research program will determine the clinical usefulness of new methods to diagnose and treat people with high BP. The underlying mechanisms contributing to high BP will also be examined. The findings will lead to improved ways to identify and more effectively manage people with high BP.
A pressure pulse may be felt at the wrist with every heart beat. New technology allows the analysis of this pulse and provides information that may help doctors make decisions about a patients risk related to blood pressure as well as the effect of drug treatment. The research aims to determine the clinical significance of pressure pulse analysis at rest and during light exercise. It is expected that the new technology will improve the way people with high blood pressure are treated.
Characterisation Of Sub-clinical Cardiac Dysfunction Using Novel Cardiac Exercise Imaging
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$429,552.00
Summary
Heart failure is caused by heart muscle weakness and is associated with reduced quality of life and survival. Identification of heart failure in its earliest stages provides clinicians with an opportunity to institute preventative measures and prevent patients from developing symptoms. This project utilises novel ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging techniques performed during exercise to identify heart muscle weakness at its earliest stage.
Using Technology Towards Effective Self-management Of Fall Risk In Older Adults
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$463,652.00
Summary
Our society’s population is ageing rapidly. Accidental falls are a major contributor to the burden of disease in older people and a major public health problem. In my research program, I use technology to find feasible solutions to deliver complex tailored interventions to prevent falls and support healthy ageing through self-management. My approach has potential to have major, lasting public health benefits by reducing falls and advancing healthy ageing at a low cost for the health care sector.
Innovative Approaches To Implement Falls Prevention Strategies In Older People
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,388.00
Summary
The overall aim is to reduce the number of falls and improve the quality of life of older citizens while containing the burden on carers and on the healthcare system. The project will combine research and technology, by partnering with Philips Research. It will follow three main streams, i.e. translation into practice using an “Information and Communication Technology” (ICT) approach, and finally implementation and dissemination.
Dysfunction In Anterior Cingulate Brain Networks: Implementations For Psychiatric And Substance Use Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$380,558.00
Summary
Psychiatric and substance use disorders are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Recent evidence points to discrete brain networks as being critically involved in the neurobiology of these disorders. Using novel brain imaging techniques, this research will increase our knowledge of how these brain networks are involved in these disorders. This will represent an important step towards elucidating their biological underpinnings and improving outcomes for affected patients.
Psychosocial Implications Of Genetic Counselling And Testing
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$443,946.00
Summary
I am a psychologist by background, and my research program focuses on the psychological impact of genetic counselling and testing for adult-onset disorders, in particular cancer susceptibility; psychological adjustment of those at risk for adult-onset disorders; and the design and evaluation of interventions in the genetic counselling setting, in particular the use of decision aids as an innovative means of patient education.
Behavioural And Health Services Research In Ophthalmology: Gaining And Implementing Evidence To Improve Patient Outcomes.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$253,465.00
Summary
This research program is focused on improving the outcomes for people with eye disease. Through a number of projects in different health care settings including ophthalmic services, low vision rehabilitation services and residential care, this research program will implement and evaluate new treatments or models of care that can improve people’s well-being, quality of life and clinical outcomes in a cost-effective manner.