Neurocognitive Studies Of Reward Sensitivity In Opiate Addiction And Its Influence On Addiction-related Behaviour
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$258,275.00
Summary
Drug abuse is the greatest single preventable risk factor for physical illness and death in Australians . Our understanding of the neural and cognitive mechanisms that contribute to the transition from drug use to addiction is not yet complete. The current proposal investigates cognitive control dysfunction, most notably the impulsivity for reward seen in drug addiction that is known to predict the transition from drug use to addiction and relapse during treatment.
The brain plays a major role in the overconsumption of high fat/high sugar foods and this contributes to obesity but it receives little attention when it comes to developing novel treatments. My lab showed that a FDA-approved smoking cessation medication, that is a nicotinic receptor modulator, decreased the overconsumption of sugar. This project aims are to identify which nicotinic receptors and brain circuits are involved in the overconsumption of sucrose to improve treatments for obesity.
A Randomised Trial Of An Intervention To Sustain Schools’ Implementation Of A State-wide Physical Activity Policy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,054,151.00
Summary
Sustaining effective health programmes in community-based settings is a considerable public health challenge. This study, the first RCT of its kind, will test the effectiveness of a sustainability strategy on the proportion of primary school classes that sustain implementation of a physical activity policy as mandated by the NSW Government. The trial could provide a model for supporting schools to sustain school health or education policies, which seek to improve wellbeing of students.
Stillbirth is a global public health problem. In Australia, almost 3,000 stillbirths occur each year and death places a significant psychological burden on parents, families and caregivers. The community impacts through social and economic costs are also substantial. Many stillbirths are preventable with known and novel interventions. Through a CRE dedicated to stillbirth, we aim to strengthen our collaborations locally and internationally, and reduce stillbirth, and improve care for parents.
Building Evidence To Improve Health Through Optimal Diet
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$463,652.00
Summary
This research will focus on dietary patterns in population health across the life-course. We know little about how dietary patterns and their determinants vary across life and the impact of life-stage transitions on diet and health. This research will provide unique insights into dietary patterns of infants, children, young adults and older adults.
Translating Neuroscience Into Treatments And Public Health Policies For Addictive Behaviours
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$425,048.00
Summary
Advances from neuroscience promise to revolutionise our ability to treat and prevent addictive disorders such as gambling, overeating and drug addiction. These developments may also have unexpected clinical consequences, undermine individuals’ belief in their control over their behaviour or increase stigma and discrimination. This project will develop clinical guidelines and public health policy recommendations to ensure that we realise the benefits of neuroscience while minimising social harms.
The Women’s Wellness After Cancer Program: A National Multisite Randomised Clinical Trial Of An E-Health Enabled Lifestyle Modification Intervention To Improve The Health And Wellness Of Women After Cancer Treatment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,209,031.00
Summary
Advances in diagnostics, treatment and clinical practice have transformed some cancers from fatal to chronic and sometimes curable diseases. Many Australian women now live with the effects of cancer treatment and are at risk of cancer recurrence, chronic disease and poor quality of life. The Womens Wellness After Cancer Program aims to maximise the wellbeing of women treated for cancer, utilising internet and Smartphone technology to support them to live healthier lifestyles.