Identification of genetic polymorphisms of synaptically expressed genes that contribute to variation in normal brain function. This project focuses on understanding brain functions. Brain and mind disorders are by far the largest contributors to the burden of disability, far exceeding any other disorder. This research will contribute to knowledge through addressing the national research priority promoting and maintaining good health. The research outcomes will form the scientific knowledge base ....Identification of genetic polymorphisms of synaptically expressed genes that contribute to variation in normal brain function. This project focuses on understanding brain functions. Brain and mind disorders are by far the largest contributors to the burden of disability, far exceeding any other disorder. This research will contribute to knowledge through addressing the national research priority promoting and maintaining good health. The research outcomes will form the scientific knowledge base essential for the translation of the project into public benefit through their application in development of new testing paradigms for a range of brain and mind disorders. Read moreRead less
The Identification And Treatment Of Cognitive And Social Deficits In Neurofibromatosis Type 1
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$99,073.00
Summary
Cognitive, learning and social difficulties are frequently reported in children with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). There is an absence of research into the underlying causes of social problems in NF1 and only a handful of studies have reported on therapeutic possibilities. We will examine the relationship between theory of mind, ADHD, cognition and social functioning in NF1. We will also evaluate the efficacy of Ritalin as a treatment of cognition and social skills in NF1.
The articulate brain. Language is essential to human interaction, yet we know comparatively little about the mental processes involved and how they are represented in the brain, how genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development of language, or how effective treatments of language disorders work. The significance of this program of research lies in its capacity to enhance our understanding of a range of mechanisms responsible for a fundamentally human ability, and provide inform ....The articulate brain. Language is essential to human interaction, yet we know comparatively little about the mental processes involved and how they are represented in the brain, how genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development of language, or how effective treatments of language disorders work. The significance of this program of research lies in its capacity to enhance our understanding of a range of mechanisms responsible for a fundamentally human ability, and provide information that will ultimately inform clinical practice. In particular, new knowledge about the brain mechanisms involved in language processing and recovery will inform clinicians about the optimal choice of treatment to maximise outcomes for the individual patient. Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0882219
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$100,000.00
Summary
Infrastructure for an integrated cognitive neurophysiological research facility: Mapping the neurobiology of memory and language. The Integrated Cognitive Neurophysiological Research Facility will enhance Australia's national research capacity in cognitive neuroscience by enabling large numbers of researchers and graduate students to investigate the neuroscience of memory and language in a collaborative, multi-disciplinary research environment. The facility will deliver national benefits by unco ....Infrastructure for an integrated cognitive neurophysiological research facility: Mapping the neurobiology of memory and language. The Integrated Cognitive Neurophysiological Research Facility will enhance Australia's national research capacity in cognitive neuroscience by enabling large numbers of researchers and graduate students to investigate the neuroscience of memory and language in a collaborative, multi-disciplinary research environment. The facility will deliver national benefits by uncovering the ways in which areas of the brain are used to remember events and process language. This information can then be used to understand how damage to the brain (such as in stroke or disease) can disrupt memory and language and subsequently lead to more effective neurorehabilitation techniques.Read moreRead less
Truncating presenilin mutations and their effects on gamma-secretase activity, tau and beta-catenin - insights into Alzheimers disease and cancer. Cancer and dementia are primarily afflictions of the aged and are increasingly important in an aging Australian population. 95% of all Alzheimer's disease is spontaneous (not inherited) but we know little about the molecular mechanisms underlying it. Our discovery that truncated presenilin proteins potently inhibit normal protein function suggests tha ....Truncating presenilin mutations and their effects on gamma-secretase activity, tau and beta-catenin - insights into Alzheimers disease and cancer. Cancer and dementia are primarily afflictions of the aged and are increasingly important in an aging Australian population. 95% of all Alzheimer's disease is spontaneous (not inherited) but we know little about the molecular mechanisms underlying it. Our discovery that truncated presenilin proteins potently inhibit normal protein function suggests that changes in presenilin function in aged cells might be a common molecular link between spontaneous and inherited Alzheimer's disease and could contribute to frontotemporal dementia and cancer. Our research will show whether this phenomenon might provide a breakthrough in our understanding of these diseases and be a productive area for research into their amelioration and/or prevention.Read moreRead less
Epilepsy is a common disease in the Australian population affecting 3 percent of individuals. It incurs lifelong medical, social and educational costs, and in some cases can be fatal. It is a large burden on public healthcare in Australia. Focal epilepsies are the most common type of seizure that arise from specific parts of the brain. This study has two aims and a future strategy relevant to gene discovery and clinical testing for focal epilepsy.