Development And Plasticity Of The Visual Cortex: An Anatomical And Functional Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$420,872.00
Summary
Much of the human brain is devoted to vision, which requires the integrated activity of many interconnected areas of the cerebral cortex. Damage to these areas is a relatively common complication of preterm delivery and- or perinatal conditions including trauma and infection. The aim of this project is to investigate the way in which the multiple visual areas of the brain develop and become 'wired' together, and determine how the brain can successfully compensate for damage to these areas.
Mood and anxiety disorders represent a tremendous cause of disability and morbidity. This research will use cutting-edge brain imaging technologies to understand why these disorders typically emerge in young people and whether brain imaging can reliably predict the effectiveness of different treatments for individual patients.
Reducing Perinatal Lung, Heart And Brain Injury In Preterm Infants – From Bench To The Clinic.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$463,652.00
Summary
Many infants are exposed to an adverse environment whilst developing in the womb, and are therefore at increased risk of lung, heart and brain injury, with life-long consequences. This research is focused on improving the entry into the world of vulnerable infants, thus reducing the risk and severity of brain injury.
How Sweet It Is: Diagnostic Clinical And Experimental Glycoproteomics
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$473,477.00
Summary
Most human proteins are modified by the addition of complex sugar groups, which are important for the correct function of these key biological molecules. This fellowship will develop a suite of robust mass spectrometry glycoproteomic analytics for use in conjunction with clinical cohorts, model systems and in vitro biochemistry to investigate fundamental aspects controlling N-glycosylation in disease and translation to clinical diagnostics.
The pathology of many acute and chronic diseases associated with the inappropriate activation of genetically encoded programmed cell death pathways, such as sepsis, stroke, diabetes and neurodegeneration, is linked to detrimental inflammation. This project will accurately define at the molecular level how programmed cell death triggers inflammatory responses, and use this knowledge to test novel and next-generation therapeutic strategies in inflammatory-driven diseases.
Structural Connectomes In Traumatic Brain Injury: Can Secondary Disease Progression Be Stopped And Cognitive Deficits Be Reversed?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$431,000.00
Summary
Many people with traumatic brain injury (TBI) experience cognitive problems, including poor memory and concentration. TBI is often referred to as a ‘hidden disability’ because the overwhelming majority of patients with TBI show no abnormalities on standard MRI or CT scans. In my project, I will delineate the mechanisms of secondary injury in finer detail through enhanced neuroimaging techniques, resulting in new assessment and treatment modalities for individuals with TBI.
Genetic Influence On Cognitive Function And Medication Response In Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$401,361.00
Summary
ADHD is one of the most common child mental health conditions, with cognitive deficits that impact everyday functioning, educational and social outcomes. Not all children with ADHD achieve equal benefit from medication. The disorder appears to be genetic with many genes contributing a small risk for the disorder. This project asks how DNA variation influences ADHD brain function and how they respond to medication. This project is important to improve the clinical diagnosis and outcome for ADHD.