Seizures appear unpredictable and greatly affect the quality of all aspects of life for patients with epilepsy and their carers. New advances in complex systems theory suggest that transitions from normal brain activity to seizures are preceded by measurable changes in the brain’s responses to stimuli, known as critical slowing. Measurement of critical slowing will enable prediction of seizures, providing a warning system, and possibly an opportunity to deliver preventative therapies.
Investigating New Molecular Mechanisms That Contribute To The Establishment Of Epigenetic Silencing
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,488,142.00
Summary
Epigenetic marks are changes made to the DNA which help genes to be switched off in some cells and switched on in others e.g. for elastin to be switched on in skin and off in blood. Epigenetic marks are critical to normal development. We are interested in the genes that are necessary to add epigenetic marks to the DNA and understanding how the many genes involved in this process co-operate at the molecular level to switch genes off.
Monitoring Cortical Excitability Using A Probing Stimulus For Epileptic Seizure Anticipation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$392,997.00
Summary
Millions of people with epilepsy suffer from seizures that cannot be controlled by medication. Life-threatening seizure may strike at any time, restricting patients from leaving their homes due the constant fear of a seizure. This research offers hope for people with epilepsy by developing a method of anticipating seizures. Successful outcomes will not only provide a warning of impending seizures, but also an opportunity for intervention, thereby preventing seizures.
Circadian Clock Regulation Of Dendritic Cell Metabolism And Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,768.00
Summary
Immunological and metabolic parameters change with the time of day, and are known as circadian rhythms. These fluctuations are critical for host adaptation to the environment and anticipate any increased risks of tissue damage and infection that accompany changes in activity and feeding. How the molecular circadian clock influences innate control of adaptive immunity is unknown. We will investigate how circadian proteins influence immune function through their sensing of nutrient and metabolic
Altering Meal Times To Reverse The Metabolic Consequences Of Shift Work
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$735,715.00
Summary
Shift work disrupts the internal body clock, which increases the risk for obesity and type 2 diabetes. Our research demonstrates meal timing plays an important role in this metabolic disturbance. Data from animal studies suggests that the adverse consequences of shift work can be reduced by eating only during the day. This study will investigate if this also occurs in humans, potentially leading to a straightforward solution to reduce the burden of chronic diseases in shift workers.
Utilising Functional Magnetic Imaging To Predict Pre-clinical Parkinson�s Disease In Patients With Idiopathic Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behaviour Disorder
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$83,712.00
Summary
In an ageing Australian population a rise in the number of people with neurodegenerative conditions, such as Parkinson's Disease (PD) is inevitable. The ability to accurately identify those people who are destined to develop such diseases, might offer a mechanism by which such progression could be aborted. This project will seek to identify a reliable method whereby cases of PD could be detected several years before they can currently be diagnosed.