My research activities can be broadly classified into three strands: epidemiology of fracture, genetics of osteoporosis, and application of Bayesian approach in medical research. The major epidemiological work has included the development of models for in
Sensory Impairment: Causes, Impacts And Interventions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,233,350.00
Summary
The team will bring focused expertise to building Australian research capacity in the relatively underdeveloped priority area of sensory impairment. The focused, practical program of sensory impairment population health research includes the themes of epidemiology of sensory impairment (particularly vision and hearing); vascular, genetic, nutritional inter-relationships with sensory impairment and associated diseases, and impacts of sensory impairment on independent living.
Common Susceptibility Genes Underlying The Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsies (IGE) - A Genome-wide Scanning Approach
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$212,063.00
Summary
Epilepsy is the most common serious brain condition. Seizures affect about 10% of people at some time in their life and their consequences are an important public health problem. The most common group of inherited epilepsies account for about 30% of childhood epilepsy and 20% of adult epilepsy. This study will be the first in Australia and one of only a few worldwide to take a population-based approach to investigating the link between epilepsy and genetic inheritance.
Anogenital Human Papillomavirus Infection And Its Outcomes In Men
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$333,433.00
Summary
Anal human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is common in homosexual men. Low risk types cause anal warts and high risk types of HPV cause anal cancer. This study will determine incidence and risk factors for HPV infection in a cohort of young homosexual men, the association of anal warts treatment with HIV risk, and the specific association of HPV subtypes with anal cancer. The findings of this research will help delineate the potential benefits of HPV vaccination in this population.
Understanding The Health Effects Of Biomass Smoke In Australian Towns And Cities
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$172,392.00
Summary
Wildfires have become more frequent and severe the world over and the health impacts of the associated air pollution is a major gap in the current evidence. Working with lead agencies in air quality regulation, public health and fire management I will examine and compare the health effects of air pollution from deliberate burns, bushfires, wood heaters and other sources of air pollution. The research will focus on respiratory and heart disease to inform public health and individual patient care.
Metabolic And Hormonal Pathways In Gynecological Cancer - Epidemiological Studies Of Risk And Survival
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$288,275.00
Summary
Metabolic and hormonal factors probably play a role in a womans chance of developing and surviving gynecological cancer, but the exact mechanisms are unclear. This project will use questionnaire information, blood and tumour samples of over 5,000 Australian women to examine the mechanisms leading to cancer development and survival among women with uterine and ovarian cancer, the two commonest female reproductive cancers. Results will help plan primary prevention strategies and care.
David Whiteman is a medical epidemiologist with a special interest in the causes, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of cancer. His work has focussed on melanoma and skin cancer, and more recently, on cancers of the upper gastro-intestinal tract.
Genetic And Environmental Epidemiology Of Early-onset Melanoma In The Australian Melanoma Family Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$412,210.00
Summary
This project will investigate the genetic and environmental causes of melanoma, especially melanoma developing under the age of 40 in Australian families. This project will help to identify which people are at greatest risk of developing melanoma, by identifying the genes involved in melanoma development and the contribution of environmental and lifestyle factors to the disease. We will also determine how much hereditary factors contribute to melanoma risk.