Central Neural Circuits Subserving Nutrient–activated Thermogenesis - The Basis Of Post Prandial Energy Expenditure
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$766,207.00
Summary
Studies of “energy burning” brown fat, including its importance in the determination of obesity in humans and the potential to increase its capacity by turning white fat into brown-like fat are currently foremost in obesity research. Here we study the detail of brain pathways that dictate brown fat activity after a meal resulting in the burning of ingested calories and reduction of body weight. The results will give us a better idea of how we can harness brown fat to combat obesity.
Central Neural Regulation Of Brown Fat Function – Glucose Sensing And CNS Pathways
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$761,942.00
Summary
Our research aims to identify how specific brain cells detect changes in glucose levels and how ageing and diet affect their function. We identified a subset of nerve cells that detect changes in glucose and the “hunger” hormone ghrelin, their ability to do so adapting with age and nutritional status. This project will investigate the potential of these nerve cells as targets for therapeutic and diet- intervention strategies to target obesity, diabetes and promote healthy ageing.
Defining Epigenetic Predictors Of Long-term Outcomes Of Preterm Birth
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$409,408.00
Summary
On average, those born premature do worse health-wise than those born at term. However, some do worse than others. Our aim is to identify these people at birth to better help doctors and parents to closely monitor their health. For this, we will be “reading the diary of pregnancy” in the molecules added to chromosomes in blood during pregnancy in young adults with will characterised states of health. We will analyse DNA from blood that we will extract from stored heel prick spots.
A Phase III Trial Comparing Adjuvant Versus Salvage Radiotherapy For High Risk Patients Post Radical Prostatectomy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$819,138.00
Summary
About half of all patients Treated with an operation to remove their prostate cancer have a high chance of the cancer coming back. Giving immediate radiotherapy to all patients will improve cure rates but does not benefit all men and can cause significant side effects. This study explores whether it is safe to wait and only give radiotherapy when there is a rising PSA after surgery indicating active cancer. A total of 470 men from Australasia will enter this study comparing the two approaches.
Transplantation of pancreatic islets is the only cure for type 1 diabetes (T1D). Unfortunately, many of the transplanted islet cells die quickly due to an inadequate supply of blood. Herein, we investigate a novel cell surface protein for its role in islet and blood vessel survival and function. Furthermore, we use nanotechnology to provide said protein to the islet cells during transplantation for increased survival and function. Ultimately, this work may cure more patients with diabetes.
Defining The Epigenetic Origins Of Maternally Inherited Disease.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$731,162.00
Summary
Epigenetic (non genetic) changes to the DNA in sperm and eggs can alter outcomes in children. Despite the potential for drugs and diet to mediate some of these inherited effects, the processes involved are very poorly understood. By determining the mechanisms that regulate epigenetic inheritance, this project will improve our understanding of how epigenetic mechanisms acting in the parent, can mediate inherited disease and life-long health outcomes in our children.
Benefits Of Home-based Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation In Non Small Cell Lung Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$581,039.00
Summary
Lung cancer is the third leading cause of death in Australia. People with lung cancer experience a complex mix of symptoms that can provoke significant distress and impair physical function. This study aims to develop and test a home based exercise and self-management support program to increase function and physical activity levels, reduce levels of depression and improve quality of life of people with lung cancer.
The Contribution Of Home Language Exposure To Intergenerational Transmission Of Inequality
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,281,706.00
Summary
The amount of language stimulation from parent to child could be the key driver behind intergenerational inequality. Children learn language through social interaction and this study will significantly enhance our current understanding of exposure to language in the child's home environment. The study will demonstrate how inequalities in the early years have far reaching consequences for later health and development.
Control Of Human ? Cell Differentiation And Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$616,979.00
Summary
Diabetes is a condition in which the body is unable to regulate the level of glucose in the blood. Blood glucose is normally controlled by a particular cell type, the beta cell, which is found in the pancreas. In diabetes, this cell is either missing or does not function correctly. This project will produce human beta cells in the laboratory that can be used to find out what goes wrong in diabetes.
Aboriginal Families Study: 5-6 Year Follow-up Of An Intergenerational Birth Cohort
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,676,056.00
Summary
This study will extend follow-up mothers and children in an existing cohort of 344 women who gave birth to an Aboriginal baby in South Australia between July 2011 and June 2013. The study will investigate the health of mothers and children, as the children in the study start school. The study will provide important information about the contribution of early life experiences to health and developmental trajectories of children, and the complex interplay of maternal and child health.