NHMRC research success puts health under microscope

Doctor against wall 

The National Health and Medical Research Council has announced $5.3 million dollars in funding for Western Sydney University, reflecting the University's expanding health and medical research capabilities.

Western Sydney University was awarded funding for seven research projects through the prestigious National Health and Medical Research Council (opens in a new window) (NHMRC).

The funding will allow Western researchers to conduct cutting-edge investigations into areas of national significance, such as diabetes, persistent pain and dementia.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Development) Professor Scott Holmes says Western Sydney University is determined to address the health challenges of modern Australia.

"As an ageing nation, Australia is facing increased challenges that require novel solutions," says Professor Holmes.

"Our academics are at the forefront of the medical research needed to ensure we all live happy and healthy lives, long into the future."

"Looking ahead, our plan to establish a Translational Health Research Institute will bring together clinical trials, insights into health practice changes and emerging trends in community health to broaden our understanding of health and the human body."

Ends

9 November 2015

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NHMRC Project Grants

Investigating Proprioception and Sensorimotor Control in humans devoid of functional muscle spindles

Professor Vaughan Macefield
Specific genetic mutations can lead to widespread changes in the body. Here we are looking at congenital Hereditary and Sensory Autonomic Neuropathy type III (HSAN III). Affected individuals have difficulty walking, which progressively worsens over time. This series of experiments aims to increase our understanding of the underlying neurophysiological disturbances in HSAN III.

Functional identification of cortical and subcortical sites responsible for neurogenic hypertension in humans

Professor Vaughan Macefield, Associate Professor Luke Henderson, Professor Annemarie Hennessy, Associate Professor Angela Makris
Blood pressure is normally maintained at a relatively constant level through reflexes involving the brainstem, but we have recently shown that higher areas of the brain are also involved in the regulation of blood pressure in humans. Here, we will use the novel methodologies we have developed to study functional and structural changes in the brain in patients with essential and renovascular hypertension.

The Treatment Of Booking Gestational diabetes Mellitus Study: The TOBOGM study

Professor David Simmons, Professor William Hague, Professor Helena Teede, Professor Ngai Cheung, Professor Christopher Nolan, Professor Michael, Associate Professor Federico Girosi, Professor Christopher Cowell
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) related pregnancy complications are reduced with treatment from 24-28 weeks pregnant. Many women are diagnosed/treated earlier without evidence of benefit and possible risk of harm. In TOBOGM women under 20 weeks pregnant with mildly raised blood glucose will be allocated by chance to either immediate treatment, or awaiting a repeat diabetes test at 24-28 weeks pregnant to decide treatment. Harmful and beneficial effects on mother and baby will be compared.

Longitudinal analysis of a cohort of 20,765 Australians for the prevention of cardiovascular events among people with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Doctor Thomas Astell-Burt, Doctor Xiaoqi Feng
The built environments where people live influences lifestyles and health, as well as whether people in need of healthcare can access relevant services. We will use very large data to examine if the success of clinical management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) on sustained lifestyle change and in preventing heart attacks is influenced by local built environment. Results will be translated to practitioners of T2DM management to help promote cardiovascular health.


NHMRC - ARC Dementia Fellowship

Mood Regulation Using Music: A Community Health Strategy for Improving Quality of Life in People With Mild Dementia

Dr Sandra Maxine Garrido
Blood pressure is normally maintained at a relatively constant level through reflexes involving the brainstem, but we have recently shown that higher areas of the brain are also involved in the regulation of blood pressure in humans. Here, we will use the novel methodologies we have developed to study functional and structural changes in the brain in patients with essential and renovascular hypertension.

An investigation into the neural substrates of cognitive deficits in Mild Cognitive Impairment, and the mechanisms of action of a novel treatment

Dr Genevieve Steiner
Two studies will be conducted to assess the two central aims of this project. Study 1 will comprehensively and systematically examine the electrophysiological substrates of the cognitive deficits seen in Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), compared to age-matched controls. In order to further knowledge of the neuropathology in MCI, these findings will be compared with neuroimaging measures of brain oxygen consumption and metabolite concentrations, biochemical markers of inflammation and scores on a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery. Conducted in parallel to Study 1, Study 2 will investigate the mechanisms of action of a standardised herbal formula for the treatment of MCI, by evaluating its effect on electrophysiological, neuroimaging, biochemical, and neuropsychological measures, compared to placebo. This program of research will address an important knowledge-gap by conducting a multi-modal investigation that will further our understanding of MCI pathophysiology, whilst simultaneously investigating a possible treatment.


NHMRC Early Career Development Fellowship

An integrated, multi-system approach to understanding persistent pain

Dr Siobhan Schabrun
There has been no investigation of how each mechanism is altered as pain moves from acute to sustained to persistent or how these mechanisms interact to determine pain outcome. The program of research seeks to understand the biological basis of musculoskeletal pain as the condition progresses from acute (hours) to sustained (days to weeks) to persistent (months). An integrated, multi-system approach and a mix of novel experimental and clinical pain models to allow investigation of changes occurring in different biological systems, and their potential interaction, at different stages in the transition from acute to persistent pain. The findings of this work will dramatically increase our understanding of this common condition and should facilitate the development of effective treatment strategies that target the right mechanism, in the right individual, at the right time. Further, understanding the mechanisms that cause some individuals to develop persistent pain while others do not, should provide a foundation for interventions that can prevent the transition to persistent pain in future.