Neurosciences and Behavioural Sciences
Neurosciences and Behavioural Sciences
Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, multiple sclerosis, schizophrenia, drug addiction epilepsy and macular degeneration are some of the many clinical conditions researched within our neurosciences domain. Researchers seek to understand the etiology of these conditions and how to better treat them. They also seek a basic understanding of how our brains process information in the form of language and art, allowing us to develop and learn, and solve the problems of everyday life.
Read more about the Neurosciences and Behavioural Sciences Domain
Helping spinal cord patients breathe independently
In addition to paralysis, many spinal cord patients also lose the ability to breathe independently and require a mechanical ventilator 24 hours a day. Now Australian spinal cord patients have hope. Read more...
The Premier of Victoria John Brumby, Minister for Innovation Gavin Jennings, Federal Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, and local member for Jagajaga, Jenny Macklin and four of the world’s leading experts in the neuroscience and mental health turned the first sod for the $45 million Austin Neuroscience Facility. Read more.
Samuel Berkovic (Medicine) was awarded the Bethlehem Griffiths Research Foundation Medal for 2009. For more information please see the press release.
Drug found to reverse the effects of Alzheimer’s disease in mice.
Cognitive defects in Alzheimer’s Disease were reversed in mice that received drugs known for their ability to inhibit the interaction of metal ions with the amyloid protein found in Alzheimer’s disease. The two amyloid-bearing mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease showed a rapid reversal of cognitive defects of place discrimination and memory of training tasks. The researched drugs are thought to redistribute metals within the brain’s cells by removing them from the amyloid protein deposits and restoring them to depleted metal reserves within the brain’s cells, thereby correcting many biochemical defects. This property makes these drugs strong contenders for disease-modifying treatment in Alzheimer’s disease. Read the paper.
Details to be announced...
Graduate Research StudentsIf you are interested in doing a graduate research degree please lodge an Expression of Interest.
The PhD Experience
Are you thinking of doing a PhD, but want to know more about what you might be getting yourself into? We invite you to listen to eight PhD candidates at various stages of their PhD share their experiences, as they plan their project, recruit participants, and analyse and communicate their results. Listen to the podcast on the PhD Experience.
Volunteer for a study Volunteers wanted for back pain study
Adults with chronic back pain are needed for a research trial at the Centre for Health Exercise and Sports Medicine at Melbourne Physiotherapy School, comparing two types of exercise programs. Eligible volunteers aged 18-70 will receive free exercise treatment but must be available to attend the trial clinic in South Yarra twice a week for six weeks. For more information and eligibility call Rowena on 0432652112.
University of Melbourne HREC approval number 0931800
Volunteers wanted for brain imaging study
This study is looking at using brain imaging methods to see if it is possible to communicate with patients in a vegetative state (Ethics Approval #: SVHM HREC-A 023/08). Patients and healthy control participants are required. Control subject volunteers must speak Australian English as first language, be right handed and not have a neurological disease or history of head trauma. Patients in a vegetative state are also required, and their guardians are invited to contact the
project team. Enquiries: Emma Liang 0406087983
Subjects required for cannabis study
The Department of Psychiatry is looking for control subjects for a study examining how cannabis use affects the brain. There are two parts to the study: a memory testing session and a brain scanning session. Each session takes approximately two hours and participants receive a 50 dollar Coles-Myer voucher for each session. Participants should be 35-55 years old, NOT be using drugs or alcohol regularly, NOT have a university degree, and should NOT have a diagnosed mental illness.
Contact Michael Takagi on 0421 770 798 or email mjtakagi@unimelb.edu.au for more details. Melbourne Health MHREC approval number is 2007.14.
Dean's lecture series 2008
Schizophrenia and related psychotic illnesses account for over a quarter of the total burden of disease, costing the Australian public over $1.4 billion pa. The illness affects adolescents and young adults, often resulting in recurrent illness and cognitive and social problems throughout life, or contributing to an early death.
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