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Chief Investigators
|
Dr Nadia Solowij, Dr Murat Yucel, Dr Daniel Lubman, Dr Joseph Ciarrochi, A/Prof Patrick Heaven
|
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Project Title
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Determining the cognitive sequelae of adolescent cannabis use: a longitudinal cohort study. |
| Summary |
Adult cannabis users have problems with memory and attention, but it is not known to what extent these cognitive deficits relate to premorbid intellectual functioning or underlying personality features. Further, it is not known to what extent cannabis use during adolescence (when the brain is still developing), may lead to greater cognitive impairment. This study will directly address these questions utilising a large sample of adolescents followed since entry to high school. |
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Total Funding
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$252,125
|
|
|
Chief Investigators
|
Prof. Nicholas Dixon, Dr Patrick Schaeffer, Dr Aaron Oakley |
|
Project Title
|
A Stable Protein:DNA Complex for Development of Ultrasensitive Diagnostics in Multiplex Format |
| Summary |
A new technology platform will be developed to carry out diagnostic tests in a multiplex format with increased sensitivity and precision. We recently discovered a very strong interaction between a protein and a particular fragment of DNA. This interaction can be tuned to enable its use for the simultaneous detection of different disease markers in a single assay. This will improve the time and space needed to perform diagnostic tests in laboratories. |
|
Total Funding
|
$501,000 |
|
|
Chief Investigators
|
Dr John Aquilina, Prof Carol Robinson |
| Project Title |
Understanding the role and mechanism of interaction of small heat-shock proteins in age-related disease |
| Summary |
Protein precipitation is associated with a diversity of age-related diseases such as cataract and Alzheimer's. Within cells, a group of chaperones called the small heat-shock proteins (sHSPs) function by binding to destabilized proteins, however, common in vivo modifications can disrupt their cellular role leading to co-aggregation in a number of age-related diseases. This study will use state of the art mass spectrometry to examine the mechanism by which sHSPs interact with client proteins. |
| Total Funding |
$260,000 |
|
|
Chief Investigators
|
Prof Linda Tapsell, Dr Marijka Batterham, Dr Karen Charlton |
| Project Title |
Is a higher intake of omega-3 fatty acids advantageous for weight loss? |
| Summary |
A 12 month dietary trial will be conducted to investigate whether a diet that is high in polyunsaturated fat (particularly long chain omega-3 fats found in fish oil) improves weight loss and metabolism, compared to a standard low fat weight-reducing diet. Other benefits of the diet, such as improvements in blood pressure, blood lipids and glucose, will be investigated. The findings will be used to refine dietary advice for weight loss and to develop food products enriched with fish oil. |
| Total Funding |
$458,750 |
|
|
Total Funding for 2008 NHMRC Project Grants awarded to UOW $ 1,471,875
|
