Research in Biomedical Sciences
Current Projects
In 2013 the following research opportunities are being provided by the School of Biomedical of Sciences.
| Contact |
Research Topic |
| Dr Phillip Bwititi |
Cardiovascular diseases - Pre-diabetes, undiagnosed diabetes and cardiovascular risk assessment; How haemorheology is impacted upon in metabolic syndrome |
| Dr Chris Blanchard |
Functional properties of pulses; Functional properties of cereals; GxE effects on rice quality. New uses of canola meal |
| Anti-emetic management preferences for paramedic providers in Australasia |
|
| Mike Cahill & Jalal Jazayeri |
Investigations into the cancer-relevant cell biology of the multi-functional protein Progesterone Receptor Membrane Component 1 (PGRMC1) |
| Dr Kenneth Chinkwo |
This project studies cancer development, to regulate its growth by targeting the receptors present on the membrane of cancer cell such as GPCRs. GPCR (G-Protein Coupled Receptors) are cell membrane bound receptor proteins, which are involved in the cell signalling and transduction pathway. About 50% of all pharmaceutical drugs target GPCRs to provide a therapeutic effect, and therefore these receptors are huge targets for cancer therapeutics. |
| Dr Andrea Crampton |
Science education; Drinking water quality; Public health communication; Molecular parasitology; Molecular microbiology; Science Education |
| Dr James Crane |
“Projects are currently available in the area of the neurobiology of social recognition learning. These projects will involve the study of social recognition learning in rats, in vivo manipulations that attempt to clarify the role of the medial amygdala in this learning, and the use of immunohistochemistry and in vitro electrophysiology to examine the properties of medial amygdala neurons that support the development of social recognition memories. Other projects include determining the role of the parabrachial nucleus in the development of fear memories and determining the role of the parabrachial nucleus in the development and effects of chronic pain.” |
| Dr Adam Hamlin |
Research elucidating the neural circuitry and neurochemistry that underpins behaviour. Uses animal models of disease, pharmacology, histochemistry, and behavioural techniques to explore a range of conditions including neurodegeneration, toxicity, drug addiction and fear conditioning. |
| Dr Jalal Jazayeri |
Molecular Microbiology: Characterisation of the virulence factors in the Australian Epidemic Strains (AES) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Molecular genotyping of the P.aeruginosa strains isolated from cystic fibrosis patients; Cloning and characterisation of 5’untranslated region (5’UTR) of the P.aeruginosa elastase (LasB) promoter region. Molecular Immunology: Role of cytokines in Inflammation; Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and Osteoarthritis (OA) affect thousands of Australian each year and they are the leading causes of lost productivity in the work place. Over production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and cartilage degradation by enzymes known as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are major contributing factors in both of these diseases. In this study we will investigate the role of two pro inflammatory cytokines; Leukaemia Inhibitory Factor (LIF) and Oncostatin M (OSM), as well as a range of MMPs in articular cartilage degradation and RA pathogenesis. The aim of this project is to use modern techniques of antibody engineering to develop novel protein-based therapeutics (Bio-drugs) to diminish the destructive effects of these two cytokines and the selected MMPs. Does Hereditary Haemochromatosis (HH) cause osteoarthritis?: Hereditary Haemochromatosis (HH) is a genetic disease that causes the body to absorb and store too much iron. We get iron from our diet, and normally the body absorbs approximately 10% of the iron found in foods. People with haemochromatosis absorb double that amount. Once absorbed, the excess iron doesn't leave the body. Instead, it is stored in synovium (a lining tissue in joints) and in major organs such as the liver, heart, brain, pancreas, and lungs . The aim of this projects is to examine the effect of Ferritin on the expression and production of a diverse range of pro-inflammatory and “chondro-catabolic” cytokines (e.g. IL-1, IL-6 and TNF) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs, e.g. MMP1, MMP3, MMP13) in a human chondrocyte cell line with normal HFE expression and also mutant HFE gene expression. This project is in collaboration with a range of other research groups in Australia and overseas. |
| Dr Philip Kerr | Antimicrobial activity of Fijian medicinal plants, anti-oxidant properties of some Australian plants used in flavouring foods, anti-diabetic plants in Traditional Aboriginal medicines, ethnoveterinary medicines derived from Australian native plants, studies in the phytochemistry of the Goodeniaceae, the use of Australian plants in the treatment of skin cancers Allelopathy and ecological prospects using Australian plants, investigations into the chemistry and pharmacology of Codonocarpus cotinifolius, transdermal permeation of natural products of potential medicinal importance, screening of Australian native plants for antimicrobial activity using TLC-bioautography |
| Dr Ann Lazarsfeld-Jensen | Exploring the use of companion animals as alternative therapy among prison inmates, the aged and disabled children. Other research opportunities include the social and cultural dimensions of altruistic work, moral distress and attrition in altruistic work. |
| Dr Patricia Logan |
Tertiary science education; medical imaging diagnostic studies, particularly Nuclear Medicine but not exclusively; transitioning from professional practice to academia. |
| Dr Rhett McClean |
Mammalian gamete form and function; Sperm-egg interactions and fertilisation; Cryopreservation of sperm, oocytes and embryos; Reproductive technologies (e.g. IVF, ISCI, GIFT); Environmental effects on sperm production and quality ; Wildlife reproduction; Histology; electron microscopy |
| Alexander MacQuarrie |
Investigation into the interdisciplinary training in a high fidelity simulation environment. Investigation into the fitness and general health levels of university paramedic and nursing students. |
| Dr Seyed Reza Mortazavi |
Quality systems in the clinical laboratory; Thalassaemia |
| Dr Hassan Obied |
Antioxidants in health and disease; Polyphenols; Chemistry, Analysis, Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacology of Natural Products; pharmaceutical research on natural products |
| Dr Sokcheon Pak |
A comprehensive series of clinical and experimental studies that addresses the full spectrum of complementary medicine |
| Cesidio Parissi |
Exploring the connections and possible interactions between Indigenous science and Western science. Examining the experiences of students undertaking Indigenous immersion subjects. Problem Based Learning and its praxis: connecting PBL and Workplace Learning. Community engagement and organisational change: moving towards a sustainable society and global integrity. |
| John Rae |
Creativity of health services; Arts based research. |
| Dr Heather Robinson |
Pharmacy practice and quality use of medicines, for example, medication dispensing error and drug utilisation assessment. |
| Dr Chris Scott |
Research in neuroendocrinology (brain control of hormones/hormonal control of brain function), especially related to reproduction/sex hormones. A range of animal models/species used. |
| Dr Tatiana Soares da Costa |
Research involves understanding the structure-function relationship of proteins. Biochemical and biophysical approaches are used to better understand how proteins and small molecule inhibitors interact. This provides insights into the rational design of new medicines for a therapeutic purpose. |
| Dr Glenys Noble and Dr Brian Spurrell |
Determining forces generated by a padded whip and impacts on the horse This research is to measure the force generated by a padded and a non-padded whip, in a laboratory setting and in a simulated racing situation. This work will also compare the force generated by a padded whip with other types of contact or pressure exerted on a horse and/or a pain threshold. To evaluate methods aimed at determining changes in pain threshold after the use of the whip and determine pain sensitivity in different areas where the whip may be applied and measure the effect the use of the whip has on maintaining speed, time to run to fatigue and locomotion responses of the horse to the application of a padded whip compared with using no whip. |
| Pip Southwell |
Research into improving quality of life in end-stage Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) as well as education-based research in effective teaching strategies in distance education and Problem-based Learning. |
| Dr Thiru Vanniasinkam | Viral vector based vaccine development for Campylobacter jejuni and Prescottella equi, medical and veterinary microbiology and epidemiology. |
| Dr Lexin Wang |
Stem cell therapies for cardiovascular disease; endoscopic repair of congenital heart disease; risk assessment and management of hypertension and coronary heart disease |
| Associate Professor Jenny Wilkinson |
Research in complementary medicines, includes social, education and laboratory based projects. |