Total funding $24.9 million
The successful grants detailed below are just a sample of the grants awarded to SA researchers in the latest round of National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) funding schemes.
Dr Xin-Fu Zhou: Spinal cord injury and repair
Total amount awarded - $1,483,000
Dr Xin-Fu Zhou from Flinders University has been awarded a prestigious NHMRC Research Fellowship in recognition of his excellent work in brain and spinal cord injury.
As well, Dr Zhou's successful Project Grants will enable him to investigate ways to repair spinal cord injury which often leads to permanent disability as nerves in the spinal cord are not able to repair themselves.
This research will look at powerful molecules, known as Neurotrophic factors that may be able to overcome this problem and hence improve regeneration of the spinal cord.
Professor Douglas McEvoy: Role of sleep apnea in car accidents
Amount awarded - $458,000
Professor Douglas McEvoy from the Repatriation General Hospital and his team will investigate the impact of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) on driving performance.
This can lead to daytime sleepiness and poor concentration. OSA may contribute to up to 50,000 motor vehicle accidents per year in Australia .
Professor McEvoy will use a driving simulator to determine levels of driving impairment among severe and mild OSA sufferers, and whether accidents result from falling asleep or factors such as inattention. The additional effects of low doses of alcohol (if any) on OSA patients will also be investigated.
A/Professor Peter Clifton : Risk factors in obesity
Amount awarded - $488,750
Overweight and obesity are becoming an increasingly serious problem in Australia . A large number of Australians are now adopting low carbohydrate diets which can enhance weight loss.
Researchers from the University of South Australia and the CSIRO, led by Associate Professor Peter Clifton will compare the potential long-term health implications of these diets versus the conventional high carbohydrate, low fat diets.
The team will look at the risk factors in obese people such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, kidney function and the capacity to undertake physical activities.
The findings of this research will help develop appropriate dietary guidelines to counsel obese people.
National Health and Medical Research Council