Neuroscience Projects

Contacts:
Dr. Velandai Srikanth velandai.srikanth@med.monash.edu.au
A/Prof Thanh Phan thanh.phan@med.monash.edu.au

1. The role of T-cells in acute stroke

   This is a project examining the role of T-lymphocytes in the evolution of acute ischemic stroke. It is unknown whether certain T-cells (Treg) have a protective role in stroke. This is an area that has generated significant interest in animal experimental models, and we aim to translate the findings from such animal models in human studies. The project involves laboratory measurement of several immune cell types in stroke patients.

2. Measuring ischemic stroke penumbra with high-resolution CT imaging

   The ischaemic penumbra is that part of the brain affected by stroke that may be salvaged by acute treatments. Measuring the penumbra is challenging and this project aims to use a state-of-the-art CT scanner to achieve this goal. It involves working in the imaging laboratory in Neurosciences.

3. Studying the nutritional correlates of brain ageing

   There is significant debate about the role of nutritional factors in protecting or accelerating brain ageing. This project will involve analysis of a large data set consisting of several nutritional markers and high-resolution brain imaging measures (such as hippocampal volume, white matter lesions) to examine the correlations between them.