Otago scientists win neurological research funding

Three University of Otago scientists have received nearly $300,000 of funding to support their world-class brain-related research in the latest Neurological Foundation grant round.

Department of Psychology researcher Professor Cliff Abraham has been awarded a grant of over $200,000 to further his internationally leading Alzheimer's disease research. Understanding the processes involved in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's is critical in order to identify targets for drug therapies.

Professor Abraham's project will investigate the role of astrocytes, a non-neuronal brain cell, in controlling memory-related changes in the brain, and whether this regulation is impaired in a laboratory model of Alzheimer's disease. Understanding this process may help to identify new targets for drug interventions to rescue impaired memory and cognition.

Laura Boddington has gained a Neurological Foundation Postgraduate Scholarship to support PhD study into whether a type of brain stimulation that uses the brain's own natural 'theta' rhythms can improve recovery after stroke. She will start her PhD in the Department of Anatomy in February.

Department of Pathology researcher Dr Julia Horsfield is being funded for a project investigating whether cohesin, a protein regulating cell division, also influences the ability of a neuron to recognise itself. Self-recognition is vital to ensuring that these cells only attempt to make functional connections with other neurons rather than looping back on themselves.

Announcing the new funding, Neurological Foundation Executive Director Max Ritchie said: "This grant round showcases the breadth of world-class neurological research being carried out at universities, research institutions and hospitals across New Zealand. It's exciting for us to be able to sponsor so much innovative, high-quality research across such diverse and important areas of neurological disease."

The Neurological Foundation is the primary non-government sponsor of neurological research in New Zealand.

For more information, visit www.neurological.org.nz