In this episode, Dr Margreet Ridder — whose project was ranked the top FightMND-funded study in 2024 — reflects on her journey to becoming a researcher at the Queensland Brain Institute (QBI) with her group leader, Professor Pankaj Sah. She shares how her fascination with neuronal communication led her to electrophysiology and ultimately to pursue gene therapy as a potential treatment for motor neurone disease (MND). In this insightful conversation, Pankaj and Margreet discuss: Why hyperactivity in neurons has become an attractive target for MND treatments The science of gene therapy Gene therapy’s potential to treat MND How viruses can be harnessed for good The challenges discovery scientists face Discover how their work is paving the way for future treatments — and why hope for MND starts with discovery. Related resources The story behind Margreet’s pioneering research into MND Motor neurone disease
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33:25
Podcast: Getting inside bipolar
Please note that this episode contains discussions about suicidal ideation, which some listeners may find distressing. If you or someone you know is affected by these kinds of issues, we encourage you to seek support from professional services. Heather Cruickshank was pursuing a lifelong dream to become a medical doctor when bipolar disorder, a complex mental health condition, stopped her in her tracks and forced her to rethink her career. A chance encounter with QBI Associate Professor Susannah Tye, internationally renowned for her research into the biological mechanisms behind mood disorders, encouraged Heather to use her lived experience to pave the way for more effective treatments for bipolar disorder. In this compelling conversation, Sue and Heather explore: · The link between mental and physical health · What it’s like to have bipolar disorder · Why studying the biology of mood disorders matters · The role of melatonin, oxidative stress and dopamine· How lived experience can help shape research
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39:28
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39:28
Podcast: The science of staying young
While countless supplements and products promise to reverse aging without scientific proof, the real secret to defying age may be found in the study of epigenetics. This field of study explores how our behaviours and environment can lead to changes that influence how our genes function. Dr Anne Hahn from the Zuryn laboratory has recently discovered a mechanism in the DNA of genes that regulates how disease-causing mutations are inherited. The findings offer a promising therapeutic avenue to stop the onset of heritable and age-related diseases. In this informative interview Dr Hahn explains:Why the old belief that DNA mutations inevitably lead to disease might not be trueThe important part mitochondria play in cell ageingThe lifestyle factors the can influence our genetic make-upWhy epigenetic modification is important in age-related diseasesRelated Resources Cell protein discovery points to healthier ageing
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19:55
How memories shape us
Dr Matt Kenna is fascinated by the science of memory. As a researcher at UQ’s Queensland Brain Institute, Matt is tasked with challenging prominent theories centred around one of the biggest unknowns in the world of neuroscience. Memory is fundamental to our identity, shaping who we are. As a member of the Sah lab, Matt studies synaptic plasticity to explore how memories are formed, retrieved, and influence behavior.In this engaging conversation, Matt discusses:How memory is definedWhere memories are stored in the brainThe importance of sleep in consolidating memoryWhy some memories are more important than othersHow we can delay cognitive decline and improve memory in old ageRelated papers and resourcesInterpreting memory: Research and Innovation Week 2024Podcast: Train your brainUQ Research reveals exercise brain boost can last for yearsUQ Research reveals new brain networks critical to memory formation
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34:48
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34:48
Podcast: Redefining mental health
Professor John McGrath, a distinguished clinician and researcher at UQ's Queensland Brain Institute, is at the forefront of global mental health research. Growing up in Brisbane, John initially pursued a career as a psychiatrist before transitioning to groundbreaking research aimed at unraveling the complexities of mental health disorders. Co-leading a major international study in collaboration with The University of Queensland and Harvard Medical School, John’s research revealed that one in two people will develop a mental health disorder by the age of 75. This pivotal study sheds light on crucial questions about mental health.In this fascinating conversation, Professor McGrath discusses:The recent study findings showing how half of us will develop a mental health disorder by age 75.What epidemiology means, and why its useful in understanding mental health.The value of discovery science.The beauty of collaboration to reach a common goal.Whether mental health disorders could be prevented in the future.
A Grey Matter is for anyone who has ever wondered how we think, feel, reason and move. The Queensland Brain Institute's neuroscience podcast unlocks the wonders of the brain – the complex and mysterious core of who we are and what makes us human. QBI researchers, at The University of Queensland, strive to understand the development, organisation and function of the brain in health and disease. www.qbi.uq.edu.au
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