Research Labs
Neuroscience and Developmental Neuroscience
Neuroscience is a major area in the Department. In the visual neuroscience group, Erica Fletcher, Una Greferath and Michelle Loeliger investigate the neural organisation of the retina and the genesis of devastating eye diseases such as macula degeneration and diabetic retinal neuropathy. Prof John Furness looks at all aspects of nervous control of the gut, using a wide variety of techniques. The enteric nervous system group also looks at many aspects of enteric pain and inflammation. Other groups interested in understanding pain are run by James Brock (corneal sensation) Peter Kitchener (visceral pain) and Jason Ivanusic (migraine and other trigeminal pain). Mark Murphy studies many aspects of learning and memory. James Brock is also interested in autonomic nerve transmission. The department is also strong in developmental neuroscience. This includes the development of the enteric nervous system (Heather Young and Richard Anderson), the development of sympathetic ganglia (Colin Anderson) and the effect of fetal insults on subsequent brain development (Sandra Rees).
Visual Neuroscience |
Enteric Nervous System |
Behaviour and Memory |
Pain |
Developmental Neuroscience |
Cell Biology and Cancer
There is a strong grouping of laboratories interested in signalling systems in cell biology and cancer. In Robb de Iongh's lab, the developing mammalian lens provides an ideal model to study the molecules and signalling systems that regulate the cellular transformation from epithelium to lens cell and the pathological changes that lead to cataracts. In Leonie Quinn’s laboratory, the infinitely adaptable fruit fly (Drosophila) is used to study oncogenes and the signals controlling cell cycle. Drosophila is also the model of choice for Gary Hime, who looks at the control of stem cells in the testis. Elizabeth Vincan is investigating Wnt signalling and its role in colorectal cancer.
Surgical Anatomy
A large group, headed by Professor Ian Taylor AO, forms the Jack Brockoff Reconstructive Surgery Unit. This group carries out fundamental research to develop new insights into reconstructive surgery. They have many important findings on the nervous and vascular systems that have greatly increased the success rate of complex operations. Dr Chris Briggs also researches human functional anatomy to understand how the human body works and to gather information that can be used for a range of forensic investigations.
Physical (Biological) Anthropology
Research in the laboratory headed by Dr Varsha Pilbrow laboratory focuses on determining the importance of hard-tissue anatomy for studying human evolution. In particular, we study the evidence for gene flow, genetic admixture and evolutionary diversification through dental morphology and skeletal morphology.
Resources
The research laboratories in the Department are supported by excellent shared facilities. A fully equipped molecular biology laboratory includes (Licor system, quantitative PCR), imaging facilities, include four confocal microscopes incorporating multiple time-lapse imaging systems and many bright field and fluorescence microscopes supported by a range of morphometry software. A number of laboratories have equipment for electrophysiology. The department also has a dedicated tissue and organ culture lab, Drosophila holding and breeding rooms, human cadaver dissecting rooms and a plastination facility. Shared with other departments are a large, modern animal house, a virus laboratory, a well equipped histology laboratory that provides full services, a two photon microscope and an anatomical museum.
A table has been put together listing major equipment and facilities that are available, by negotiation, for researchers within the faculty. To view listing please click here.