The potential impact of bushfire smoke on brain health

This project is suitable for Honours, Masters, MPhil, MD or PhD student.

Background

In this project, we are using our monocyte and pluripotent stem cell-derived brain cell models to understand how bushfire smoke affects the human brain, particularly its ability to include neuroinflammation. We are also working with Assoc. Prof. Michelle Lupton, and Dr Jodi Thomas at QIMR Berghofer to determine if exposure to bushfire smoke affects the likelihood of being diagnosed with neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia.

Aim/s

1. Determine the impact of bushfire smoke on human brain cells.

2. Determine if exposure to bushfire smoke increases risk of dementia or other brain diseases.

Project Potential

Potential to understand the impact of bushfire smoke exposure on human brain health.