Three research teams from the University of Newcastle and Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) have been awarded more than $3.8 million in National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Ideas Grants. These grants are intended to support innovative research projects that address specific scientific questions with the potential to make significant impacts on health outcomes.
The awarded projects, led by Dr. Jacinta Martin, Dr. Guy Cameron, and Professor Juanita Todd, will delve into diverse areas of health research. The studies will explore a plant-based dietary intervention to reduce PFAS bioaccumulation, investigate the impact of low iron levels during pregnancy on children’s respiratory and ear infections, and aim to close critical knowledge gaps regarding the origins of schizophrenia.
Exploring Dietary Interventions for PFAS Exposure
Dr. Jacinta Martin’s team has been granted $1.8 million to examine the effects of ‘forever chemicals’ on pregnancy and infant health, with a focus on whether dietary changes can mitigate these risks. PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are persistent environmental chemicals linked to pregnancy complications and developmental issues, yet their biological impact remains poorly understood.
By collaborating with experts in reproductive health, developmental biology, engineering, plant science, and food technology, the research aims to identify how PFAS cause harm. The team will test a novel plant-based dietary intervention designed to reduce PFAS accumulation in the body.
“A healthy start to life is crucial for shaping a child’s lifelong health and wellbeing,” stated Dr. Martin, emphasizing the significance of this research.
The findings are expected to lead to safe, efficient, and cost-effective intervention strategies for communities affected by PFAS contamination.
Iron Deficiency and Its Impact on Aboriginal Children’s Health
Dr. Guy Cameron’s project, awarded $1.3 million, will investigate how low iron levels during pregnancy may predispose children, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, to respiratory and ear infections. Otitis media, an infection of the middle ear, is a leading cause of preventable hearing loss, with these children experiencing the highest rates globally.
Iron deficiency is prevalent in Australian communities during pregnancy and early life, potentially impairing immune responses and increasing susceptibility to infections. Dr. Cameron’s team will use lab models and clinical samples to explore how iron impacts immune responses and bacteria in the ear.
Guided by the Wukul Yabang Aboriginal Health Community Research Panel, this study aims to support better prevention strategies, such as iron supplementation, to reduce ear disease and improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
Unraveling the Origins of Schizophrenia
Professor Juanita Todd’s research, which received $644,000, seeks to understand the early brain changes associated with schizophrenia. Known for symptoms like hallucinations and delusions, schizophrenia’s roots may lie in early brain development, detectable through impaired sensory gating—the brain’s ability to filter out irrelevant information.
The project combines cutting-edge human studies with laboratory research to uncover the biological processes that disrupt sensory gating and increase vulnerability to schizophrenia. Collaborating with international investigators from the USA and France, the team will examine developmental risk factors and neurotransmitter systems involved in these early brain changes.
The research is expected to close key knowledge gaps about the origins of schizophrenia and support improved monitoring and early intervention.
Implications for Future Health Research
The awarding of these NHMRC Ideas Grants underscores the importance of innovative research in addressing pressing health issues. By tackling diverse topics—from environmental chemical exposure to nutritional deficiencies and mental health—these projects have the potential to significantly improve health outcomes and inform future policy and intervention strategies.
As these studies progress, they promise to deliver new insights and practical solutions that could benefit not only the communities directly involved but also contribute to global health knowledge. The University of Newcastle and HMRI continue to be at the forefront of pioneering research, demonstrating the critical role of academic institutions in advancing public health.
