We will address loss of balance, a pressing health-related issue that affects quality of life in ~5% of the population. Once the balance organ is injured or degrades with age, no treatments restore function. We have identified a nerve-pathway crucial for balance system adjustment & self-repair. The sensitivity of this pathway can be increased with vitamin C. We will determine if vitamin C treatment can improve recovery after balance loss and potentially translate to the clinic.
Bipolar Disorder is a severe and debilitating psychiatric condition, for which the clinical course is highly variable between individuals, and the specific genetic causes remain largely obscure. This landmark study aims to use state-of-the-art whole genome sequencing technology to address four key knowledge gaps:
Genetic research into bipolar disorder traditionally uses strict categorical criteria to define a clinical diagnosis. However, it is common for relatives of individuals with bipolar to exhibit some evidence of mood disturbance, but not sufficient to meet the strict clinical criteria for a positive diagnosis. These individuals are correctly considered clinically unaffected, although they likely share some of the susceptibility genes underlying the disorder. Dr Fullerton has been examining the use of subclinical traits to identify individuals who share susceptibility genes in order to follow the pattern of genetic transmission of bipolar disorder through families more accurately.