Hear from experts funded by generous donors to the Auckland Medical Research Foundation who talk about the latest advancements in brain research and where neuroscience is headed in the future. Summary transcript from Dr Peter Freestone I really love the research that I do and I'm delighted to be able to share some of it with you. This may get a little bit sci-fi, maybe a little bit like an episode of Black Mirror, but ultimately the goal is to understand Parkinson's disease and work towards better treatments for the disease. As we all know, many people suffer from Parkinson's disease. Most recently, the guy from The Chase has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. I've deliberately left a space there empty because chances are you probably know someone with Parkinson's disease or you experience it yourself. It affects about 10,000 New Zealanders, so it's not something that is incredibly rare. In fact, it's common and families are coping with it all the time. Parkinson's disease was first described in 1817 by James Parkinson and is described as the saddest disease. It typically affects people about 1 to 2 percent of the population over 60. This is the normal or idiopathic form of the disease that arises for no known reason. There is also a genetic form of Parkinson's disease, familial or generational Parkinson's disease, that affects a small population and tends to affect people earlier, in their 30s or 40s. Michael J. Fox has experienced Parkinson's disease from a very young age. The three main symptoms of Parkinson's disease are tremor or shaking at rest, slowness of movement (bradykinesia), and rigidity. There is also an associated stooped posture. These primary symptoms of Parkinson's disease are described as affecting the motor system, but there are also other effects of the disease, such as loss of sense of smell, etc. We already know quite a lot about what is happening within the brain. Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects the brain. There is actually a part of the brain that is dying off. There is an area of the brain located in the midbrain region called the substantia pars compacta (the black substantial nigra). In normal individuals, these cells produce dopamine, a chemical neurotransmitter that is essential for reward, learning, and normal movement behaviours. However, in Parkinson's disease, the dopamine-producing neurons in this region die off, causing an imbalance in the direct and indirect pathways in the brain. This leads to the rigidity and slowness of movement seen in Parkinson's disease. There are two main treatment strategies for Parkinson's disease: L-Dopa and subthalamic nucleus stimulation. L-Dopa is a commonly prescribed drug that serves as a precursor to dopamine, but its effectiveness decreases over time and can lead to complications. On the other hand, subthalamic nucleus stimulation involves the implantation of electrodes that deliver an electrical pulse continuously, bringing back the balance in the pathways and allowing for normal motor function. This treatment has been around for over 30-40 years and has been highly effective in treating Parkinson's disease. Surprisingly, the mechanisms behind deep brain stimulation are still not well understood, but it works. A man named Andrew Johnson in New Zealand posted a video on YouTube showcasing his experience with deep brain stimulation. In the video, he demonstrates the effects of the stimulation by turning it on and off using a remote control. When the stimulation is on, his tremors decrease and he experiences less discomfort. However, when the stimulation is turned off, his tremors increase. So you can see that it’s a really transformative therapy. I’m not a medically trained doctor, so not able to comment on all the nuances of deep brain stimulation that neurologists can. So I’m interested in the subthalamic nucleus, which is the target for deep brain stimulation in Parkinson's disease. However, there are many unknown aspects of this nucleus, such as how it regulates dopamine release and its involvement in cannabinoid modulation. I’m also interested in understanding how brain cells communicate with each other in the subthalamic nucleus. The complexity of the human brain presents a challenge to neuroscientists. The human brain has 86 billion brain cells and around ten trillion synapses, making it a complex network of neurons. The renowned neuroscientist Ramon y Cajal tried to capture this complexity in his drawings of individual brain cells back in 1888. The problem with studying the brain is its overwhelming complexity, with different shapes of neurons and different cell types densely packed together. Francis Crick, one of the discoverers of the structure of DNA, predicted that light would be the perfect tool for studying the brain. The solution to the complexity of the brain lies in light, as was discovered with single-cell algae that can move towards light to photosynthesize. In the early 2000s, it was discovered that a molecule called channelrhodopsin could be used to control brain cell activity by shining light on it. This discovery has sparked a new field of optogenetics, which combines light and genetics to control the activity of brain cells. So, if we come back to our complex challenge, the brain being densely packed with all sorts of brain cells, what we can do now is through blue light. We can shine it at the brain and activate just the particular cell type that we're interested in. It's important because it helps us to dissect pathways and work out behaviours that are associated with those pathways. There has been huge progress in understanding using this approach. Also, you can actually focus the light very well and make a pinpoint of light (photo stimulation) to activate just one single brain cell. Then, you can observe how it is connected and what its function is. We can use this approach to dissect micro-circuits and work out how brain cells are communicating with each other. I should acknowledge the Auckland Medical Research Foundation at this point, because they saw the potential a few years ago and were keen on developing and establishing this approach here at the University of Auckland. They provided funding for me to learn this technique from a world leader in Singapore, and buy the equipment required to establish it here. The project has been going very well. The question that we're asking is: "How do these cells communicate?" We play battleships of course, but when you play battleships, you fire torpedoes and try to sink your opponent's ships. In this case, we fire a torpedo to a location, hoping for a hit. What I do is I record from a brain cell and shine light at a particular location. If there's a cell there, then I get a hit, and if there isn't, I get a miss. I can work out where all the cells are and how they communicate to me. There's a lot of hardware to do this, but essentially we have a slice of brain tissue and then stimulate it. We shine light at all these different locations and all the animation you're going to see in my presentation is complicated, but hopefully, it will just show you how we can build up a map of the micro-circuitry within the sub-thalamic nucleus. Here, we're shining light at a brain slice. This is the response that we're looking for and this is the amplitude of that response. We then do some processing and decide if there is a good connection. Eventually, we build up a diagram which shows how those cells are connected. This isn't in real-time, it's actually at two times speed, but regardless, this is a very fast approach, and we can do this with relative ease now that it's all going. You can see the light jumping around different locations, recording responses, building up maps of connections, and eventually, that allows us to draw a diagram of what that micro-circuit looks like. Then, we interrogate it to find out how those cells communicate in more detail. This is where my master's student comes in, Si Yin Lui. She just submitted her bound thesis to me yesterday. This is just some of the highlights of the work that she's done in understanding what's in this sub-thalamic nucleus. We've already made some progress in trying to work out how these cells are communicating. Next, we'll look at how the situation changes in Parkinson's disease and what has changed in the Sun Network. Lastly, I'd like to present a small aspect of my research where we're using light therapy for Parkinson's disease. Can we take optogenetics into the clinic? Currently, electrical stimulation for deep brain stimulation is very effective, but could it be replaced with light? There are a few benefits to this change. Firstly, light is more efficient than electrical stimulation, so the battery doesn't need to be changed as often. Secondly, by using light, we can better understand the mechanism and produce a more specific response. We have developed a new version of the device that is implantable and compatible with rodents. It's already helping us understand the subthalamic nucleus in more detail. This new version is much smaller and we're hoping to implant it in humans in collaboration with bioengineers who have years of experience putting things inside bodies. I'd like to acknowledge the funders, AMRF, and the Davis & Carr Senior Fellowship, as well as Katherine, a PhD student whose work I didn't present today, but is also looking at the subthalamic nucleus and treatments for Parkinson's disease. My research work is collaborative, and I confer with other researchers internationally. For example, Katherine presented her work at an international conference in Berlin last year, which was attended by many international investigators who were interested in her findings. This leads to new ideas, questions, and refinements in the methodology.

Auckland family with 50/50 chance of dementia in their 40s and 50s enables search for earlier detection & treatment Watch the TVNZ news story about this study: Imagine that you are diagnosed with dementia An Auckland researcher has just been granted $200,000 to further the quest to identify dementia years Neuroscience video: Learn about medical research into early onset dementia Aware that dementia ran in The prevalence of frontotemporal dementia is second only to early-onset Alzheimer’s in those with dementia

frontotemporal dementia. the family who won't go on to develop dementia. Is it limited to the dementia that you're working in? Initially, this work is relevant to a particular type of dementia, so frontotemporal dementia, and that She developed dementia when I was younger, and she passed away in 2019.

Young work to create new cures for memory loss, such as those seen in Alzheimer's disease and other dementia My current project is using an antibody therapy to treat diseases of ageing, specifically, dementia and other dementia associated illnesses. that about 11% of the population, or one in nine people above the age of 65, will suffer from some dementia CN: I'm sure that everyone has known someone who has some form of dementia, and they've seen the sort

career continuity for early career medical researchers Early detection in a family with early-onset dementia

Learn how your support can help make a daily difference in the lives of those working to help people living with Parkinson's disease. Brownyn Riley is a perfect example of the difference 365 days can make. In 2021, Bronwyn completed her University of Auckland bachelor's degree, majoring in neuroscience. Fast forward on a year, Bronwyn was awarded an AMRF doctoral scholarship to research Parkinson's disease – work inspired by her revered grandfather, Emeritus Professor John Gavin, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Bronwyn is part of a laboratory group investigating the role of a region of the brain called the tail striatum. Their investigations are looking at symptoms of Parkinson's disease that are different from the usual symptoms affecting motor function. "Parkinson's is characterised by the death of dopamine-producing cells in the brain, a debilitating disease impacting over 10,000 New Zealanders. In another decade's time, this figure will climb to ~18,000," explains Bronwyn. "Although often considered a 'movement disorder', people with Parkinson's experience non-movement symptoms including impaired sensory perception. Vivid, detailed, visual hallucinations are common in up to 75% of patients. Less frequently there are auditory hallucinations, largely non-verbal muffled sounds. These non-movement symptoms can cause distressing disruption to daily life and overall well-being." The mechanisms behind these non-motor symptoms remain frustratingly elusive and to make matters worse, these symptoms are commonly triggered and worsened by existing treatments. In her quest to find answers around the causes of non-motor symptoms in Parkinson's, Bronwyn's daily spotlight remains firmly fixed on the tail striatum and its function in regulating how we experience and respond to sensory stimuli. "We know that the level of dopamine in the tail striatum determines how responsive it is to sensory input and in Parkinson's disease, dopamine is depleted – therefore, neurons respond to input abnormally. "So we're on a mission to determine how dopamine availability alters the response of tail striatum neurons to what we see, touch, smell, taste or hear in the different cell types and distinct regions within the tail striatum." "Evidence from my current research supports the idea that dopaminergic neurotransmission varies between the regions of the tail striatum. Using technology called 'fast-scan cyclic voltammetry' we can measure dopamine effects in the four different sub-regions of the tail striatum". The results from Bronwyn's ongoing study confirmed this novel variation within the tail striatum, emphasising further investigation being needed into the dorsal, lateral and medial tail sub-regions. And this leads us back to what a difference a day makes! Your support allows Bronwyn to don her lab coat every day and continue in her quest to find answers to help lessen the impact of Parkinson's disease. And what goes around comes around. Your support has meant Bronwyn will be supervised by a world-class researcher in Parkinson's disease – Dr Peter Freestone. Peter, who has been funded by AMRF donors since 2011, is working on a revolutionary new approach to help treat Parkinson's disease and is now giving back through assisting Bronwyn in her own research development. By supporting researchers like Bronwyn and Peter, you are making a daily difference in the lives of others. That's why a gift from you today is so vital for our tomorrow. Health and medical researchers in Auckland are working right now to build a better future for us all, from enhanced skin cancer diagnosis, improved outcomes for patients with brain cancer, identifying long-term effects of worldwide premature baby medication, finding a cure for tinnitus, better understanding of high blood pressure, to treatments for neurological conditions and much, much more.

As we reach halfway through another groundbreaking year of funding vital medical research, our most recent newsletter showcases the innovation, vision and health transformations made possible through our 70 years of support for medical researchers. These stories pay tribute to the leaders of health science through the decades, and made possible the work of present and future of medical researchers. From organ transplants, to blood services and babies' health, this work was only made possible by the invaluable generous support of donors. Click to read these medical research highlights and more stories. Our 70th anniversary year has featured presentations from six current health and medical researchers who have worked to make a difference in the lives of so many New Zealanders. Be sure to secure your free seat at the next one! Have your explored our web page to find out more about how you can contribute to medical research, like neuroscience, heart health, cancer, prenatal development and more? And don't forget, donations, large or small, are always welcome. Click below to read and download the PDF newsletter

One philanthropist is creating a deep connection with early career medical researchers and young scientists through her scholarship support. Read more now in the latest AMRF newsletter. In this edition, we highlight Helen Goodwin's dedication to medical researchers by establishing the doctoral scholarship programme bearing her name through her Gooduck Charitable Trust. The impact of these awards is extremely high and comes at a critical career stage. We also showcase several researchers who are making strides in a variety of disciplines: Melody Kim has faced hardship head-on, with her unyielding pursuit of a career in youth mental health research rewarded with an AMRF Scholarship. Luca Vinnell's interest in the complexity of the brain has led him to a career investigating immune cells effects in Parkinson's disease. Sryana Sukhdev's personal experiences with stroke inspired her to work to revolutionise stroke treatment and Have your explored our web page to find out more about how you can contribute to medical research, like neuroscience, heart health, cancer, prenatal development and more? And don't forget, donations, large or small, are always welcome. Click below to read and download the PDF newsletter

A marathon effort in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park and a musical theatre gala evening raise funds for brain cancer research. Read more now in the latest AMRF newsletter. In this edition, we highlight the dedication of a group of families afflicted by the same devastation of losing loved ones to brain cancers. Their commitment to supporting research to prevent further suffering is shown in the achievements of physical challenges they set for themselves, as well as a night of songs and performances and the funds they raised in 2023. We also showcase several researchers who are making strides in a variety of disciplines: Dr Lisa Douglas seeks to improve outcomes for mothers and babies after gestational diabetes mellitus Dr Lola Mugisho has leads on a promising combination therapy for Alzheimer’s disease treatment Dr Rachael Sumner wants to know "Why does the menstrual cycle cause seizures to worsen in thousands of Our cover story is about the amazing hearing research being conducted by Dr Haruna Suzuki-Kerr and Prof Peter Thorne. Want to hear more? Register your interest for our webinar featuring these two excellent hearing researchers to be held on 21 February at 7 pm with a quick email to events@medicalresearch.org.nz. Have your explored our web page to find out more about how you can contribute to medical research, like neuroscience, heart health, cancer, prenatal development and more? And don't forget, donations, large or small, are always welcome. Click below to read and download the PDF newsletter

As AMRF launches into another remarkable year of funding groundbreaking medical research, we are excited to share our showcase of the innovation and hard work over 70 years of medical researchers! Our 70th anniversary marks the significant milestone of awarding over $100 million to medical researchers since 1955 - funding made possible by the invaluable support of donors like you, funding that has empowered researchers to make a life-changing difference for all New Zealanders. Our 2025 events will pay tribute to the past, present and future of medical researchers and our 70th year theme of Empowering Researchers, Transforming Lives is reflected in the calibre and range of speaker series events we will be hosting throughout the year.   The first newsletter for 2025 offers a snapshot of our exciting 70th plans, along with celebrating our recent scholars and fellows, special funds awarded to some of the brightest minds in the field. Their achievements are a testament to the impact of your contributions. We invite you to read these and other stories of how your support has enabled transformational research – stories like Dr Richard Frith's development of the lifesaving apnoea treatment funded by AMRF in the early 1980s. Click to read these medical research highlights Make sure you book your seat for AMRF's first speaker series event on 27 February to hear first-hand from Dr Richard Frith; along with Distinguished Professor Dame Jan Harding, renowned neonatologist; and Dr Diana Sarfati, NZ Director-General of Health and cancer epidemiologist. Book your seat today! Have you explored our web page to find out more about how you can contribute to medical research, like neuroscience, heart health, cancer, prenatal development and more? And don't forget, donations, large or small, are always welcome . Click below to read and download the PDF newsletter

scholarship and fellowship recipients working across the spectrum of health research Emerging researchers in dementia

learn about cancer research in prostate, skin, brain and more Click to learn more and watch video about dementia