Neurodevelopmental Research

The Neurodevelopmental Research Group is investigating the clinical, biochemical and genetic markers that predict adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. In particular, the Reserach Group is focussed on the role of nutrient sulphate in brain development. Magnesium sulphate has been found to work as a preventative treatment for cerebral palsy in preterm infants when administered to women in preterm labour. This treatment bolsters the neonate’s circulating sulphate level, and without it, preterm infants (born < 32 weeks gestation) rapidly become sulphate deficient. Having recruited more than 1,600 preterm infants, the team is currently testing the hypothesis that neonatal sulphate deficiency increases the risk of cerebral palsy.

Researchers are also investigating the genetic and metabolic factors associated with autism using data and samples from the Australian Autism Biobank, as well as the genetics of non-syndromic intellectual disability.