The Sensory Neuroscience Laboratory undertakes
research into a variety of sensory-related aspects
of physiological performance. A main feature of the
philosophy of the group is the interest in developing
novel methods of monitoring physiological change or
changes which occur during real tasks. Currently the
laboratory is carrying out studies into olfaction,
eye movements, taste, somatosensory, driving and visual
attention.
Providing specialist research capacity for a variety
of industries is considered as important as the undertaking
of fundamental research. To this end the laboratory
has a number of applied projects which are supported
by a number of industry bodies as well as individual
companies.
The laboratory has the capacity to extend the range
of applied and fundamental projects, either in the
current areas of research, or into new avenues. There
is a strong desire to increase the collaborations
as well as to undertake contract research for organisations.
A strength of the Laboratory is the capacity to
innovate in monitoring human and animal activity.
We have skills in biophysics, psychology, physiology,
chemsitry, biochemistry and instrumentation. When
combined with the range of support from colleagues
in the School, the staff are able to integrate many
disciplines into an effective team.
Projects include:
• objective recording of brain electrical responses
to olfactory stimuli
• brain electrical responses to subliminal olfactory
stimuli
• changes in brain electrical activity during exposure
to liked and disliked olfactory stimuli
• development of delivery systems for olfactory
stimuli based on normal breathing
• development of delivery systems for taste stimuli
• objective recording of brain electrical responses
to taste stimuli
• development of a combined taste and olfaction
delivery system
• recording of eye movements using electro-oculography
• characteristics of eye movements during various
visual tasks
• development of 2D, 3D and virtual visual search
tasks
• relationship between eye movements and human performance,
including sport
• relationship between eye movements and sporting
prowess
• performance during simulated 3D visual search
tasks
• sleep and fatigue
Affiliates
The Sensory Neuroscience Laboratory collaborates
with a number of local and overseas organisations
such as:
-
Grape and Wine Research and Development Corporation
-
de Bortoli Wines
-
Kab Seating P/L
-
CleanTeq P/L
-
Prof. Alan Mackay-Sim (Griffith University)
-
Dr. Thomas Hummel (University of Dresden)
Past affiliations:
-
Cooperative Research Centre for International
Food Manufacture and Packaging Science
-
Dairy Research Development Corporation
-
Bonlac Foods Pty Ltd
-
Carlton United Brewery Pty Ltd
-
Uncle Ben's
