Leading research shows that abnormal alterations to biometal levels in the central nervous system contribute to nerve cell death in a range of neurological disorders.
Biometals such as copper, iron, zinc, manganese and selenium are essential micronutrients that play critical roles in maintaining a healthy and functional central nervous system (CNS). Alterations to the levels or distribution of select metals are observed in many neurological disorders, which are believed to contribute to nerve cell death in these disorders. This includes prevalent disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Motor Neuron disease (MND), multiple sclerosis (MS) and dementia disorders, as well as rare inherited disorders including Menkes and Wilson’s diseases.
Led by Professors Kay Double, Rachel Codd, Adam Walker, Elizabeth New and Dr Benjamin Trist, the Biometals in Neurological Diseases (BiNDs) Team represents a world-first initiative as a global leading authority on biometals in neurological disease.
This team aims to bridge multidisciplinary research groups from within the University and around the world to address several core research questions:
Photographed from left to right: Professor Kay Double, Professor Rachel Codd, Professor Elizabeth New, Professor Adam Walker, Dr Benjamin Trist
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LinkNeurological disorders are the leading cause of disability worldwide and are a major national/global research priority due to their rising prevalence. Conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and motor neuron disease collectively affect millions worldwide, leading to disability, reduced quality of life, and premature death. As populations age, the incidence and cost of these disorders are expected to grow substantially, straining healthcare systems. Despite their impact, many neurological diseases remain poorly understood, with few effective therapies. Advancing research on their causes is essential for developing early diagnostics, preventive strategies, and treatments to reduce suffering and improve global health.
Our research strategy aims to bridge fundamental discovery and clinical application, with a strong emphasis on translating new therapies into the clinic and using newly developed tools to calibrate therapeutic approaches to the characteristics and needs of individual patients.
Our research includes the development of biometal-based biomarkers for early disease detection and aims to establish guidelines on modifiable lifestyle risk factors related to metal exposure and metabolism—contributing directly to preventive and public health efforts.
The BiNDs Team is inherently collaborative, drawing on multidisciplinary expertise from across our institution and international partners. We are building a globally connected research hub that promotes resource sharing, knowledge exchange, and capacity building in the field of elemental neurobiology.
Phone: +61 2 9351 0774
Email: brainandmind.info@sydney.edu.au
94 Mallett Street, Camperdown NSW 2050
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
