Untangling the Heat Paradox in Parkinson’s Disease – An In vivo Approach (PhD Position)

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain, leading to motor symptoms such as tremors, bradykinesia, and dyskinesia. Recent research suggests that heat stress may accelerate PD progression by worsening cognitive decline, activating glial cells, increasing neuroinflammation, and triggering neuronal apoptosis in animal models. Conversely, controlled heat exposure or heat therapy may offer therapeutic benefits for PD patients. This PhD project at Monash University Malaysia aims to investigate the impact of record-high temperatures in Malaysia on the severity of Parkinson’s disease symptoms using animal models. The research will explore both the detrimental and potential therapeutic effects of heat on PD, contributing to a deeper understanding of disease mechanisms and possible interventions. The ideal candidate should have experience in developing PD animal models, animal handling, surgical procedures, and brain tissue collection for downstream analysis. Basic training in animal handling will be provided by an experienced neuroscientist. The project is supervised by Dr Kasthuri Magalingam, Dr Thaarvena Retinasamy, Prof Ammu Radhakrishnan, and Dr Mohd-Zulhilmi Paiz Ismadi, who bring expertise in neuroscience, molecular biology, and behavioural biology. Funding is available through the Graduate Research Excellence Scholarship, which includes a 100% tuition fee waiver and a monthly stipend of RM 2,850. Applicants must hold a First Class Honours (H1) degree or its equivalent, recognized by Monash University Malaysia, and meet the English language requirements. Applications are accepted year-round, and interested candidates are encouraged to contact Dr Kasthuri Bai Magalingam for further information. This opportunity is ideal for students passionate about neuroscience, neurodegeneration, and translational research, offering access to state-of-the-art facilities and a collaborative research environment in Malaysia.