Biomolecular chemical survival strategies of terrestrial extremophiles and the spectroscopic search for life on Mars. This project is aimed to place Australian research at the forefront of developments in the search for extraterrestrial life, the evolution of life on earth, and the design of new probes for the identification of microorganisms. The research will link key centres in Australia and the UK with international space agencies (NASA and the European Space Agency) in the search for cutti ....Biomolecular chemical survival strategies of terrestrial extremophiles and the spectroscopic search for life on Mars. This project is aimed to place Australian research at the forefront of developments in the search for extraterrestrial life, the evolution of life on earth, and the design of new probes for the identification of microorganisms. The research will link key centres in Australia and the UK with international space agencies (NASA and the European Space Agency) in the search for cutting edge techniques to be used in the search for extraterrestrial life forms and their links to paleo and extremophile life forms on Earth. Read moreRead less
Structure of Adsorbed Surfactant Layers at Ionic Liquid-Air Interfaces. The research conducted in the project will greatly enhance our understanding of the physical properties of ionic liquids, an important new class of designer solvents. Australian researchers will receive advanced training and experience using Sum Frequency Spectroscopy in the laboratory of OI Rutland, and in the use of Neutron Reflection. This project is especially timely with the imminent start-up of the new Australian resea ....Structure of Adsorbed Surfactant Layers at Ionic Liquid-Air Interfaces. The research conducted in the project will greatly enhance our understanding of the physical properties of ionic liquids, an important new class of designer solvents. Australian researchers will receive advanced training and experience using Sum Frequency Spectroscopy in the laboratory of OI Rutland, and in the use of Neutron Reflection. This project is especially timely with the imminent start-up of the new Australian research reactor, OPAL, and will help to seed an active program by Australian researchers at this facility.Read moreRead less
Studying Molecular Dynamics with Electron and Laser Interactions. We plan to use state-of-the-art experimental techniques and methodologies to probe the dynamics of molecular processes stimulated by either laser or electron interactions. These processes are fundamental to our understanding of both natural phenomena and many devices used in the technology of today and of the future. As a result of this study our insight into the mechanisms underpining these phenomena and devices will be enhanced.
Cumulenes and Heterocumulenes - Stellar Molecules and New Materials. This project involves the formation and characterisation of transient neutrals (formed in the mass spectrometer by neutralisation of charged precursor ions) which are either found in stellar dust clouds, or related molecules which may be either potential stellar molecules or have importance in the development of new materials. This work may lead to a better understanding of how biomolecules are formed in interstellar environs. ....Cumulenes and Heterocumulenes - Stellar Molecules and New Materials. This project involves the formation and characterisation of transient neutrals (formed in the mass spectrometer by neutralisation of charged precursor ions) which are either found in stellar dust clouds, or related molecules which may be either potential stellar molecules or have importance in the development of new materials. This work may lead to a better understanding of how biomolecules are formed in interstellar environs. The Adelaide and Berlin groups are internationally known, already with ongoing collaboration. This application seeks to extend the scope of this world-class research, and to train the premier graduate students in astrochemistry.Read moreRead less
Raman spectroscopy and imaging of natural and synthetic melanins. The national benefit of this research lies in three main areas. First, this research could lead to a non-invasive diagnostic for melanoma. Second, it could reveal stronger connections between melanin and melanoma development than previously believed and thus inspire possible methods of treatment or prevention of melanoma. Given Australia's high incidence of melanoma, these could have an enormous impact on our health care system. T ....Raman spectroscopy and imaging of natural and synthetic melanins. The national benefit of this research lies in three main areas. First, this research could lead to a non-invasive diagnostic for melanoma. Second, it could reveal stronger connections between melanin and melanoma development than previously believed and thus inspire possible methods of treatment or prevention of melanoma. Given Australia's high incidence of melanoma, these could have an enormous impact on our health care system. Third, it will increase our understanding of the melanin pigment and further establish Australia as a leader in this field. Given the links between melanin and Parkinson's Disease and immune response, this understanding could have greater impact on health care than simply melanoma.Read moreRead less
Environmental and Technological Applications of Electron-Driven Processes. We plan to use state-of-the-art experimental techniques and methodologies for the measurement of collision cross sections and reaction rates for low energy electron-driven process in molecules and molecular radicals. These processes are fundamental to our understanding of our environment and many devices used in the technology of today and of the future. In particular we will provide accurate cross sections for NOx and SO ....Environmental and Technological Applications of Electron-Driven Processes. We plan to use state-of-the-art experimental techniques and methodologies for the measurement of collision cross sections and reaction rates for low energy electron-driven process in molecules and molecular radicals. These processes are fundamental to our understanding of our environment and many devices used in the technology of today and of the future. In particular we will provide accurate cross sections for NOx and SOx pollutants and H2O, as well for molecules such as C4F8, and its radicals such as CF2, which are used extensively in plasma processing technologies.Read moreRead less