Functional magnetic resonance imaging: Decoding the palimpsest. This project aims to model the dynamics of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to image new physiology and attain higher resolution. This will enable new aspects of brain dynamics to be imaged, achieving higher resolution and improving interpretation. This project is expected to improve the use and power of fMRI, unlock new avenues for probing brain function and save experimental costs. This will have many uses in neuroscie ....Functional magnetic resonance imaging: Decoding the palimpsest. This project aims to model the dynamics of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to image new physiology and attain higher resolution. This will enable new aspects of brain dynamics to be imaged, achieving higher resolution and improving interpretation. This project is expected to improve the use and power of fMRI, unlock new avenues for probing brain function and save experimental costs. This will have many uses in neuroscience, brain imaging technology and fMRI analysis software.Read moreRead less
Australian Laureate Fellowships - Grant ID: FL140100025
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,617,462.00
Summary
The physical brain: emergent, multiscale, nonlinear, and critical dynamics. The physical brain: emergent, multiscale, nonlinear, and critical dynamics. This project aims to transform the understanding of the structure and function of the brain as a complex physical system. It aims to reveal and unify new aspects of information processing, transitions in conscious state, and nonlinear brain interactions by translating and applying concepts and methods from physics and mathematics. It will treat b ....The physical brain: emergent, multiscale, nonlinear, and critical dynamics. The physical brain: emergent, multiscale, nonlinear, and critical dynamics. This project aims to transform the understanding of the structure and function of the brain as a complex physical system. It aims to reveal and unify new aspects of information processing, transitions in conscious state, and nonlinear brain interactions by translating and applying concepts and methods from physics and mathematics. It will treat brain structure and dynamics together to address emergent phenomena like waves and patterns on multiple scales, treating waves as equal participants alongside neurons. Innovative predictions of brain phenomena will aim to be verified against data and used to understand brain networks, dynamics, and the physical phenomena underlying information processing and consciousness.Read moreRead less
Light on a nanoscale: channelling energy through space and time to control neuronal activity. Quantum-mechanical effects of energy transfer and resonance will be harnessed to yield ultrabright nanoscale light sources. Research will unveil the intricate interplay between energy harvesting, transferring and emitting centres designed so that the flow of energy exhibits a directed character. This focussed intense energy will produce abundant visible photons from infrared light. Genetically engineere ....Light on a nanoscale: channelling energy through space and time to control neuronal activity. Quantum-mechanical effects of energy transfer and resonance will be harnessed to yield ultrabright nanoscale light sources. Research will unveil the intricate interplay between energy harvesting, transferring and emitting centres designed so that the flow of energy exhibits a directed character. This focussed intense energy will produce abundant visible photons from infrared light. Genetically engineered cells able to be stimulated optically by using an optogenetics method will be illuminated by our nanoscale light causing modulation of cell activity. This new capability will enable remote control of neuronal activity in specific circuits within the nervous system without the limitation of surgically inserted optical fibres.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE160100630
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,000.00
Summary
Relating function of complex networks to structure using information theory. This project aims to investigate networks in order to translate network function to a universal language of information flows. Network science has used common tools to reveal universal connection structures within various biological and man-made networks – our brains, social networks and power grids are all networks of interacting components. Yet there is no common method to study the function of these networks and how ....Relating function of complex networks to structure using information theory. This project aims to investigate networks in order to translate network function to a universal language of information flows. Network science has used common tools to reveal universal connection structures within various biological and man-made networks – our brains, social networks and power grids are all networks of interacting components. Yet there is no common method to study the function of these networks and how such function is coupled with structure. This project aims to relate network structure to function by using measures of information processing as a generally-applicable framework. This will deliver a theory of how structure gives rise to dynamics and how structure can be optimised for desired dynamics.Read moreRead less
Spatiotemporal dynamics and analysis of functional magnetic resonance imaging. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) produces signals generated by brain activity in fine detail, but links between activity and images are poorly understood, posing a barrier to full use of the technology. Predictions from our new theory of such links will be made, tested experimentally and used to improve fMRI and discover new phenomena.
Propagating Neural Waves: Combined Experimental and Modelling Study. The project is designed to measure propagating neural waves in visual areas of the brain to discover why and how they are created, how they interact with sensory inputs, and whether they can support brain plasticity and learning. Recent analysis of the brain’s electrical signals has showed that nerve cell activity is often organised into propagating waves, but how these waves are created, and what role they play in brain inform ....Propagating Neural Waves: Combined Experimental and Modelling Study. The project is designed to measure propagating neural waves in visual areas of the brain to discover why and how they are created, how they interact with sensory inputs, and whether they can support brain plasticity and learning. Recent analysis of the brain’s electrical signals has showed that nerve cell activity is often organised into propagating waves, but how these waves are created, and what role they play in brain information processing, remains unknown. The project plans to develop new methods for processing large-scale neural data, and to apply these methods to learn about propagating neural waves. These results may improve our understanding of how neural circuits function, eventually leading to clinical and technological advances.Read moreRead less
Mathematical model reduction for complex networks. This project aims to develop new mathematical methodology to describe the collective behaviour of large networks of oscillators with parameters called collective coordinates. This will allow for the quantitative description of finite-size networks as well as chaotic dynamics, which are both out of reach for current model reduction methods. The project will apply methodology to understand the causes of, and ways to prevent, glitches and failure i ....Mathematical model reduction for complex networks. This project aims to develop new mathematical methodology to describe the collective behaviour of large networks of oscillators with parameters called collective coordinates. This will allow for the quantitative description of finite-size networks as well as chaotic dynamics, which are both out of reach for current model reduction methods. The project will apply methodology to understand the causes of, and ways to prevent, glitches and failure in the emerging modern decentralised power grids. This will develop a framework to address this question, tailored to deal with the hitherto uncharted case of finite-size networks.Read moreRead less
Integrated data-tested theory and modelling of type three solar radio emissions. Type three solar radio emissions, the Sun's most powerful and common, are the archetypal collective radio phenomenon in space physics and astrophysics. The project will integrate new theoretical work and simulations into a first integrated data-tested theory that can explain type three bursts, resolve long standing issues, and constrain solar physics.
New generation evacuated glazing for emissions reduction in the built environment. Energy consumption in buildings now rivals that of transport and agriculture. A new collaboration between the University of Sydney (inventor of evacuated glazing) and world leading glazing manufacturer, VELUX, will deliver new vacuum insulated windows made from toughened glass that will offer both safety and record performance.
Nanoscale control of energy and matter for future energy-efficient technologies. Unprecedented control of energy and matter in nanoscale fabrication will be achieved using non-equilibrium self-organised plasma-solid systems. The outcomes will lead to energy-efficient, environment- and human-health-friendly production of nanomaterials for future energy, health, information, food, water, environmental and security technologies.