The importance of DNA methylation in response to environmental changes. This project aims to investigate the importance of DNA methylation, a process whereby gene expression can be altered without changes in the DNA code, in regulating our responses to environmental challenges. It plans to do so using well-validated models of adult exposure to high fat diet or psychological stress in mice and tissue-specific (liver and brain) deletion of the major methylation enzymes. It aims to compare function ....The importance of DNA methylation in response to environmental changes. This project aims to investigate the importance of DNA methylation, a process whereby gene expression can be altered without changes in the DNA code, in regulating our responses to environmental challenges. It plans to do so using well-validated models of adult exposure to high fat diet or psychological stress in mice and tissue-specific (liver and brain) deletion of the major methylation enzymes. It aims to compare functional, gene expression and methylation status after such challenges in intact and methylase deleted animals to determine how vital this process really is. This work has major implications for our understanding of epigenetics, and the ways in which genes interact with the environment especially in times of change.Read moreRead less
A landfill cover that generates electricity: a Microbial Fuel Cell application. Landfills account for over two per cent of Australia’s greenhouse emissions, dominating emissions from waste and wastewater. Methane emissions are inherent to landfills because waste cannot be permanently sealed until a landfill cell is full. In this project, a microbial fuel cell (MFC) landfill cover will be developed as a means of achieving full biogas capture, from the time that waste is placed. The MFC cover syst ....A landfill cover that generates electricity: a Microbial Fuel Cell application. Landfills account for over two per cent of Australia’s greenhouse emissions, dominating emissions from waste and wastewater. Methane emissions are inherent to landfills because waste cannot be permanently sealed until a landfill cell is full. In this project, a microbial fuel cell (MFC) landfill cover will be developed as a means of achieving full biogas capture, from the time that waste is placed. The MFC cover system would consist of a relatively thin and deformable granular graphite layer colonised by current generating methane oxidising microorganisms, overlain by a proton exchange membrane and steel mesh as the anode layer. The MFC cover will provide the benefit of power generation as well as more complete greenhouse gas mitigation. Read moreRead less
Translating zoo visitors’ behavioural intentions into conservation actions using evidence-based post-visit experiences. This project will extend and improve the effectiveness of zoo conservation education initiatives by developing post-visit web-based learning experiences. It will enable zoos to play a greater role in developing an environmentally literate society, motivate collective action for wildlife conservation and measure achievement of mission objectives.
Encouraging voluntary purchasing of carbon offsets. Climate change is one of the most critical challenges societies collectively face today and in the future. Voluntary carbon offsetting offers a solution that avoids politically costly mandatory offset schemes. Yet, currently very few people purchase carbon offsets voluntarily; fewer than 10% of air travellers, for example. There is significant untapped growth potential. This project will (1) profile consumers interested in voluntarily purchasin ....Encouraging voluntary purchasing of carbon offsets. Climate change is one of the most critical challenges societies collectively face today and in the future. Voluntary carbon offsetting offers a solution that avoids politically costly mandatory offset schemes. Yet, currently very few people purchase carbon offsets voluntarily; fewer than 10% of air travellers, for example. There is significant untapped growth potential. This project will (1) profile consumers interested in voluntarily purchasing carbon offsets, (2) identify motivational sub-segments among them, and (3) develop and experimentally test carbon offset offers for domestic flights targeted at these segments. Findings will generalise beyond carbon offsetting for air traffic.Read moreRead less
A study of turbulence and influence of anthropogenic inputs in small subtropical estuaries. This project aims to improve our basic understanding of mixing and dispersion processes in small subtropical estuaries, and to develop improved predictive models to assist with the management of natural ecosystems. This will be the first comprehensive study of mixing processes and the influence of anthropogenic inputs in small subtropical estuaries.