Advancing hybrid imaging with magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography (MRI-PET). This project aims to increase the utility, accessibility, cost-effectiveness and accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography (MRI-PET) hybrid imaging technology for brain tumour imaging. This project will develop new contrast agents, better ways of measuring their uptake including a new high sensitivity MRI-PET head coil and methods for predicting tumour progression us ....Advancing hybrid imaging with magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography (MRI-PET). This project aims to increase the utility, accessibility, cost-effectiveness and accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography (MRI-PET) hybrid imaging technology for brain tumour imaging. This project will develop new contrast agents, better ways of measuring their uptake including a new high sensitivity MRI-PET head coil and methods for predicting tumour progression using imaging information.Read moreRead less
Improved effectiveness of cochlear implants through new simultaneous stimulation techniques. Cochlear implants have brought the gift of hearing to 250,000 people worldwide and are an excellent example of Australian innovation. This project will examine an improved "high fidelity" stimulation strategy with the objective of defining a safe stimulus range for clinical use and providing a commercial advantage for Cochlear Ltd.
Chip-scale implantable bionics for next generation therapeutic neural prostheses. Australia has an unmatched reputation as a world leader in neuroprostheses. Most notable of these is the bionic ear and, more recently, leading edge research towards a bionic eye. This project will combine the research strengths and experiences from both the hearing and visual bionics fields to address the main obstacles that prevent the number of electrical stimulation channels (equating to the number of frequenci ....Chip-scale implantable bionics for next generation therapeutic neural prostheses. Australia has an unmatched reputation as a world leader in neuroprostheses. Most notable of these is the bionic ear and, more recently, leading edge research towards a bionic eye. This project will combine the research strengths and experiences from both the hearing and visual bionics fields to address the main obstacles that prevent the number of electrical stimulation channels (equating to the number of frequencies heard by the deaf, and the number of spots of light seen by the blind) from increasing. The study will improve our understanding of the electrode-tissue interface, the life-long implantablity, and electrical circuitry that will allow future bionic devices to significantly improve their performance.Read moreRead less
Rapid detection of rare-event cells by strong UP-conversion
encoded nano-radiators (SUPER Dots): finding a needle in a haystack. Current diagnostic tests are not sensitive enough to detect cancer in its very early stages or early recurrence following treatment. The new technologies developed by this project will be able to find single cancer cells in blood and urine samples heralding a new era in medical diagnostics.
Breakthrough technologies in implantable bionics. This project aims to introduce revolutionary changes in implantable bionics via miniaturisation, automation and improved reliability and generating new knowledge by leveraging recent advances in laser processes. Expected outcomes include innovative hybrid thin-film/thick-film electrode arrays with more channels and charge-carrying capacity for neuromodulation; novel glass interfaces that facilitate deeply-miniaturised hermetic packages; and failu ....Breakthrough technologies in implantable bionics. This project aims to introduce revolutionary changes in implantable bionics via miniaturisation, automation and improved reliability and generating new knowledge by leveraging recent advances in laser processes. Expected outcomes include innovative hybrid thin-film/thick-film electrode arrays with more channels and charge-carrying capacity for neuromodulation; novel glass interfaces that facilitate deeply-miniaturised hermetic packages; and failure analysis to ensure study aims result in new processes that are as or more reliable than the current state-of-the-art. This work will create new and novel manufacturing processes, and trains the next generation of innovators equipped with the tools to advance implantable bionics into the future.Read moreRead less
In vivo molecular imaging using engineered affinity reagents and fluorescent laser scanning confocal endomicroscopy. The goal of this project is to develop laser scanning confocal endomicroscopy as a tool for basic scientific discovery and rapid detection of disease biomarkers. The cutting-edge instrument and associated technologies will provide scientists with unprecedented access to dynamic biological processes as they occur in real-time. In addition, it will enable the development of virtual ....In vivo molecular imaging using engineered affinity reagents and fluorescent laser scanning confocal endomicroscopy. The goal of this project is to develop laser scanning confocal endomicroscopy as a tool for basic scientific discovery and rapid detection of disease biomarkers. The cutting-edge instrument and associated technologies will provide scientists with unprecedented access to dynamic biological processes as they occur in real-time. In addition, it will enable the development of virtual biopsies and instant diagnosis without the need for costly and time-consuming histopathological reports. Thus, it will not only drive transformative research but also transform health care delivery. It will also be a major boost to the Australian biotechnology industry with potential for enormous economic benefits.Read moreRead less
Circuit-based monitoring and characterisation of high performance semiconductor processes. As a frontier technology, this project extends Australia's leadership in wireless communications. Potentially this project provides the key enabling method for integrated circuits to take full advantage of future generations of semiconductor technology. National Research Priorities safeguarding Australia and promoting and maintaining good health will also be impacted through more capable circuits for def ....Circuit-based monitoring and characterisation of high performance semiconductor processes. As a frontier technology, this project extends Australia's leadership in wireless communications. Potentially this project provides the key enabling method for integrated circuits to take full advantage of future generations of semiconductor technology. National Research Priorities safeguarding Australia and promoting and maintaining good health will also be impacted through more capable circuits for defence electronics and anti-terrorism, medical remote sensing and networking. The innovations here will make Sapphicon, Australia's only commercial integrated circuit manufacturer, more competitive and indirectly benefit National ICT Australia (NICTA), Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO), the National Broadband Network and a host of other high-performance electronics concerns.Read moreRead less
Haemodynamic investigation of flow diverter stents for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. This project will explore the engineering of a flow diverter, an endovascular device for the treatment of brain aneurysms. The project will determine the optimal design of new types of flow diverters, which in turn could improve the effectiveness of treatments, thus reducing the associated costs of cerebral haemorrhage and stroke.
Technology platform for noninvasive measurement of intracranial pressure. The project aims to investigate a technology platform for noninvasive measurement of fluid pressure in the brain to improve assessment of brain function. Engineering approaches will aim to characterise the relationships between arterial and intracranial pressure from experimental data, computational models and signal processing of noninvasive blood pressure in the aorta, pressure in the eye and blood flow in brain and reti ....Technology platform for noninvasive measurement of intracranial pressure. The project aims to investigate a technology platform for noninvasive measurement of fluid pressure in the brain to improve assessment of brain function. Engineering approaches will aim to characterise the relationships between arterial and intracranial pressure from experimental data, computational models and signal processing of noninvasive blood pressure in the aorta, pressure in the eye and blood flow in brain and retinal vessels. Findings are expected to produce novel engineering advances in development of techniques and devices for intracranial pressure measurement, a procedure currently limited to high-risk invasive methods.Read moreRead less
Biological determinants of the safety and stability of neuroprosthetic stimulation electrodes. Performance of cochlear implants and the quality of sound perceived by patients is strongly related to electrode impedance. Electrode impedance fluctuates relative to the implant electrical activity, but the mechanisms which cause this are not clear. This project aims to investigate the role of protein adsorption in electrode performance, including impedance and material dissolution. To enable these in ....Biological determinants of the safety and stability of neuroprosthetic stimulation electrodes. Performance of cochlear implants and the quality of sound perceived by patients is strongly related to electrode impedance. Electrode impedance fluctuates relative to the implant electrical activity, but the mechanisms which cause this are not clear. This project aims to investigate the role of protein adsorption in electrode performance, including impedance and material dissolution. To enable these investigations a new biomimetic analogue of the perilymph (cochlea fluid) is intended to be developed. Additionally, the project aims to investigate two strategies to minimise impedance changes: small pulse electrode cleaning and antifouling coatings. Understanding and control of factors influencing electrode stability aim to facilitate next-generation implant designs.Read moreRead less