The ecological dynamics of secreted bacteriocins and the evolution of multiple bacteriocin production in Escherichia coli. Bacteria produce compounds known as bacteriocins that are toxic to other microorganisms. The success of bacteria as bio-control agents and in probiotic formulations for the control microbial pathogens is, in part, due to bacteriocins. Bacteriocins may also have a role as replacements for traditional antibiotics and as natural food preservatives. The potential usefulness of b ....The ecological dynamics of secreted bacteriocins and the evolution of multiple bacteriocin production in Escherichia coli. Bacteria produce compounds known as bacteriocins that are toxic to other microorganisms. The success of bacteria as bio-control agents and in probiotic formulations for the control microbial pathogens is, in part, due to bacteriocins. Bacteriocins may also have a role as replacements for traditional antibiotics and as natural food preservatives. The potential usefulness of bacteriocins as the active agent in bio-control agents, as antibiotic replacements, as food preservatives, and as part of the repertoire of traits in probiotic formulations requires a sound understanding of the eco-evolutionary dynamics of bacteriocins. Understanding the ecology and evolution of bacteriocins is the goal of the proposed research.Read moreRead less
The origins, global spread and evolution of novel honey bee parasites. This project aims to study how emergent diseases arise, spread and evolve, studying varroa mites – a parasite of honey bees that will inevitably arrive in Australia and is expected to damage agriculture and the environment. As the mites have a well-characterised native range, independent host switches and a well-documented history of spread, they make good models. Mites have evolved after invasion, although without significan ....The origins, global spread and evolution of novel honey bee parasites. This project aims to study how emergent diseases arise, spread and evolve, studying varroa mites – a parasite of honey bees that will inevitably arrive in Australia and is expected to damage agriculture and the environment. As the mites have a well-characterised native range, independent host switches and a well-documented history of spread, they make good models. Mites have evolved after invasion, although without significant genetic differentiation at neutral markers. This project aims to identify genetic mechanisms associated with the host switches; reconstruct the pattern and demography of varroa’s global spread; and determine how selection acted on the mites after the host switch.Read moreRead less
The Cytochrome P450 Gene Super-family in Drosophila melanogaster; Gene Function and Insecticide Resistance. The cytochrome P450 (Cyp) gene super-family is represented by over 90 sequences in the genome of the vinegar fly, Drosophila melanogaster. To date, four Cyp genes are found to be involved in insecticide resistance. The function of the majority of Cyp genes is unknown. This project will investigate the function and regulation of D. melanogaster Cyp genes, linking the fly's genotype to its ....The Cytochrome P450 Gene Super-family in Drosophila melanogaster; Gene Function and Insecticide Resistance. The cytochrome P450 (Cyp) gene super-family is represented by over 90 sequences in the genome of the vinegar fly, Drosophila melanogaster. To date, four Cyp genes are found to be involved in insecticide resistance. The function of the majority of Cyp genes is unknown. This project will investigate the function and regulation of D. melanogaster Cyp genes, linking the fly's genotype to its phenotype. By studying the effects of Cyp genes on fly survival, Cyp gene expression and regulation, and expressing selected Cyp genes in a yeast expression system, we will enhance our understanding of Cyp gene function and evolution.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE160100685
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$372,000.00
Summary
Historical pest genomes inform debate about how rapid evolution proceeds. This project plans to compare the genomes of archived and contemporary specimens to discover how two key Australian pest moths have adapted to insecticides, aiding prediction of how they may respond in the future. Agricultural pest species are often capable of rapid adaptation to insecticides, resulting in widespread genetic resistance. Does this resistance build on existing genetic variation, or are fresh mutations used t ....Historical pest genomes inform debate about how rapid evolution proceeds. This project plans to compare the genomes of archived and contemporary specimens to discover how two key Australian pest moths have adapted to insecticides, aiding prediction of how they may respond in the future. Agricultural pest species are often capable of rapid adaptation to insecticides, resulting in widespread genetic resistance. Does this resistance build on existing genetic variation, or are fresh mutations used to produce a fast adaptive response? How do adaptive strategies differ among key Australian pests? This project aims to answer these questions and advance understanding of mechanisms that underpin rapid evolution to improve approaches toward pest management and agricultural protection.Read moreRead less
Discovering how termites use vibrations to make foraging decisions. Termites are pests affecting one third of Australian homes. The annual cost of treatment and damage repair is over $20 billion worldwide. Yet, little is known about how termites make foraging decisions based on vibrations. This project will study the key features in vibration signals produced by termites to unlock the secrets of their foraging behaviour.
Does size really matter? Selection, constraints and allometry. Australia is internationally recognized for its strong performance in evolutionary biology and quantitative genetics. This study contributes to the advancement of these fields. It is explicitly designed to create selection lines that can be used by developmental biologists, physiologists, geneticists and endocrinologists. This will strengthen links between institutes within Australia and internationally and later allow more applied q ....Does size really matter? Selection, constraints and allometry. Australia is internationally recognized for its strong performance in evolutionary biology and quantitative genetics. This study contributes to the advancement of these fields. It is explicitly designed to create selection lines that can be used by developmental biologists, physiologists, geneticists and endocrinologists. This will strengthen links between institutes within Australia and internationally and later allow more applied questions to be asked. Although this study addresses a basic research question, it uses techniques and statistics that are integral to work selecting for improvement of commercial crops and animals. It therefore provides valuable training opportunities for an essential part of Australia's agricultural sector.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE120101529
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,000.00
Summary
Transmission dynamics modelling of zoonotic neglected tropical diseases. This project will develop mathematical models to simulate zoonotic disease transmission and control. Results will provide novel insight for policy makers into effective interventions for schistosomiasis, echinococcosis and clonorchiasis, as well as provide a methodological platform for adaptation to other zoonotic emerging and re-emerging diseases.
New quantum and robust control theory with applications to quantum optics. The application of quantum mechanics to the creation of quantum technology promises to be one of the most exciting technological developments of this century. Possible applications of quantum technologies include vastly improved sensors to search for minerals or gravity waves, secure quantum cryptography, and quantum computing. Quantum feedback control is a key tool in quantum technology. This project will lay the fou ....New quantum and robust control theory with applications to quantum optics. The application of quantum mechanics to the creation of quantum technology promises to be one of the most exciting technological developments of this century. Possible applications of quantum technologies include vastly improved sensors to search for minerals or gravity waves, secure quantum cryptography, and quantum computing. Quantum feedback control is a key tool in quantum technology. This project will lay the foundations of systematic theories of robust, coherent and nonlinear quantum feedback control and lead to advances in the control of highly resonant systems which underlie experimental quantum and nano technology. This will enable Australia to reap great benefits as this new technological area emerges.Read moreRead less
What drives parasite spread through social networks: lessons from lizards. Australia's biodiversity is continually threatened by new epidemics of local and foreign diseases and parasites. This project will enhance our understanding of how these diseases spread, allowing more effective controls to be developed to protect wildlife species, animal populations and, ultimately, Australian ecosystems.
Parasite transmission through social networks in the pygmy bluetongue lizard. Australia's biodiversity is continually threatened by new epidemics of diseases and parasites, some local, others from overseas. This project will provide information on how they spread so that more effective management of these diseases can be developed to protect wildlife species, animal populations and, ultimately, Australian ecosystems.