New strategies to save the Critically Endangered plant Grampians Pincushion Lily (Borya mirabilis, Liliaceae/Boryaceae) from extinction. The Grampians Pincushion Lily (Borya mirabilis) is Critically Endangered (only 7 remain). Efforts to increase its population and range and maintain or enhance its genetic diversity by standard methods have had only modest success so far. The aim of this proposal is to create more innovative methods in a deeper, more research-based approach to solving these ....New strategies to save the Critically Endangered plant Grampians Pincushion Lily (Borya mirabilis, Liliaceae/Boryaceae) from extinction. The Grampians Pincushion Lily (Borya mirabilis) is Critically Endangered (only 7 remain). Efforts to increase its population and range and maintain or enhance its genetic diversity by standard methods have had only modest success so far. The aim of this proposal is to create more innovative methods in a deeper, more research-based approach to solving these problems by using greater knowledge and understanding of its biology and reproduction. In particular, plant tissue culture and molecular biology will allow us to devise more effective approaches and potentially create methods that could be applied to other endangered species, particularly Borya and its relatives.Read moreRead less
Heteronuclear parallel imaging and spectroscopy for magnetic resonance. This project will develop novel imaging technology for improved interrogation of biological processes in living tissue. Successful outcomes of this project are expected to contribute significantly to biomedical research efforts, such as improved early detection and treatment of cancer and chronic disease.
Reducing 3D geological uncertainty via improved data interpretation methods. The integrity of 3D geological models heavily relies on robust and consistent data interpretation. This project proposes an innovative workflow for 3D modelling to minimise geological uncertainty. Advanced visualisation and intelligent decision support methods will be combined to assist geological interpretation. Feedback on interpretation will be provided based on data evidence and consistency with expert knowledge and ....Reducing 3D geological uncertainty via improved data interpretation methods. The integrity of 3D geological models heavily relies on robust and consistent data interpretation. This project proposes an innovative workflow for 3D modelling to minimise geological uncertainty. Advanced visualisation and intelligent decision support methods will be combined to assist geological interpretation. Feedback on interpretation will be provided based on data evidence and consistency with expert knowledge and previous interpretations. The process can be considered as a spelling and grammar checker for geological interpretation. The outcome of this study aims to achieve an improved workflow that reduces model uncertainty, resulting in a broad and significant impact on the management of Australian mineral, energy and water resources.Read moreRead less
Enhancing sunscreen DNA and photo-ageing protection. Skin damage from UV exposure is costly for individuals and the community, particularly in Australia, where the population has predominantly fair skin. While public campaigns to persuade the population to use sun protection and avoidance have been useful, this project will be the first to extend this approach to deliver a way to reduce sun damage from any UV exposure that does nevertheless occur, by incorporating the active agents into topical ....Enhancing sunscreen DNA and photo-ageing protection. Skin damage from UV exposure is costly for individuals and the community, particularly in Australia, where the population has predominantly fair skin. While public campaigns to persuade the population to use sun protection and avoidance have been useful, this project will be the first to extend this approach to deliver a way to reduce sun damage from any UV exposure that does nevertheless occur, by incorporating the active agents into topical sunscreens or creams for after-sun use. The project will also build infrastructure for translational research on photo-damage, combining world-class facilities for this research with advanced formulation and manufacturing operations.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.
Improving the analysis of trace DNA samples in forensic science and human identification. The introduction of DNA technology into forensic science has revolutionised this profession, by generating a very high level of individual discrimination through genetic profiling. However, there are still many crime scenes from which it is proving difficult to obtain sufficient DNA sample for such powerful profiling. This project will develop modifications to current techniques and procedures, as well as ....Improving the analysis of trace DNA samples in forensic science and human identification. The introduction of DNA technology into forensic science has revolutionised this profession, by generating a very high level of individual discrimination through genetic profiling. However, there are still many crime scenes from which it is proving difficult to obtain sufficient DNA sample for such powerful profiling. This project will develop modifications to current techniques and procedures, as well as new novel approaches, to improve the targeting, collection, extraction and typing of trace amounts of biological samples. These results will significantly improve our ability to fight crime, especially high volume crime, act as a deterrent, and assist in disaster victim identification.Read moreRead less
Development of an orally delivered genital herpes vaccine: targeting the reproductive tract using Liporale, a novel lipid-based adjuvant. This project will evaluate the potential of a novel lipid-based adjuvant platform, LiporaleTM, to induce protection against a model sexually transmitted infection, genital herpes, using an orally delivered vaccination approach. Currently 16 per cent of the world's population has been exposed to herpes and there is currently no effective vaccine available.
Telematics: Research & Development of Mobile Link for Telemedicine. This project is aimed at producing a reliable mobile video link between ambulance and hospital. In an emergency situation, video footage greatly assists the medical team in accurate deployment of resources to save lives. Motorola will be the industrial partner and this mobile telemedicine project fits into their telematics core business area. Together with Motorola, we will investigate video coding schemes, protocols and network ....Telematics: Research & Development of Mobile Link for Telemedicine. This project is aimed at producing a reliable mobile video link between ambulance and hospital. In an emergency situation, video footage greatly assists the medical team in accurate deployment of resources to save lives. Motorola will be the industrial partner and this mobile telemedicine project fits into their telematics core business area. Together with Motorola, we will investigate video coding schemes, protocols and network issues, to produce a commercially viable software/hardware solution. The outcome will be a working testbed that can be trialed at the Royal Adelaide Hospital. The IP generated will benefit Motorola's telematics directive and training will generate a potentially useful future employee.Read moreRead less
Airborne ultrafine particles in Australian cities. There is an acute deficiency of knowledge in Australia on urban airborne ultrafine particles, originating from transport and other anthropogenic sources, which pose significant health and environmental risks. The aim of this project is to address this deficiency by an extensive multi-city, cross-disciplinary study using state of the art instrumentation and data analytic techniques. The outcome will be an in depth, quantitative insight into the c ....Airborne ultrafine particles in Australian cities. There is an acute deficiency of knowledge in Australia on urban airborne ultrafine particles, originating from transport and other anthropogenic sources, which pose significant health and environmental risks. The aim of this project is to address this deficiency by an extensive multi-city, cross-disciplinary study using state of the art instrumentation and data analytic techniques. The outcome will be an in depth, quantitative insight into the characteristics of the particles, their sources and spatial and temporal variation across different urban areas and time scales. Further, the impacts of changing fuels, vehicle technologies, and climate on future trends of the particles will be elucidated.Read moreRead less
Improving road safety: advanced hybrid vehicle-based technology for monitoring driver drowsiness. Innovative technology geared towards reducing road accidents and fatalities (for improving public health) will constitute major socio-economic benefit to Australia. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau notes fatigue as a major cause of road accidents (2006). The World Health Organisation dedicated World Health Day 2004 to road safety and emphasized the importance of combating fatigue ('Road Safety ....Improving road safety: advanced hybrid vehicle-based technology for monitoring driver drowsiness. Innovative technology geared towards reducing road accidents and fatalities (for improving public health) will constitute major socio-economic benefit to Australia. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau notes fatigue as a major cause of road accidents (2006). The World Health Organisation dedicated World Health Day 2004 to road safety and emphasized the importance of combating fatigue ('Road Safety is no Accident'). This research will develop an innovative driver drowsiness detecting technology. With drowsiness attributable to substantial road fatalities, this technology aims to reduce this emotional and socio-economic burden on the community, contributing to national and community benefit by providing a safer road environment.Read moreRead less