Role of plant host factors in the replication and pathogenesis of Tomato leaf curl virus (TLCV). Geminivirus infection is an emerging problem in the Australian tomato growing industry which is currently worth ca.A$200m annually. Knowledge gained from this research will have direct benefit in safeguarding this industry by providing an insight into geminivirus replication and identifying molecular targets for virus control. More generally, the technology developed through this study will contribu ....Role of plant host factors in the replication and pathogenesis of Tomato leaf curl virus (TLCV). Geminivirus infection is an emerging problem in the Australian tomato growing industry which is currently worth ca.A$200m annually. Knowledge gained from this research will have direct benefit in safeguarding this industry by providing an insight into geminivirus replication and identifying molecular targets for virus control. More generally, the technology developed through this study will contribute to our basic understanding of virus replication in plants with a view to controlling virus diseases by direct molecular intervention with specifically engineered tools. We foresee potential industrial applications. Read moreRead less
Ultrasound for control of cyanobacteria. Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, forms in drinking water supplies in Australia and can cause water-quality problems. Current methods to treat blue-green algae involve the use of Copper Sulphate, which is not an environmentally friendly compound. A potential alternative environmentally friendly water-treatment method involves the use of ultrasound to disrupt the cyanobacteria. The aim of this project is to determine the physical properties of ....Ultrasound for control of cyanobacteria. Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, forms in drinking water supplies in Australia and can cause water-quality problems. Current methods to treat blue-green algae involve the use of Copper Sulphate, which is not an environmentally friendly compound. A potential alternative environmentally friendly water-treatment method involves the use of ultrasound to disrupt the cyanobacteria. The aim of this project is to determine the physical properties of the cyanobacteria when excited with ultrasound for the purpose of finding an efficient method to treat large volumes of water. Read moreRead less
The Role Of Arousal And Respiratory Control Factors In The Pathogenesis Of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$567,924.00
Summary
Sleep apnoea (OSA) is a very common breathing disorder in sleep characterized by repetitive closure of the collapsible portion of the throat with serious effects on sleep quality and health. Basic causes of OSA are still largely unknown. We will investigate waking responses to breathing load and related respiratory control factors that we believe may be fundamental causes of OSA, and potentially explain many features of OSA including worsening in light sleep and with increasing age.
Understanding The Role Of The Atypical Cadherin Fat4 In Lymphatic Vascular Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,006,248.00
Summary
This application will define the role of a large cell adhesion molecule, FAT4, in lymphatic vascular development. By understanding how FAT4 functions in lymphatic vessels, we will gain insight to the mechanisms by which mutations in the gene that encodes this protein cause a human lymphoedema syndrome.
Novel vibro-acoustic technologies for detecting bearing and wheel defects in rail vehicles. Research will be conducted to provide the basis for the development of a novel automatic system that detects bearing and wheel defects in under-way railway wagons, thus helping to prevent catastrophic derailments and minimise fuel consumption. It will also maintain Australian industry at the forefront of the global track-side monitoring industry.
How The Lateral Habenula Integrates Behavioral And Autonomic Functions: The VTA Dopamine Connection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$819,904.00
Summary
When adverse events occur, the lateral habenula, an old brain nucleus, helps calculate the wisest corrective action by contributing to the “brake” that controls the brain’s dopamine reward system. Our research will show how the lateral habenula links corrective changes in behavior with coordinated changes in temperature. Understanding this link will greatly contribute to understanding the brain mechanisms that regulate our physiology during stressful situations and as part of mental illness.
Reducing Blackout Risk through Live Modelling and Monitoring. This project aims to reduce the risk of blackouts through the development of on-line systems for modelling and monitoring of loads and power system controllers. This project is a collaboration with Transgrid, Powerlink, Vencorp and ElectraNetSA, four Transmission companies renowned for innovation in the area of system stability. The project proposes to develop innovative algorithms and to implement these algorithms using advanced hard ....Reducing Blackout Risk through Live Modelling and Monitoring. This project aims to reduce the risk of blackouts through the development of on-line systems for modelling and monitoring of loads and power system controllers. This project is a collaboration with Transgrid, Powerlink, Vencorp and ElectraNetSA, four Transmission companies renowned for innovation in the area of system stability. The project proposes to develop innovative algorithms and to implement these algorithms using advanced hardware, software and communication systems to dynamically generate decision tools for safe and efficient power system operating conditions. These systems will also generate alarms if any risky operational situations arise.Read moreRead less
Quantifying the impact of wind farm noise on rural communities. This project is directed at quantifying the level and character of wind farm noise experienced by rural communities, to gain an understanding of the likelihood of the emitted sound causing the medical symptoms experienced by these communities. The outcome will be an accurate prediction model that covers infrasound, the audio range and modulation.
Use of mitochondrial electron transport chain mutants to evaluate how non-phosphorylating respiration influences plant metabolite profiles and stress tolerance. This project uses transgenic plant technology to elucidate how mitochondrial function impacts on the profile of metabolites in plant cell and tissues and whether altering these profiles influences a plant's ability tog row in harsh conditions. It will contribute to our fundamental knowledge of plant metabolism using a metabolomic anaylsi ....Use of mitochondrial electron transport chain mutants to evaluate how non-phosphorylating respiration influences plant metabolite profiles and stress tolerance. This project uses transgenic plant technology to elucidate how mitochondrial function impacts on the profile of metabolites in plant cell and tissues and whether altering these profiles influences a plant's ability tog row in harsh conditions. It will contribute to our fundamental knowledge of plant metabolism using a metabolomic anaylsis of plant stress response. This will be achieved using new high-throughput technologies, allowing reliable qualitative and quantitative analysis of large numbers of samples. This approach will compliment existing genomic and proteomic analyses of plants exposed to abiotic stress.Read moreRead less
Condition monitoring and process control of injection molding. Injection molding has been widely used in automotive industry and improvement of the productivity and quality of the products is very important for the injection molding production to be internationally competitive. The aim of this project is to develop a condition monitoring and process control system to monitor the key parameters of the injection molding processes, to optimise the design and process conditions, and consequently, to ....Condition monitoring and process control of injection molding. Injection molding has been widely used in automotive industry and improvement of the productivity and quality of the products is very important for the injection molding production to be internationally competitive. The aim of this project is to develop a condition monitoring and process control system to monitor the key parameters of the injection molding processes, to optimise the design and process conditions, and consequently, to more actively control the processes. This will lead to an more reliable process, improved productivity and production of higher quality of moldings.Read moreRead less