From The Synchrotron To The Clinic: Translation Of A Novel Functional Lung Imaging Technology
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$891,834.00
Summary
Our team has recently developed a synchrotron technology with a startling capacity for dynamic functional imaging that can act as a sensitive regional indicator of lung disease. We will demonstrate that this technology can be translated from the synchrotron to the lab and eventually the clinic. We will provide proof of this concept by the application of this technology to emphysema, asthma, lung cancer, cystic fibrosis lung disease and neonatal resuscitation.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE120100229
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$250,000.00
Summary
A prototype Scanning Helium Atom Microscope (SHeM) for soft materials. The scanning helium atom microscope (SHeM) has been a tantalising prospect since the birth of quantum physics. The SHeM would have unparalleled resolution and would be completely non-damaging; potentially revolutionising the imaging of soft delicate materials. This project will develop the first SHeM instrument in Australia to study soft matter.
Epilepsy: Molecular Basis And Mechanisms In The Era Of Functional Genomics
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$12,062,533.00
Summary
The team comprises of neurologists with a special interest in epilepsy (both adult and child) molecular geneticists, physiologists and brain imaging specialists. The team leads the world in the discovery of the genetic causes of epilepsy and epilepsy associated with intellectual disability. The team will continue to identify the genes underlying epilepsy, and study how genetic variations result in the development of seizures and will continue to develop advanced imaging techniques for these stud ....The team comprises of neurologists with a special interest in epilepsy (both adult and child) molecular geneticists, physiologists and brain imaging specialists. The team leads the world in the discovery of the genetic causes of epilepsy and epilepsy associated with intellectual disability. The team will continue to identify the genes underlying epilepsy, and study how genetic variations result in the development of seizures and will continue to develop advanced imaging techniques for these studies. This will include extensive laboratory studies, including the development of mice with the exact mutations that we find in the human condition. Stateof-the-art imaging techniques with magnetic resonance and positron emission tomography are used in human subjects to further understand the effects of the mutations on the structure and function of the brain. This will allow deep understanding of how seizures develop and may lead to new diagnostic methods and treatments. The laboratory and clinical aspects of the research are tightly integrated in this internationally leading collaborative program.Read moreRead less
Quantitative multi-modal optical imaging of deep tissue. This project aims to create new tools to quantify the structural and functional properties of tissue. Combining multiple optical imaging technologies (multi-modal) into a single, miniaturised probe, these tools could enable physiologists and biomedical researchers to obtain new insight into disease. Encasing the highly miniaturised probe within a medical needle is aimed to allow insertion of the 'needle probe' deep into tissue, extending o ....Quantitative multi-modal optical imaging of deep tissue. This project aims to create new tools to quantify the structural and functional properties of tissue. Combining multiple optical imaging technologies (multi-modal) into a single, miniaturised probe, these tools could enable physiologists and biomedical researchers to obtain new insight into disease. Encasing the highly miniaturised probe within a medical needle is aimed to allow insertion of the 'needle probe' deep into tissue, extending optical imaging to areas not previously accessible. The project could develop novel quantification models to allow longitudinal assessment and comparison between subjects. Validating the tools with specific biomarkers, it could provide outcomes in breast and liver cancer, and a framework to explore other diseases.Read moreRead less
Synchrotron X-ray Assessment Of Airway Surface Physiology For Cystic Fibrosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$778,228.00
Summary
We seek a cure or long-lasting therapy for the fatal airway disease in cystic fibrosis. Disease is caused by a shallow and dehydrated airway surface liquid (ASL), allowing bacteria to infect the lung. We can introduce a corrective gene into mouse airways where it can be effective for over 1 yr, but no fast, accurate and non-invasive measurement exists to test if treatments are successful. We will develop methods using synchrotron light to directly measure ASL depth changes in live mouse airways.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE240100073
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,150,000.00
Summary
A femtosecond beamline for time-resolved momentum microscopy. This project aims to obtain a femtosecond high-harmonic generation beamline that will be integrated with a photoemission electron microscope to create Australia’s first time-resolved momentum microscope. This project expects to use ultrafast spectromicroscopy to observe the changes to the excited electron motion within materials after they absorb light. Expected outcomes of this project include improving our understanding of light-dri ....A femtosecond beamline for time-resolved momentum microscopy. This project aims to obtain a femtosecond high-harmonic generation beamline that will be integrated with a photoemission electron microscope to create Australia’s first time-resolved momentum microscope. This project expects to use ultrafast spectromicroscopy to observe the changes to the excited electron motion within materials after they absorb light. Expected outcomes of this project include improving our understanding of light-driven physical and chemical processes that occur in materials and optoelectronic devices. This should provide significant benefits through the development of new cost effective and efficient materials for energy harvesting, sensors and photocatalysts.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE140100009
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,064,000.00
Summary
Ultra-high resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system for physical applications. Ultra-high resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system for physical applications: Ultra-high field magnetic resonance imaging provides unique high contrast images at previously inaccessible levels of resolution (<0.1mm). It non-invasively provides unprecedented information on chemical and biochemical processes including functional biological mechanisms. This infrastructure will be the focal point for ....Ultra-high resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system for physical applications. Ultra-high resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system for physical applications: Ultra-high field magnetic resonance imaging provides unique high contrast images at previously inaccessible levels of resolution (<0.1mm). It non-invasively provides unprecedented information on chemical and biochemical processes including functional biological mechanisms. This infrastructure will be the focal point for more than 100 academics and HDR students. It will take Australia to the forefront of magnetic resonance imaging capability as well as providing unique insights into diffusion and electrophoretic problems central to designing next generation energy storage. Outcomes will range from agricultural advances, higher performing batteries, and more effective cancer treatments as well advancing Australia's fundamental scientific capabilities.Read moreRead less
Advancing the visualisation and quantification of nephrons with MRI. . This project aims to characterise key components of nephrons, the glomeruli and tubules, using magnetic resonance imaging without contrast agents, in combination with Deep Learning and super-resolution techniques. Nephrons, the basic functional unit of the kidney, are critical to the maintenance of the body’s homeostasis. Their number and architecture are critical determinants of kidney function. The expected outcomes are inn ....Advancing the visualisation and quantification of nephrons with MRI. . This project aims to characterise key components of nephrons, the glomeruli and tubules, using magnetic resonance imaging without contrast agents, in combination with Deep Learning and super-resolution techniques. Nephrons, the basic functional unit of the kidney, are critical to the maintenance of the body’s homeostasis. Their number and architecture are critical determinants of kidney function. The expected outcomes are innovative semi-automated nephron visualisation and quantitation tools that enable efficient renal phenotyping. Techniques tailored to widely accessible preclinical research scanners are expected to accelerate research into genetic and environmental factors affecting kidney microstructure in embryonic and post-natal life.Read moreRead less