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.
Devil Facial Tumour Disease: Cytogenetic Clues to Transmission and Development. Devil Facial Tumour Disease is a fatal cancer that is decimating Tasmanian devils. Preliminary work suggests that tumours from different animals have identical sets of highly abnormal chromosomes, including a giant marker chromosome. We will use DNA probes to 'paint' abnormal tumour chromosomes to discover markers for diagnosis, and identify genes contributing to tumour development and immune suppression. Most import ....Devil Facial Tumour Disease: Cytogenetic Clues to Transmission and Development. Devil Facial Tumour Disease is a fatal cancer that is decimating Tasmanian devils. Preliminary work suggests that tumours from different animals have identical sets of highly abnormal chromosomes, including a giant marker chromosome. We will use DNA probes to 'paint' abnormal tumour chromosomes to discover markers for diagnosis, and identify genes contributing to tumour development and immune suppression. Most importantly, we will test our hypothesis that tumours all arose from a single ancestral cancer cell that is transmitted between animals. A cellular transmission has frightening implications for spread of disease, but will allow us to develop appropriate therapeutic strategies to save a unique Australian marsupial from extinction.Read moreRead less
New methods to improve regional isotope therapy of liver tumours in cancer patients. The most common cause of death in cancer patients is secondary tumours in vital organs. Successful treatment of liver tumours with regional isotope therapy now offers improved survival rates. This project will research novel radiolabelled nanoparticles and advanced computer imaging algorithms to improve regional isotope therapy of liver tumours. It will provide better methods of objective assessment and manageme ....New methods to improve regional isotope therapy of liver tumours in cancer patients. The most common cause of death in cancer patients is secondary tumours in vital organs. Successful treatment of liver tumours with regional isotope therapy now offers improved survival rates. This project will research novel radiolabelled nanoparticles and advanced computer imaging algorithms to improve regional isotope therapy of liver tumours. It will provide better methods of objective assessment and management that can reduce risk and improve patient survival.Read moreRead less
Thermodynamics inversion for mineral systems. This project aims to provide a newly developed science approach to the Australian Lithospheric Architecture Magnetotelluric Project (AusLAMP). AusLAMP provides unparalleled geophysical information aimed at unravelling the tectonic history of the Australian continent and its mineral potential. The project will use thermodynamically based geodynamic simulators to jointly analyse and quantify intraplate deformation. This will illuminate the cause of dri ....Thermodynamics inversion for mineral systems. This project aims to provide a newly developed science approach to the Australian Lithospheric Architecture Magnetotelluric Project (AusLAMP). AusLAMP provides unparalleled geophysical information aimed at unravelling the tectonic history of the Australian continent and its mineral potential. The project will use thermodynamically based geodynamic simulators to jointly analyse and quantify intraplate deformation. This will illuminate the cause of driving fluid flow thorough the lithosphere, mineralisation phenomena, their datasets and geometries, and dynamic aspects of the processes driving mineral systems.Read moreRead less
Versatile dosimetry systems for radiotherapy and industrial applications: novel storage phosphor and associated reader technologies. Radiotherapy is an important procedure in the treatment of cancer, and it is essential that the radiation dosage can be accurately measured. This project will develop technology which will enable us to monitor radiation dosage in real time and very accurately. This will be of importance in medical science and also for industrial applications.
Electrical contact engineering for next generation semiconductor devices. Contact resistivity and parasitic resistance have been identified as limiting factors in the performance of next-generation semiconductor devices. This project aims to understand these limitations and to develop methods to mitigate them through the application of advanced ion implantation processing. Specifically, this will involve: investigating the effect of selective doping on electrical properties of metal-semiconducto ....Electrical contact engineering for next generation semiconductor devices. Contact resistivity and parasitic resistance have been identified as limiting factors in the performance of next-generation semiconductor devices. This project aims to understand these limitations and to develop methods to mitigate them through the application of advanced ion implantation processing. Specifically, this will involve: investigating the effect of selective doping on electrical properties of metal-semiconductor interfaces; determining how ultra-shallow dopant profiles are affected by device structure and processing; and developing improved methods for measuring ultra-low contact resistivity. The research will be undertaken as a collaboration between researchers at the Australian National University and Applied Materials Ltd.Read moreRead less
Ion-beam synthesis of functional oxides for next generation memory devices. This project seeks to explore a low-temperature approach to stoichiometry control using direct oxide synthesis and defect-engineering based on ion-implantation, a routine semiconductor fabrication process. This has the potential to improve device manufacturability and functionality. In thin film form, transition metal oxides can be subjected to intense electric fields and exhibit characteristic resistance changes suitabl ....Ion-beam synthesis of functional oxides for next generation memory devices. This project seeks to explore a low-temperature approach to stoichiometry control using direct oxide synthesis and defect-engineering based on ion-implantation, a routine semiconductor fabrication process. This has the potential to improve device manufacturability and functionality. In thin film form, transition metal oxides can be subjected to intense electric fields and exhibit characteristic resistance changes suitable for non-volatile memory applications. However, their electrical response depends critically on stoichiometry and this must be precisely engineered for optimal device performance. This project aims to develop next-generation memory devices as a replacement for current flash memory. The proposed technology uses resistance changes in functional-oxides to store information, and offers the potential for smaller and faster memory.Read moreRead less
Controlling the forming and switching characteristics of non-volatile resistive memory devices using ion-implantation. This project will develop new techniques for improving the reliability and endurance of a new class of non-volatile memory devices for use in portable electronics and embedded electronic systems. Such developments are essential for the development of next-generation devices.
Innovative learning environments and teacher change. This project aims to bridge a gap between the educational potential of innovative learning environment designs, and their actual performance. Currently, multi-modal technology-enabled spaces are not producing demonstrable benefits for students. Many teachers resist altering their mindset about how students learn effectively in these spaces and thus how teachers should teach differently. The project aims to work with schools, government and ind ....Innovative learning environments and teacher change. This project aims to bridge a gap between the educational potential of innovative learning environment designs, and their actual performance. Currently, multi-modal technology-enabled spaces are not producing demonstrable benefits for students. Many teachers resist altering their mindset about how students learn effectively in these spaces and thus how teachers should teach differently. The project aims to work with schools, government and industry to analyse the relationships between quality teaching and effective use of innovative learning environments. The new understanding gained through the project is expected to guide developments in pedagogy, policy and design and to produce strategies to improve learning in schools across Australia and New Zealand.Read moreRead less
Optimising the spring in your step to enhance footwear design. This project aims to examine how the nervous system adjusts the mechanical function of our feet across a spectrum of speeds, from slow running through to maximal effort sprinting. The proposed research will explore how the nervous system controls the function of the foot to meet the ever-varying demands of locomotion in the real-world. Expected outcomes of this project are to determine if running shoes help or hinder the natural spri ....Optimising the spring in your step to enhance footwear design. This project aims to examine how the nervous system adjusts the mechanical function of our feet across a spectrum of speeds, from slow running through to maximal effort sprinting. The proposed research will explore how the nervous system controls the function of the foot to meet the ever-varying demands of locomotion in the real-world. Expected outcomes of this project are to determine if running shoes help or hinder the natural spring-like function of the foot. It will explain a conceptually novel design allowing shoes to support our feet, whilst harnessing the energetic benefits of the foot's spring-like function. This research has the potential to revolutionise athletic footwear design and has direct implications for enhanced performance in running athletes.Read moreRead less