Environmental metagenomics, metaproteomics and novel bioactives from microbial communities in Antarctic lakes. This program will derive an integrated understanding of microbial ecology which is essential for determining ways of preserving the health of the World's ecosystems. Through this, Australia will remain a world leader in Antarctic biology, strengthening Australia's reputation in technologically innovative scientific programs of global significance, training local scientists in cutting ed ....Environmental metagenomics, metaproteomics and novel bioactives from microbial communities in Antarctic lakes. This program will derive an integrated understanding of microbial ecology which is essential for determining ways of preserving the health of the World's ecosystems. Through this, Australia will remain a world leader in Antarctic biology, strengthening Australia's reputation in technologically innovative scientific programs of global significance, training local scientists in cutting edge genomic biology and fostering the interests of the international community in sciences ranging from microbial ecology to bioprospecting. Novel biodegradable enzymes will be developed to replace harsh chemicals providing environmentally friendly, cheaper and more effective agents for use in medical, biotechnological, industrial and biodefense applications.Read moreRead less
Polyketides as the conserved basis for diverse marine toxin biosyntheses. Over the past three decades, the frequency and global distribution of harmful marine biotoxin events appears to have increased, and human poisonings have regularly occurred. This project will develop an understanding of the genetics and physiology of toxin-producing marine microorganisms in response to pollution and climatic change that is critical for the management of these species and for the risk assessment of contamin ....Polyketides as the conserved basis for diverse marine toxin biosyntheses. Over the past three decades, the frequency and global distribution of harmful marine biotoxin events appears to have increased, and human poisonings have regularly occurred. This project will develop an understanding of the genetics and physiology of toxin-producing marine microorganisms in response to pollution and climatic change that is critical for the management of these species and for the risk assessment of contaminated seafood. The direct outcomes of this work constitute an easier, more economical and ethical alternative to current toxicity testing. Further benefits of this research will also be tangible for the environmental, biosecurity, fisheries and pharmaceutical sectors of Australian community and industry.Read moreRead less
Determinants of substrate preferences and environmental applications of the copper membrane monooxygenases. The project aims to improve sustainability of environmental problems related to methane emissions, nitrogen cycling and pollution. We are developing tools targeting microbial genes correlated to all these issues. Data from these tests provides the information needed for monitoring environmental health and development of sustainable solutions.