From genotype to phenotype: Molecular photofitting for criminal investigations. DNA found at crime scenes has the potential to provide a physical description of the donor in the same way as an eyewitness statement can be used to make a facial reconstruction. This project will investigate those physical traits which can be derived from the analysis of DNA present in samples collected in relation to criminal activities.
Improving the efficiency of CRISPR gene editing in cells. Human red blood cells are well-characterised and the globin gene locus is a model system for the study of gene regulation. Gene editing technologies and delivery tools are evolving rapidly and the globin gene locus is the perfect model for gene editing optimisation. This collaboration between UNSW Sydney and CSL aims to bring together our combined expertise and new technologies to develop an optimal platform for genetic modification in a ....Improving the efficiency of CRISPR gene editing in cells. Human red blood cells are well-characterised and the globin gene locus is a model system for the study of gene regulation. Gene editing technologies and delivery tools are evolving rapidly and the globin gene locus is the perfect model for gene editing optimisation. This collaboration between UNSW Sydney and CSL aims to bring together our combined expertise and new technologies to develop an optimal platform for genetic modification in a red blood cell line. Simultaneously, this project aims to generate fundamental insights into mechanisms of human gene regulation. The technological and biological outcomes of this project will be of benefit for future gene editing applications.Read moreRead less
Translating genomic discoveries into improved commercial outcomes for the South Sea pearl industry. The purpose of this project is to understand the relationship between gene expression and pearl quality. By identifying the relationship between genes and pearls this project will determine the best conditions to grow selected pearl oyster stocks for the Australian South Sea pearl industry.
Evaluation of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens H57 as a probiotic in livestock using animal nutrition studies and metagenomics. To improve animal production, gene sequencing will unravel how microbial communities in the rumen of sheep and cattle and the gastro intestinal tract of poultry respond to feed quality and probiotic bacteria. The animal nutrition trials will also measure weight gain and feed utilisation efficiency, particularly for nitrogen, protein and energy.
Investigations into the antibacterial mechanism of action of cannabidiol. This project aims to understand how the compound cannabidiol is able to kill bacteria by examining its interactions with bacteria from a genetic and molecular level. This research is critical, because future development of cannabidiol and design of improved analogs is predicated on knowing how it works. Expected outcomes include the first detailed understanding of how cannabidiol interacts with bacteria. This should lead ....Investigations into the antibacterial mechanism of action of cannabidiol. This project aims to understand how the compound cannabidiol is able to kill bacteria by examining its interactions with bacteria from a genetic and molecular level. This research is critical, because future development of cannabidiol and design of improved analogs is predicated on knowing how it works. Expected outcomes include the first detailed understanding of how cannabidiol interacts with bacteria. This should lead to significant benefits, including high impact publications, additional collaborations with industrial partner Botanix, and a new class of antibiotics to overcome antibiotic resistance.Read moreRead less
Control points in nitrogen uptake: enhancing the response of cereals to nitrogen supply and demand. Vast amounts of nitrogen fertiliser are applied to cereal crops to maintain yields. By uncovering what limits nitrogen uptake in cereals, this project will provide the scientific basis for improving nitrogen use efficiency and decreasing fertiliser use, with significant economic and environmental benefits.
Physiology and genetics of barley grain germination in the malting and brewing industries. An international research team will provide new scientific information on barley grain germination. This detailed basic knowledge will be immediately applied in breeding programs that are aimed at improving malting and brewing quality in a commercial context. At the same time, the industry's carbon footprint will be significantly reduced.
Discovery of bioactive natural substances from uncultured bacteria and their production using photosynthetic reactor technology. The range and rate of natural product discovery is the limiting factor in developing new therapies for cancer and infectious disease. This research will enable the discovery of new drugs, coupled to their production in a photosynthetic expression system. This represents a truly “green” and sustainable technology for the pharmaceutical industry.
Optimising barramundi production through early prediction of thermal tolerance and growth. Aquaculture is Australia's fastest growing primary industry and is increasingly becoming an important employer in regional Australia. Consequently, positive growth in this sector linked to productivity gains through R&D will result in improved socioeconomic prosperity of regional communities. This project will allow barramundi farmers to identify highly productive families early on in the culture process, ....Optimising barramundi production through early prediction of thermal tolerance and growth. Aquaculture is Australia's fastest growing primary industry and is increasingly becoming an important employer in regional Australia. Consequently, positive growth in this sector linked to productivity gains through R&D will result in improved socioeconomic prosperity of regional communities. This project will allow barramundi farmers to identify highly productive families early on in the culture process, thereby improving their efficiency of farming and increasing their international competitiveness in the rapidly expanding global market. The project will also establish Australia at the forefront of biotechnological research and its applications to aquaculture.Read moreRead less
Improving vaccine performance through understanding host-pathogen interaction in yersiniosis. This project will significantly contribute to the economic and environmental sustainability of the Australian salmon industry. It will reduce salmon production costs, ensure sufficient supply of fish from hatchery to grow-out and reduce the use of antibiotics. Reduced use of antibiotics will benefit both the environment and human health. As the salmon industry is based in regional and rural areas, th ....Improving vaccine performance through understanding host-pathogen interaction in yersiniosis. This project will significantly contribute to the economic and environmental sustainability of the Australian salmon industry. It will reduce salmon production costs, ensure sufficient supply of fish from hatchery to grow-out and reduce the use of antibiotics. Reduced use of antibiotics will benefit both the environment and human health. As the salmon industry is based in regional and rural areas, this project will support rural and regional communities. This project will further strengthen Australian leadership in aquaculture research through use of molecular methods to address industry issues and will therefore increase the competitiveness of Australian science.Read moreRead less