This program will investigate the strategies used by pathogenic bacteria to cause human diseases. The research will focus on how bacteria initiate infections, how they invade, cause cell and tissue damage and respond to their human host. It will also examine how the host’s innate immune system interacts with these bacteria. The results will provide new insights into host-pathogen interactions and reveal new targets for the development of novel antibacterial drugs and vaccines.
Many of the most serious diseases of Western societies including obesity, Type 2 diabetes, cancer growth and metastasis and cardiovascular disease have metabolic dimensions. The enzyme AMPK regulates cellular and whole body energy homeostasis by coordinating metabolic pathways to balance energy demand with nutrient supply. We are studying the structure and function of AMPK with the aim of better treating metabolic diseases.
Regulation Of Ca2+/calmodulin Dependent Protein Kinase Kinase-2 By Phosphorylation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$570,334.00
Summary
This project will study the regulation of an enzyme called CaMKK2, which plays a pivotal role in controlling a number of important biological functions including brain development, regulation of appetite, energy metabolism and blood pressure. Understanding how this enzyme is regulated may open new avenues for treating Type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease.
Data Fusion Techniques for Electro-Mechanical Braking Systems. The main focus of this project is to develop data fusion techniques for clamp force estimation and optimum utilisation of redundant information in a brake-by-wire system. Efficient integration of redundant information in an EMB system is expected to significantly improve the reliability and fault tolerance of such systems. The need for costly and complicated clamp force measurement sensors in electric callipers will also be eliminate ....Data Fusion Techniques for Electro-Mechanical Braking Systems. The main focus of this project is to develop data fusion techniques for clamp force estimation and optimum utilisation of redundant information in a brake-by-wire system. Efficient integration of redundant information in an EMB system is expected to significantly improve the reliability and fault tolerance of such systems. The need for costly and complicated clamp force measurement sensors in electric callipers will also be eliminated by accurate estimation of the clamp force signal, through fusion of more readily available measurements. Development of the proposed data fusion techniques influences the design of future EMBs and enhances the functionality of existing brake-by-wire systems.Read moreRead less
Resource-aware Signal Processing and Control Algorithms for Networked Sensor Systems. Networked sensing and control is an important technology for Australia's future. Applications range from monitoring wildlife habitats to safety management of large civil structures. This project will lead to sustainable engineering solutions for these applications and provide key fundamental performance limits. Beyond the creation of new theory and algorithms, the national and community benefits will include: ....Resource-aware Signal Processing and Control Algorithms for Networked Sensor Systems. Networked sensing and control is an important technology for Australia's future. Applications range from monitoring wildlife habitats to safety management of large civil structures. This project will lead to sustainable engineering solutions for these applications and provide key fundamental performance limits. Beyond the creation of new theory and algorithms, the national and community benefits will include: (i) enhancement of Australia's reputation for innovative Engineering research through quality publications and international collaborations; and (ii) improvement of the research and development capability in the ICT sector through rigorous training of postgraduate students and postdoctoral fellows.Read moreRead less
Compositional determination of liquefied petroleum gas: Improving engine cold start performance in multipoint LPG-injected engines. Unlike gasoline, the composition of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is subject to change depending on a variety of factors including reservoir location and local market pricing. During normal automotive multipoint injection engine operation, closed loop feedback from engine sensors allows the effects of the compositional variations to be overcome and the engine to ope ....Compositional determination of liquefied petroleum gas: Improving engine cold start performance in multipoint LPG-injected engines. Unlike gasoline, the composition of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is subject to change depending on a variety of factors including reservoir location and local market pricing. During normal automotive multipoint injection engine operation, closed loop feedback from engine sensors allows the effects of the compositional variations to be overcome and the engine to operate close to optimal levels. However during cold start, the feedback sensors are not operational, and engine performance may deteriorate due to unknown fuel composition - in the worst case the engine may not start at all. This project aims to develop unique methods of estimating the composition of LPG based on existing sensor information to improve performance during cold start.Read moreRead less
The dramatic increase in obesity and age-related metabolic disorders demonstrates the importance of gaining a better understanding of how cells and organisms regulate their energy stores. This project will identify novel molecular mechanisms that control the enzyme CaMKK2, which is a key regulator of whole-body energy metabolism. This will provide new opportunities to inform more effective strategies to tackle metabolic diseases, and improve health in an increasingly ageing population.
Unconventional Mechanisms For Activating The NLRP3 Inflammasome
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$747,031.00
Summary
Many inflammatory driven diseases such as arthritis, atherosclerosis and septic shock are also associated with cell death. This project will identify, at the molecular level, how cell death signalling specifically acts to trigger pathological inflammation. As such, it will identify novel targets for the development of next generation anti-inflammatory drugs.
Modelling and estimation methods for discrete multi-dimensional systems. Multi-dimensional signal processing plays a role in a variety of application areas, ranging from remote sensing for environmental monitoring and geological mapping, to medical imaging and the automatic control of industrial processes. The success of the project will provide mathematical tools for the advancement of the state-of-the-art in these broad areas.