Characterisation of nanobubbles. Surprisingly, nano-sized bubbles have recently been found to exist in aqueous solutions. Classical theory tells us they should rapidly dissolve, yet they are stable for several days, a phenomenon which has only recently been explained. Despite this, nanobubbles are already used in cleaning processes and appear to have significant health benefits. They are being investigated in treatments for asthma and neurodegenerative diseases. In collaboration with a pharmaceu ....Characterisation of nanobubbles. Surprisingly, nano-sized bubbles have recently been found to exist in aqueous solutions. Classical theory tells us they should rapidly dissolve, yet they are stable for several days, a phenomenon which has only recently been explained. Despite this, nanobubbles are already used in cleaning processes and appear to have significant health benefits. They are being investigated in treatments for asthma and neurodegenerative diseases. In collaboration with a pharmaceutical company, the best means to produce and characterise nanobubbles will be investigated, as well as the conditions governing their stability. The project also aims to determine how the nanobubbles interact with surfaces in order to better control their properties and achieve a better understanding of these bubbles.Read moreRead less
Investigating the atomic structure of an immune cell inhibitory receptor. T cells play a key role in the adaptive immune system, whose reactivity must be controlled to prevent aberrant reactivity. Central to the function of T cells is the T cell antigen receptor, and a host of co-stimulatory molecules, co-receptors and inhibitory receptors. This proposal, in partnership with Immutep Ltd, aims to gain a basic understanding of the structure and function of a key inhibitory receptor found on T cel ....Investigating the atomic structure of an immune cell inhibitory receptor. T cells play a key role in the adaptive immune system, whose reactivity must be controlled to prevent aberrant reactivity. Central to the function of T cells is the T cell antigen receptor, and a host of co-stimulatory molecules, co-receptors and inhibitory receptors. This proposal, in partnership with Immutep Ltd, aims to gain a basic understanding of the structure and function of a key inhibitory receptor found on T cells, termed the Lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3). The proposal utilises a combination of cellular immunology and structural biology to gain insight into the form and function of the LAG-3 molecule. Ultimately this fundamental knowledge can be used by the biotechnology industry.Read moreRead less
Investigating the structure of a T cell immune checkpoint molecule. This project aims to investigate the basic structure and function of a key co-receptor expressed on T cells, known as lymphocyte activation gene-3. T cells play a role in the immune system but must be managed to prevent autoimmunity. Insight into the function of the lymphocyte activation gene-3 function can be used to tailor immunotherapeutics to treat a variety of diseases, including cancer. Functionality of the T cell recept ....Investigating the structure of a T cell immune checkpoint molecule. This project aims to investigate the basic structure and function of a key co-receptor expressed on T cells, known as lymphocyte activation gene-3. T cells play a role in the immune system but must be managed to prevent autoimmunity. Insight into the function of the lymphocyte activation gene-3 function can be used to tailor immunotherapeutics to treat a variety of diseases, including cancer. Functionality of the T cell receptor is determined by utilising structural biology and cellular immunology techniques. The impact of this project effects the development of innovative T cell immunomodulatory agents, improving the health and quality of life of the Australian population.Read moreRead less
Conceiving Connections: Increasing industry viability through analysis of audience responses to dance performance. The development of audiences is identified by the Australian dance industry as vital to the future of the sector. The current project will investigate how audiences respond to highly evolved dance-works. It will explore the kinds of meaning communicated by such works, and the value assigned to them by tutored and untutored audiences. Methods for enhancing audience engagement will be ....Conceiving Connections: Increasing industry viability through analysis of audience responses to dance performance. The development of audiences is identified by the Australian dance industry as vital to the future of the sector. The current project will investigate how audiences respond to highly evolved dance-works. It will explore the kinds of meaning communicated by such works, and the value assigned to them by tutored and untutored audiences. Methods for enhancing audience engagement will be tested through studies in both metropolitan and regional centres. Dance-scholars, artists and cognitive psychologists collaborate with three industry partners to identify and address significant concerns for artists, presenters, advocates and funding bodies, and to train postgraduate reserachers in inter-disciplinary modes.Read moreRead less