Rapid CYBERNOSE ® detection of illicit drugs and precursor chemicals. Rapid CYBERNOSE ® detection of illicit drugs and precursor chemicals. This project aims to develop a novel biosensor prototype based on CYBERNOSE® technology to rapidly identify volatile traces of illicit drugs and precursor chemicals in concealed environments. The CYBERNOSE® technology employs sensors using the highly sophisticated and sensitive olfactory receptors of microscopic nematode worms linked to an optoelectronic det ....Rapid CYBERNOSE ® detection of illicit drugs and precursor chemicals. Rapid CYBERNOSE ® detection of illicit drugs and precursor chemicals. This project aims to develop a novel biosensor prototype based on CYBERNOSE® technology to rapidly identify volatile traces of illicit drugs and precursor chemicals in concealed environments. The CYBERNOSE® technology employs sensors using the highly sophisticated and sensitive olfactory receptors of microscopic nematode worms linked to an optoelectronic detector. The need for rapid, non-contact screening devices to detect and identify illicit drugs and precursors entering Australia has never been greater. Law enforcement agencies should directly benefit from the capability to more rapidly screen people and cargo, improving efficiency of illicit drug detection and protection of our borders.Read moreRead less
In-situ electrochemical generation of caustic and oxygen from sewage for emission control in sewers. This project aims to deliver an innovative technology that controls the emission of notorious compounds from sewer networks using chemicals directly produced from sewage, with electricity being the input. Compared to existing methods, this technology provides a much safer and more environmentally friendly solution, at less than 50 per cent of the cost.
Special Research Initiatives - Grant ID: SR0354787
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$10,000.00
Summary
Research Network for Biotechnological and Environmental Applications of Microalgae (BEAM). The network will facilitate inderdisciplinary and collaborative research into the limitations on microalgal growth leading to the development of new, commercial-scale microalgae culture systems, the production of fine chemicals, bioactive compounds and renewable fuels (hydrogen), as well as environmental applications such as monitoring the physiological state of phytoplankton in the environment, CO2 biorem ....Research Network for Biotechnological and Environmental Applications of Microalgae (BEAM). The network will facilitate inderdisciplinary and collaborative research into the limitations on microalgal growth leading to the development of new, commercial-scale microalgae culture systems, the production of fine chemicals, bioactive compounds and renewable fuels (hydrogen), as well as environmental applications such as monitoring the physiological state of phytoplankton in the environment, CO2 bioremediation and algal/bacterial systems for the bioremediation of contaminated soils. This will be achieved by applying research on photosynthetic light utilisation efficiency and carbon fixation, chlorophyll fluorescence, biochemistry of secondary metabolites, molecular biology and photobioreactor design and engineering, informed by an understanding of the ecology of these algae.Read moreRead less
Identification Of A Y-chromosome Marker In Atlantic Salmon (extension To FRDC 95/80)
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$113,479.00
Summary
Genetic variation The results we have obtained in the current project are encouraging for SALTAS, as they confirm the earlier allozyme results of little loss of genetic variation. However, the results are also suggestive of a potential long term trend in loss of genetic variation. A sample collected and analysed in January 1997 (1993 year-class parents) would provide evidence to substantiate this trend or indicate whether the current results were a sampling artifact. The analysis of a 1997 ....Genetic variation The results we have obtained in the current project are encouraging for SALTAS, as they confirm the earlier allozyme results of little loss of genetic variation. However, the results are also suggestive of a potential long term trend in loss of genetic variation. A sample collected and analysed in January 1997 (1993 year-class parents) would provide evidence to substantiate this trend or indicate whether the current results were a sampling artifact. The analysis of a 1997 sample would be the second of a proposed regular 4 to 5 year assessment of the status of the Tasmanian stock, and would help to describe the nature and speed of any long term trends.
SALTAS, as the principal Atlantic salmon hatchery in Australia, has a long term requirement to maintain industry and investor confidence in their product, and the ability to confirm the reliability of its breeding practices is important for the sustainability of the industry.
Loss of genetic variation in a cultured population will provide an early indicator of potential inbreeding, which could have grave consequences as deleterious recessive genes are exposed and stocks lose vigour dependent on genetic variance. Any loss of genetic variation in Tasmanian Atlantic salmon could be difficult or impossible to recover due to the restrictions on importation of new broodstock.
Y-chromosome marker A number of molecular genetic techniques for trait or marker screening have been developed since the original proposal was submitted. We propose to apply some of these new techniques to the screening of Atlantic salmon DNA for a potential Y-chromosome marker. These approaches will greatly increase our chances of finding such a marker.
The new techniques we propose include: Representational Difference Analysis (RDA); PCR-Select cDNA Subtraction Technique; the application of other modified subtractive hybridization and differential display techniques that have proved useful in other species; AFLP (amplified fragment polymorphism) technique; and the application of a number of commercial RAPD (random amplified polymorphic DNA) primers.
We have also established contact, and will collaborate during the proposed project extension, with workers who have a Y-chromosome marker for brook trout and arctic char, and other workers in this field working with other teleosts.
We believe that a continuation of the current project (95/80) is the best approach to further tackle this Y-chromosome marker issue. It will allow us to best utilise the expertise and momentum we have established on this problem, rather than completed our current objectives and then revisit this issue in a year or two.
If we are successful in locating a Y-chromosome marker either during the remainder of the current schedule or early in the 1997 grant extension, resources will then be directed to isolate and further characterize that marker. Objectives: 1. To locate a Y-chromosome marker in Atlantic salmon by applying a range of molecular genetic techniques. 2. To establish the rate of change in genetic variation in Tasmanian Atlantic salmon by comparing the genetic (microsatellite and allozyme) variation expressed in progeny from 1993 year-class parents with that present in 1989 year-class parents and the parental Nova Scotia population. Read moreRead less
Application Of ELISA/PCR Tests Developed In Japan To The Detection Of A Barramundi Picorna-like Virus In Australia
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$9,812.00
Summary
Objectives: 1. Using techniques developed in Japan for the detection of a virus lethal to striped jack and a very similar one that occurs in barramundi, examine the various material from Lates calcarifer 2. Objectives as stated in B4 of the application.
Stock Identification And Discrimination Of Mulloway In Australian Waters
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Summary
Objectives: 1. Investigate population structure of mulloway, Argyrosomus hololepidotus, to determine whether mulloway in Australian waters belong to one large inter-breeding population throughout their range or whether 2 or more separate stocks exist.
Combining new synthetic biology tools to boost crop CO2 capture and growth. A solution for improving crop yield is to enhance the carbon dioxide fixation properties of the enzyme Rubisco whose inefficient activity often limits plant growth. This project makes use of new synthetic biology capabilities to artificially evolve Rubisco in the laboratory and select for new versions with improved performance. These beneficial changes will be introduced into crop Rubisco using targeted gene editing appr ....Combining new synthetic biology tools to boost crop CO2 capture and growth. A solution for improving crop yield is to enhance the carbon dioxide fixation properties of the enzyme Rubisco whose inefficient activity often limits plant growth. This project makes use of new synthetic biology capabilities to artificially evolve Rubisco in the laboratory and select for new versions with improved performance. These beneficial changes will be introduced into crop Rubisco using targeted gene editing approaches and the improvements in photosynthesis, growth and yield evaluated. This information will aid complimentary biotechnological efforts seeking to supercharge photosynthesis and help deliver the second Green Revolution needed to meet the improvement required in future agriculture productivity and resource use.Read moreRead less
Industrial Transformation Research Hubs - Grant ID: IH230100006
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$4,933,330.00
Summary
ARC Research Hub for Engineering Plants to Replace Fossil Carbon . This Hub aims to develop new plant varieties that enable sustainable production of sugars from crop ‘waste’ (plant biomass) as a base for renewable carbon products. Only now possible through emerging technologies, the Hub expects to translate extensive foundational research and world-leading expertise into cost-effective sustainable aviation fuel. Anticipated outcomes include diversified cropping opportunities for agricultural pr ....ARC Research Hub for Engineering Plants to Replace Fossil Carbon . This Hub aims to develop new plant varieties that enable sustainable production of sugars from crop ‘waste’ (plant biomass) as a base for renewable carbon products. Only now possible through emerging technologies, the Hub expects to translate extensive foundational research and world-leading expertise into cost-effective sustainable aviation fuel. Anticipated outcomes include diversified cropping opportunities for agricultural producers and new industries to convert the biomass to high-volume renewable products. The expected benefits include a decarbonised pathway for Australia’s critical flight, freight and defence connections to world and the substantial economic returns and job creation from new manufacturing capacity in Australia.Read moreRead less
Objectives: 1. Investigate bacteriological depuration of oysters. ; 2. Assess the effectiveness of sterilisation of the seawater to be used for depuration by ultraviolet and ozone units 3. establish their limits & optimise their use in terms of cost & bacterial destruction
Stock Identification And Discrimination Of Commercially Important Whitings (Teleostii; Sillaginidae) In Australian Waters Using Genetic Criteria [later Sillago Maculata And S. Bassensis Were Added]
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Summary
Objectives: 1. To investigate the population structure of the commercially important whitings, Sillago ciliata, S. maculata, S. robusta, S. bassensis and Sillagonides punctatus, using allozymes detected by electrophoresis as genetic markers. NSW, Vic, Tas, SA