Development of microwave tomography techniques and inverse methods for biomedical imaging applications. Microwave tomography is a rapidly emerging imaging technology with highly significant applications in industry and medicine. In particular, given its sensitivity to differences between normal and malignant breast tissue, non-invasive microwave imaging has been the subject of intense research interest in the last ten years. In collaboration with workers at Chalmers University in Sweden, we wi ....Development of microwave tomography techniques and inverse methods for biomedical imaging applications. Microwave tomography is a rapidly emerging imaging technology with highly significant applications in industry and medicine. In particular, given its sensitivity to differences between normal and malignant breast tissue, non-invasive microwave imaging has been the subject of intense research interest in the last ten years. In collaboration with workers at Chalmers University in Sweden, we will develop and evaluate a scanning microwave imaging tomographic system with a number of potential industrial and biomedical applications. This appears to be a new Australian initiative.Read moreRead less
A single vaccine for influenza and pneumonia. Influenza and bacterial pneumonia collaborate to kill millions of people each year. This project aims to develop a single vaccine that will provide long-lasting protection against both influenza and pneumonia.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE170100319
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$372,000.00
Summary
Fast three-dimensional imaging of neural signal propagation using light-field microscopy. This project aims to use a light-field microscope to reveal the dynamics of sustained neural activity in the brain. The brain’s neurons are highly interconnected, so neural signals can be sustained in a repeating cycle. While this may underlie tasks such as working memory, its role in information processing is unclear. Understanding information processing is vital for finding treatments for neurodegenerativ ....Fast three-dimensional imaging of neural signal propagation using light-field microscopy. This project aims to use a light-field microscope to reveal the dynamics of sustained neural activity in the brain. The brain’s neurons are highly interconnected, so neural signals can be sustained in a repeating cycle. While this may underlie tasks such as working memory, its role in information processing is unclear. Understanding information processing is vital for finding treatments for neurodegenerative disorders. To characterise this large-scale aspect of neural computation, this project measures neural activity at high speed across large numbers of neurons. This is expected to provide evidence of the nature of sustained activity which may in the future lead to treatments for neurodegenerative disorders.Read moreRead less
Rapid detection of rare-event cells by strong UP-conversion
encoded nano-radiators (SUPER Dots): finding a needle in a haystack. Current diagnostic tests are not sensitive enough to detect cancer in its very early stages or early recurrence following treatment. The new technologies developed by this project will be able to find single cancer cells in blood and urine samples heralding a new era in medical diagnostics.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE120100006
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$600,000.00
Summary
An adaptable and dedicated linear accelerator for medical radiation research. Leading radiation scientists developing innovative methods and devices for treating cancer patients will collaborate in future research using this highly adaptable linear accelerator for medical radiation research. Innovations in tumour targeting, better patient safety, new medical devices and improved cancer outcomes are expected.
Analysing the protective role of platelets during malaria infection. Platelets protect the host during malarial infection. This project aims to study how platelets kill the malaria parasite by investigating the role of host molecules and their potential as novel antimalarial agents. The role of platelets in the pathogenesis of cerebral malaria syndrome will also be investigated.
ARC Centre of Excellence in Quantum Biotechnology. ARC Centre of Excellence in Quantum Biotechnology. The ARC Centre of Excellence in Quantum Biotechnology aims to develop paradigm-shifting quantum technologies to observe biological processes and transform our understanding of life. It seeks to create technologies that go far beyond what is possible today, from portable brain imagers to super-fast single protein sensors, and to use them to unravel key problems including how enzymes catalyse reac ....ARC Centre of Excellence in Quantum Biotechnology. ARC Centre of Excellence in Quantum Biotechnology. The ARC Centre of Excellence in Quantum Biotechnology aims to develop paradigm-shifting quantum technologies to observe biological processes and transform our understanding of life. It seeks to create technologies that go far beyond what is possible today, from portable brain imagers to super-fast single protein sensors, and to use them to unravel key problems including how enzymes catalyse reactions and how higher brain function emerges from networks of neurons. By building a diverse, multidisciplinary, and industry-engaged ecosystem, the Centre means to develop our future leaders at the interface of quantum science and biology and drive Australian innovation across manufacturing, energy, agriculture, health, and national security.Read moreRead less
Plasma touches life: advancing plasma technologies for the life sciences. The aim of this project is to develop a mechanistic understanding of how electrically excited gas (plasma) jets deliver reactive oxygen and nitrogen species into tissue, ensuring safety and precision in their use to combat disease. Overcoming barriers in delivery is intended to help realise the full potential of plasma in the life sciences. The project is expected to generate new knowledge across physics, chemistry and bio ....Plasma touches life: advancing plasma technologies for the life sciences. The aim of this project is to develop a mechanistic understanding of how electrically excited gas (plasma) jets deliver reactive oxygen and nitrogen species into tissue, ensuring safety and precision in their use to combat disease. Overcoming barriers in delivery is intended to help realise the full potential of plasma in the life sciences. The project is expected to generate new knowledge across physics, chemistry and biology, leading to new approaches for the future development of plasma technologies. This should provide significant benefits by expanding the human capacity of research in plasma, and in growing the advanced manufacturing of plasma devices for future applications in engineering, biology and health.Read moreRead less
Bycatch Reduction Devices (BRDs) To Reduce The Incidental Catch Of Cuttlefish In The Spencer Gulf Prawn Trawl Fishery
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$71,000.00
Summary
The Giant Cuttlefish population in Spencer Gulf is the largest in the world and is highly valued by local residents, the tourism industry and the recreational diving sector. But surveys over the last 13 years has indicated that the northern population has, and continues to, decline markedly - leading to major public consternation.
The Spencer Gulf Prawn Fishery is known as one of the best managed trawl fisheries in the world and is permitted to only land three species, the western kin ....The Giant Cuttlefish population in Spencer Gulf is the largest in the world and is highly valued by local residents, the tourism industry and the recreational diving sector. But surveys over the last 13 years has indicated that the northern population has, and continues to, decline markedly - leading to major public consternation.
The Spencer Gulf Prawn Fishery is known as one of the best managed trawl fisheries in the world and is permitted to only land three species, the western king prawn, bugs and southern calamari
A recent SARDI study correlated the observed decline in Cuttlefish abundances with a range of potential factors including: water temperature, weather, pollution (including those from increased shipping activities), predators, prey, habitats, diseases, fishing pressure and tourism. Of these, rainfall was the only factor found to correlate inversely with peak cuttlefish abundance. The study noted the incidental capture of Giant Cuttlefish in the Prawn Fishery but found no clear association between the decline in cuttlefish and fishing intensity. The study noted a positive correlation between trawl effort and the size of the cuttlefish population but this relationship is counter-intuitive and is likely to be coincidental. The evidence therefore does not support an assertion that the recent decline in the abundance of Giant Cuttlefish in northern Spencer Gulf has been caused by prawn trawling or any other forms of fishing.
Nevertheless, due to the low population numbers, all sources of potential mortality of cuttlefish, including that from prawn trawl bycatch, need to be minimized urgently and carefully managed. This project is focused on an attempt to reduce the bycatch of cuttlefish in this fishery using modifications to the trawls used (termed ‘bycatch reduction devices’ or ‘BRDs’). If successful, such BRDs should be suitable for use in locations and at times where cuttlefish bycatches are significant.
Objectives: 1. To test four grid-based designs to determine the best way forward in developing a BRD for this fishery that excludes cuttlefish and crabs, yet does not reduce prawn catch by any more than approx 6% and has a negligible variation in the grade composition of prawns. Read moreRead less