A novel scintillating optical fibre array for cancer imaging and therapy. This project aims to realise a next-generation detector technology that delivers the first fully integrated solution to the X-ray imaging and dose measurement needs of cancer radiation therapy. It is planned that this will be achieved by optimising an experimental prototype device employing a scintillating optical fibre array to generate an optical signal that preserves a tissue-equivalent detector response. The acquired d ....A novel scintillating optical fibre array for cancer imaging and therapy. This project aims to realise a next-generation detector technology that delivers the first fully integrated solution to the X-ray imaging and dose measurement needs of cancer radiation therapy. It is planned that this will be achieved by optimising an experimental prototype device employing a scintillating optical fibre array to generate an optical signal that preserves a tissue-equivalent detector response. The acquired digital image can thus be used to simultaneously verify geometric accuracy (correct patient positioning) and dosimetric accuracy (correct dose distribution). This is not currently possible with existing X-ray detector technology and offers an improvement in treatment accuracy.Read moreRead less
Haemodynamic investigation of flow diverter stents for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. This project will explore the engineering of a flow diverter, an endovascular device for the treatment of brain aneurysms. The project will determine the optimal design of new types of flow diverters, which in turn could improve the effectiveness of treatments, thus reducing the associated costs of cerebral haemorrhage and stroke.
Development of an electrode for stimulation of a transplanted neosphincter. This project aims to develop a novel electrode as an integral component of a new treatment for severe stress urinary incontinence. Treatments for severe stress urinary incontinence are associated with complications and are not completely effective. The new electrode is designed to be activated by an implanted stimulator to control an innervated smooth muscle graft (the neosphincter) to regulate the flow of urine from the ....Development of an electrode for stimulation of a transplanted neosphincter. This project aims to develop a novel electrode as an integral component of a new treatment for severe stress urinary incontinence. Treatments for severe stress urinary incontinence are associated with complications and are not completely effective. The new electrode is designed to be activated by an implanted stimulator to control an innervated smooth muscle graft (the neosphincter) to regulate the flow of urine from the bladder. Project research into the design of the electrode will focus on providing safe, effective and efficient stimulation of the neosphincter, while ensuring minimal damage to the surrounding tissues and affording straightforward implantation at surgery.Read moreRead less
Development of an electrode assembly for the stimulation of a transplanted innervated smooth muscle sphincter. This project will design and assess a number of different electrode designs for use in a medical device being developed for the treatment of severe stress urinary incontinence. The project will identify an optimal electrode design, which will be used in future clinical trials of the device.
Virtual testing of orthopaedic devices as part of the design and development process: strategies to account for patient and surgical variability. Novel computational tools will be developed through this project to help account for patient and surgical variability in the design of orthopaedic implants, such as hip and knee replacements and spinal products. These tools will reduce the design time, give greater insight in implant performance and ultimately lead to safer implants with improved longe ....Virtual testing of orthopaedic devices as part of the design and development process: strategies to account for patient and surgical variability. Novel computational tools will be developed through this project to help account for patient and surgical variability in the design of orthopaedic implants, such as hip and knee replacements and spinal products. These tools will reduce the design time, give greater insight in implant performance and ultimately lead to safer implants with improved longevity.Read moreRead less
Improved effectiveness of cochlear implants through new simultaneous stimulation techniques. Cochlear implants have brought the gift of hearing to 250,000 people worldwide and are an excellent example of Australian innovation. This project will examine an improved "high fidelity" stimulation strategy with the objective of defining a safe stimulus range for clinical use and providing a commercial advantage for Cochlear Ltd.
Biomimetic blood bag materials for prolonged platelet storage. Platelet storage is limited to five to seven days before there is a reduction in viable platelets. This results in a continual mismatch between supply and demand resulting in patients in remotes areas or those that have rare phenotypes missing out on platelets. It also results in the wastage of platelets because they expire before they can be used clinically. This project aims to extend the platelet shelf life beyond seven days by de ....Biomimetic blood bag materials for prolonged platelet storage. Platelet storage is limited to five to seven days before there is a reduction in viable platelets. This results in a continual mismatch between supply and demand resulting in patients in remotes areas or those that have rare phenotypes missing out on platelets. It also results in the wastage of platelets because they expire before they can be used clinically. This project aims to extend the platelet shelf life beyond seven days by developing biomimetic blood bag materials that reflect the natural molecular structures of blood vessels through the use of novel synthetic and biological materials. With the realisation of longer platelet storage times, this project aims to have significant impacts on the health and economic benefits of Australians.Read moreRead less
Connecting man to machine: Wireless brain-machine interface. This project aims to enable direct wireless transmission of brain signals leading to reliable thought control of computers, wheelchairs, exoskeletons and vehicles. Such technology is currently limited by the fidelity, reliability, safety and longevity of the electrodes used to record signals from the brain. Partner organisation, SmartStent, has developed a novel stent-based electrode array which allows the extraction of high fidelity n ....Connecting man to machine: Wireless brain-machine interface. This project aims to enable direct wireless transmission of brain signals leading to reliable thought control of computers, wheelchairs, exoskeletons and vehicles. Such technology is currently limited by the fidelity, reliability, safety and longevity of the electrodes used to record signals from the brain. Partner organisation, SmartStent, has developed a novel stent-based electrode array which allows the extraction of high fidelity neural information without risky brain surgery and implant rejection. The project aims to combine SmartStent's stent-electrode technology with the diamond materials technology developed by the research team for hermetic encapsulation of electronics.Read moreRead less
Integration of DNA switches into wearables for smart chemical monitoring. This project addresses the scientific challenge of real-time monitoring of dynamic biological changes in the secretions found in sweat. By creating a wearable wireless device to monitor chemicals which interests Nutromics, using a novel electronic skin technology platform, the work aims to generate new knowledge of physiological changes in sweat secretions. Lying at the interface of analytical chemistry, functional materia ....Integration of DNA switches into wearables for smart chemical monitoring. This project addresses the scientific challenge of real-time monitoring of dynamic biological changes in the secretions found in sweat. By creating a wearable wireless device to monitor chemicals which interests Nutromics, using a novel electronic skin technology platform, the work aims to generate new knowledge of physiological changes in sweat secretions. Lying at the interface of analytical chemistry, functional materials and biomedical engineering, the project will contribute to the training of young researchers in these emerging technologies which interest Nutromics Pty Ltd. The project will improve Australia's standing in technology around wearable devices, improving our global competitive edge with economic and scientific impact.Read moreRead less
Combined optical and electrical stimulation of auditory neurons. The bionic ear, which has now helped to improve the hearing of over 200,000 people worldwide, is a great example of Australian innovation success. This project aims to develop the fundamental technology that will underpin the next generation of these devices using a combination of infrared light and electrical signals to stimulate auditory nerves.