Nanoscale silicon field-effect transistor diagnostic technology. This project aims to overcome barriers to the implementation of silicon field-effect transistor biosensors. It will investigate the biosensors’ physical and structural properties. This knowledge, combined with technological and conceptual advances, could foster the development of an advanced and translational point-of-care diagnostic technology to rapidly and sensitively detect malignant tissues. Such technology would have commerci ....Nanoscale silicon field-effect transistor diagnostic technology. This project aims to overcome barriers to the implementation of silicon field-effect transistor biosensors. It will investigate the biosensors’ physical and structural properties. This knowledge, combined with technological and conceptual advances, could foster the development of an advanced and translational point-of-care diagnostic technology to rapidly and sensitively detect malignant tissues. Such technology would have commercial potential and important societal benefits.Read moreRead less
Substrate-integrated wearable antennas for unobtrusive activity monitoring. This project aims to develop a novel class of wearable textile antennas that can form robust connections with miniature battery-less motion sensors for non-invasive activity monitoring of older people. In contrast to bulky body worn sensors that must be strapped on, it is anticipated that the garment-integrated textile antennas patterned through computerised embroidery will lead to low-cost, low-profile, and flexible ant ....Substrate-integrated wearable antennas for unobtrusive activity monitoring. This project aims to develop a novel class of wearable textile antennas that can form robust connections with miniature battery-less motion sensors for non-invasive activity monitoring of older people. In contrast to bulky body worn sensors that must be strapped on, it is anticipated that the garment-integrated textile antennas patterned through computerised embroidery will lead to low-cost, low-profile, and flexible antennas that are truly wearable with exceptional performance and scalable manufacturing techniques. The outcomes from the project are expected to underpin innovative applications, such as aged care, providing a means for caregivers to automatically monitor health and physical activity and intervene as required. Such applications would support ageing Australians to live with greater independence and safety.Read moreRead less
Dynamic terahertz superlenses for sub-wavelength sensing and imaging. We propose to develop a 'dynamic terahertz superlens' that will dramatically enhance the performance of existing T-ray imaging systems used for biosensing of cells, DNA and proteins. The science of the superlens is remarkable in that it enables image resolution shorter than the wavelength.
Functional characterisation of poly-histidine triad proteins. This project aims to understand the role and function of a novel family of surface proteins produced by Streptococci. These so-called polyhistidine triad proteins are known to contribute to capacity to cause disease in animals and humans, but we need to know how they work, as they may be excellent targets for novel drugs or vaccines.
Novel perspectives on the function of AB5 toxin B subunits in pathogenic bacterial. AB5 toxins are produced by bacteria that cause important diseases in humans and livestock. This project tests the hypothesis that the components of the toxins responsible for binding to host cells and tissues also directly contribute to cellular damage, thereby providing a better understanding of how AB5 toxin-producing bacteria cause disease.
Combating fungal biofilm growth on surfaces. This project aims to establish a scientific basis for the design and development of thin coatings, for use on biomedical devices, that can resist the attachment of fungal cells and the ensuing formation of infectious fungal biofilms on their surfaces. Advancing mechanistic understanding of how physico-chemical properties of materials surfaces influence fungal attachment will enable rational development and optimisation of coating chemistries and struc ....Combating fungal biofilm growth on surfaces. This project aims to establish a scientific basis for the design and development of thin coatings, for use on biomedical devices, that can resist the attachment of fungal cells and the ensuing formation of infectious fungal biofilms on their surfaces. Advancing mechanistic understanding of how physico-chemical properties of materials surfaces influence fungal attachment will enable rational development and optimisation of coating chemistries and structures. Tethered antifungal compounds will be added to polymer surfaces by controlled polymerisation methods to provide active deterrence; factors such as conformational flexibility will be studied to optimise coatings, which may will prevent life-threatening infections and reduce healthcare costs.Read moreRead less
Bacterial poly-histidine triad proteins. The poly-histidine triad (Pht) proteins are a poorly characterised family of surface proteins expressed by the genus Streptococcus and other Gram-positive genera. Recent studies suggest an important role for Pht proteins in survival of these bacteria in low zinc (Zn) environments. The project hypothesis is that Pht proteins specifically recruit Zn from the extracellular environment and somehow make it available to ATP binding cassette (ABC) transport syst ....Bacterial poly-histidine triad proteins. The poly-histidine triad (Pht) proteins are a poorly characterised family of surface proteins expressed by the genus Streptococcus and other Gram-positive genera. Recent studies suggest an important role for Pht proteins in survival of these bacteria in low zinc (Zn) environments. The project hypothesis is that Pht proteins specifically recruit Zn from the extracellular environment and somehow make it available to ATP binding cassette (ABC) transport systems located in the bacterial plasma membrane, beneath the cell wall, facilitating Zn uptake by the bacterium. The aim of this project is to conduct comprehensive molecular characterization of the interactions between Pht proteins, Zn and ABC transporters, and the role of the histidine triad motifs in these interactions.Read moreRead less
Very high energy gamma-ray astronomy in Australia and the development of future gamma-ray detectors. Australia contributes to the burgeoning field of ground-based gamma-ray astronomy via its involvement in the CANGAROO-III project.
I will continue the development of CANGAROO-III and establish links with the other collaborations in this field, in particular H.E.S.S., also in the southern hemisphere. Studies with CANGAROO-III of high energy gamma-ray sources such as supernova remnants and active ....Very high energy gamma-ray astronomy in Australia and the development of future gamma-ray detectors. Australia contributes to the burgeoning field of ground-based gamma-ray astronomy via its involvement in the CANGAROO-III project.
I will continue the development of CANGAROO-III and establish links with the other collaborations in this field, in particular H.E.S.S., also in the southern hemisphere. Studies with CANGAROO-III of high energy gamma-ray sources such as supernova remnants and active galaxies will finally reveal the type of particles that are accelerated in such violent regions of our universe. The development of future ground-based gamma-ray detectors beyond CANGAROO-III is also a project aim, and will expand the energy coverage of gamma-ray detectors into uncharted territory.Read moreRead less
AN INTEGRATED STUDY OF ATMOSPHERIC WAVE GENERATION AND COUPLING. Small-scale atmospheric gravity waves play an important, but not well understood, role in determining the state of the atmosphere. Observations to be made in northern Australia in 2005-2006 will bring together different kinds of radars and other instruments to study rain production processes in thunderstorms. Results will be used in a high-resolution numerical model to test wave generation by storms and to study their impact on the ....AN INTEGRATED STUDY OF ATMOSPHERIC WAVE GENERATION AND COUPLING. Small-scale atmospheric gravity waves play an important, but not well understood, role in determining the state of the atmosphere. Observations to be made in northern Australia in 2005-2006 will bring together different kinds of radars and other instruments to study rain production processes in thunderstorms. Results will be used in a high-resolution numerical model to test wave generation by storms and to study their impact on the atmosphere. The project will contribute to the improvement of weather radar measurements of rainfall and to improvement in numerical weather forecasting and climate prediction. It will provide high-quality training for postgraduate students in the use of state-of-the-art instrumentation and models.Read moreRead less
The basis of recognition and disposal of dysfunctional proteins by clusterin. When proteins become damaged they can precipitate. A blood protein called clusterin prevents precipitation of damaged proteins. Clusterin does this by forming complexes with the damaged proteins. Clusterin is the first blood protein known to do this. We will discover which parts of clusterin are responsible for this activity. We will also discover whether cells can take up and dispose of the complexes of clusterin and ....The basis of recognition and disposal of dysfunctional proteins by clusterin. When proteins become damaged they can precipitate. A blood protein called clusterin prevents precipitation of damaged proteins. Clusterin does this by forming complexes with the damaged proteins. Clusterin is the first blood protein known to do this. We will discover which parts of clusterin are responsible for this activity. We will also discover whether cells can take up and dispose of the complexes of clusterin and damaged proteins. This work is important because some diseases (eg, Alzheimers disease) involve the toxic effects of abnormal protein precipitation. Understanding how clusterin works may help in developing better treatments for these diseases.Read moreRead less