Positrons in biosystems. This project aims to improve our understanding of the damage processes in Positron Emission Tomography (PET). PET is a widely used medical imaging technique, but there are gaps in our understanding of the underlying interactions, in particular in the case of the radiation damage induced during the process. By using new models incorporating accurate descriptions of interactions processes, verified by experimental measurement, this project will develop a new model of posit ....Positrons in biosystems. This project aims to improve our understanding of the damage processes in Positron Emission Tomography (PET). PET is a widely used medical imaging technique, but there are gaps in our understanding of the underlying interactions, in particular in the case of the radiation damage induced during the process. By using new models incorporating accurate descriptions of interactions processes, verified by experimental measurement, this project will develop a new model of positron transport in PET. The project will allow validation of predictions from the model by undertaking experiments in liquid water.Read moreRead less
Plasma-soft tissue interactions: advancing a new era of plasma technologies. This project aims to develop the prerequisite knowledge to underpin new plasma technologies. Specifically, the project plans to provide new insight into the interaction between ionised gas plasma jets and biological soft tissue. It plans to use advanced analytical techniques and modelling simulations to investigate the physics of the plasma jet and processes occurring at the jet–tissue interface. It also plans to use (b ....Plasma-soft tissue interactions: advancing a new era of plasma technologies. This project aims to develop the prerequisite knowledge to underpin new plasma technologies. Specifically, the project plans to provide new insight into the interaction between ionised gas plasma jets and biological soft tissue. It plans to use advanced analytical techniques and modelling simulations to investigate the physics of the plasma jet and processes occurring at the jet–tissue interface. It also plans to use (bio)engineered tissue targets, chemical, biological and cellular assays to probe the transport and effects of plasma reactive species deep within tissue. This new knowledge would enable the development of new plasma sources and protocols for applications in health, medicine, biotechnology and manufacturing.Read moreRead less
Identifying components of a novel imprinting mechanism that regulates seed size in plants. Australia is a major exporter of agricultural food crops thus producers must maintain their competitive advantage in order to compete on the world stage. This project will study a fundamental biological process of seed development as seeds are a major food staple and an important export product for Australian farmers.
Unified framework of intestinal motility. The project aims to establish how a few fundamental mechanisms determine the large repertoire of intestinal motor patterns responsible for moving nutrients along the digestive tract. The project will combine experimental and theoretical data, with biomechanical and electrophysiological models to create a new understanding of this essential function of the body.