Sampling and processing for diffusion magnetic resonance imaging. This project aims to develop optimal, efficient and robust signal processing methods for diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) with reduced scan times. A child, possibly distressed, can only be motionless long enough to undergo a basic dMRI scan of the brain, but enhanced forms of dMRI need at least 60 minutes. The project’s processing methods will use spherical geometries, which encode information about white matter fibres ....Sampling and processing for diffusion magnetic resonance imaging. This project aims to develop optimal, efficient and robust signal processing methods for diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) with reduced scan times. A child, possibly distressed, can only be motionless long enough to undergo a basic dMRI scan of the brain, but enhanced forms of dMRI need at least 60 minutes. The project’s processing methods will use spherical geometries, which encode information about white matter fibres in the brain, to collect and reconstruct images. The project is expected to reduce dMRI scan times and ultimately make non-invasive and inexpensive early detection of neurological disorders such as dementia feasible.Read moreRead less
Optimisation of signal processing and electrical stimulation algorithms for the abatement of epileptic seizures. Epilepsy is the second-most common neurological disorder behind stroke and ischemic attacks, affecting 1-2 per cent of the nation's population. Pharmaceutical therapies are ineffective in approximately one third of cases, the result being a large unmet need for novel treatments. The devices to be produced through this project will improve the quality of life of many patients in the fu ....Optimisation of signal processing and electrical stimulation algorithms for the abatement of epileptic seizures. Epilepsy is the second-most common neurological disorder behind stroke and ischemic attacks, affecting 1-2 per cent of the nation's population. Pharmaceutical therapies are ineffective in approximately one third of cases, the result being a large unmet need for novel treatments. The devices to be produced through this project will improve the quality of life of many patients in the future and alleviate their dependence on traditional medications. The devices will also reduce the patients' requirements for medical practitioners, hospital and ambulance services, and will therefore also reduce the financial burden that neurological and epilepsy patients place on the community.Read moreRead less
Advanced microelectronic transistor structures for novel biosensor technology. This international, interdisciplinary team aims to develop an electronic biosensor technology that will significantly advance biomedical research to combat human disease. This is likely to have a major social impact on the community, improve health outcomes and generate substantial economic potential for the pharmaceutical industry. The principal benefit of this research will be the fabrication of electronic devices b ....Advanced microelectronic transistor structures for novel biosensor technology. This international, interdisciplinary team aims to develop an electronic biosensor technology that will significantly advance biomedical research to combat human disease. This is likely to have a major social impact on the community, improve health outcomes and generate substantial economic potential for the pharmaceutical industry. The principal benefit of this research will be the fabrication of electronic devices based on advanced materials, significantly reducing the time, the biological material used and the complexity of assessing human cell function. In addition to improving health through novel biosensor techniques, this technology is expected to lead to the creation of commercially important intellectual property.Read moreRead less
Autonomous body sensors in humans: investigating new bio-sensing techniques with self-power generation. Using advanced integrated electronic and mechanical systems, it is now possible to design small biomedical sensors that can be inserted into the body to take biological measurements. This project introduces a new kind of bio-sensors with self-energy generation capability and reduces the need for periodic battery replacement. New wireless and circuit techniques are investigated to reduce power ....Autonomous body sensors in humans: investigating new bio-sensing techniques with self-power generation. Using advanced integrated electronic and mechanical systems, it is now possible to design small biomedical sensors that can be inserted into the body to take biological measurements. This project introduces a new kind of bio-sensors with self-energy generation capability and reduces the need for periodic battery replacement. New wireless and circuit techniques are investigated to reduce power consumption and physical dimensions, while providing a better performance and a safer wireless link. The project aims to deliver high level of comfort, better mobility and better patient care.Read moreRead less
Signal processing algorithms for interpreting multi-dimensional ambulatory data during normal activities: correlates of current measures of fall risk. This project will develop algorithms to analyse human movement, measured using a small waist-worn sensor, which approximate existing clinical tests to identify likely fallers. This will enable future fall risk monitor development. This is an important problem as one in three senior citizens fall each year, costing around $500 million in healthcare ....Signal processing algorithms for interpreting multi-dimensional ambulatory data during normal activities: correlates of current measures of fall risk. This project will develop algorithms to analyse human movement, measured using a small waist-worn sensor, which approximate existing clinical tests to identify likely fallers. This will enable future fall risk monitor development. This is an important problem as one in three senior citizens fall each year, costing around $500 million in healthcare.Read moreRead less
Technology optimisation of integrated circuits with applications to wireless communication systems in medicine. This project will define and verify methods to help engineers pick the best technology for designing critical wireless monitoring systems used for medical devices. This project will also verify these methods by developing a wireless, implantable blood pressure monitor with real-time video.
Development of a novel flex sensor for use on catheters in medical pressure diagnostic tools. This research project will lead to a significant improvement on the technologies currently available to diagnostic tests of swallowing dysfunctions in children. The proposed technology is much needed and will enable future development of more direct and targeted interventions to assist with feeding based on these measurement techniques. In addition, the knowledge and expertise learned from this project ....Development of a novel flex sensor for use on catheters in medical pressure diagnostic tools. This research project will lead to a significant improvement on the technologies currently available to diagnostic tests of swallowing dysfunctions in children. The proposed technology is much needed and will enable future development of more direct and targeted interventions to assist with feeding based on these measurement techniques. In addition, the knowledge and expertise learned from this project as applied to such a miniature medical device comprises sufficient generic know-how to be useful in developing other biomedical devices. These developments will have a tangible technological impact in a way that will help the Australian biomedical industry be more competitive in the global market.Read moreRead less
New Approaches for Wireless Implantable Biomedical Devices. Wireless biomedical implants of the future will interface with biological systems to perform physiological tasks such as vision restoration, reanimation of paralyzed limbs, and chemical sensing. The potential benefit to society will come not only from alleviating human suffering and improving quality of life, but also by reducing the health care costs now directed to assist people with disabilities such as blindness, stroke and spinal-c ....New Approaches for Wireless Implantable Biomedical Devices. Wireless biomedical implants of the future will interface with biological systems to perform physiological tasks such as vision restoration, reanimation of paralyzed limbs, and chemical sensing. The potential benefit to society will come not only from alleviating human suffering and improving quality of life, but also by reducing the health care costs now directed to assist people with disabilities such as blindness, stroke and spinal-cord injury survivors. Using similar technologies, cochlear implants have already restored functional hearing to over 100,000 deaf patients around the world. The outcomes of the project can also be applied to a variety of other applications such environmental monitoring, security and identification systems. Read moreRead less
Improved design of hearing protection devices with binaural voice pick-up and hearing loss compensation. Hearing protection is essential to industries operating under extreme noise conditions. However, conventional hearing protection devices such
as earplugs and earmuffs inhibit face-to-face communications. Sensear
has developed and marketed a world-first product that, apart from overcoming the aforesaid limitation, also gives the wearer a perception of his surrounding sound field. This projec ....Improved design of hearing protection devices with binaural voice pick-up and hearing loss compensation. Hearing protection is essential to industries operating under extreme noise conditions. However, conventional hearing protection devices such
as earplugs and earmuffs inhibit face-to-face communications. Sensear
has developed and marketed a world-first product that, apart from overcoming the aforesaid limitation, also gives the wearer a perception of his surrounding sound field. This project seeks to extend Sensear's products to include compensation for people with hearing loss. This will give Sensear a competitive edge in hearing protection products, and enhance Australia's reputation in assistive hearing technology. The project also presents a number of opportunities to provide
industry-focussed research training to PhD students.Read moreRead less
Circuit-based monitoring and characterisation of high performance semiconductor processes. As a frontier technology, this project extends Australia's leadership in wireless communications. Potentially this project provides the key enabling method for integrated circuits to take full advantage of future generations of semiconductor technology. National Research Priorities safeguarding Australia and promoting and maintaining good health will also be impacted through more capable circuits for def ....Circuit-based monitoring and characterisation of high performance semiconductor processes. As a frontier technology, this project extends Australia's leadership in wireless communications. Potentially this project provides the key enabling method for integrated circuits to take full advantage of future generations of semiconductor technology. National Research Priorities safeguarding Australia and promoting and maintaining good health will also be impacted through more capable circuits for defence electronics and anti-terrorism, medical remote sensing and networking. The innovations here will make Sapphicon, Australia's only commercial integrated circuit manufacturer, more competitive and indirectly benefit National ICT Australia (NICTA), Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO), the National Broadband Network and a host of other high-performance electronics concerns.Read moreRead less