Improving the efficiency of CRISPR gene editing in cells. Human red blood cells are well-characterised and the globin gene locus is a model system for the study of gene regulation. Gene editing technologies and delivery tools are evolving rapidly and the globin gene locus is the perfect model for gene editing optimisation. This collaboration between UNSW Sydney and CSL aims to bring together our combined expertise and new technologies to develop an optimal platform for genetic modification in a ....Improving the efficiency of CRISPR gene editing in cells. Human red blood cells are well-characterised and the globin gene locus is a model system for the study of gene regulation. Gene editing technologies and delivery tools are evolving rapidly and the globin gene locus is the perfect model for gene editing optimisation. This collaboration between UNSW Sydney and CSL aims to bring together our combined expertise and new technologies to develop an optimal platform for genetic modification in a red blood cell line. Simultaneously, this project aims to generate fundamental insights into mechanisms of human gene regulation. The technological and biological outcomes of this project will be of benefit for future gene editing applications.Read moreRead less
Atomic scale ion microscopy via laser cooling and correlated imaging. This project will develop next-generation focused ion beam microscopy and nanofabrication using a novel cold ion source based on photoionisation of a laser-cooled atom beam. The low temperature and complex internal state structure of the constituent atoms combine to allow generation of ions with unprecedented brightness and resolution. We will use three unique and innovative ideas: field ionisation of atoms in so-called 'excep ....Atomic scale ion microscopy via laser cooling and correlated imaging. This project will develop next-generation focused ion beam microscopy and nanofabrication using a novel cold ion source based on photoionisation of a laser-cooled atom beam. The low temperature and complex internal state structure of the constituent atoms combine to allow generation of ions with unprecedented brightness and resolution. We will use three unique and innovative ideas: field ionisation of atoms in so-called 'exceptional' states to reduce chromatic aberration; electron-ion correlations to enhance control of the ions at the nanoscale; and atom-atom interactions to isolate and manipulate individual ions. The new technology will enable advances in semiconductor nanofabrication and material characterisation.Read moreRead less
Atomic scale imaging with high coherence electrons and ions. This project aims to combine a cold atom electron-ion source with a commercial microscope column for atomic-scale imaging in biosciences and materials science. Nanoscale imaging with electron and ion microscopy are tools for investigating the world at the atomic scale, underpinning development in modern technologies from semiconductor devices to medical treatments. This project will use ideas from laser cooling of atoms and atom optics ....Atomic scale imaging with high coherence electrons and ions. This project aims to combine a cold atom electron-ion source with a commercial microscope column for atomic-scale imaging in biosciences and materials science. Nanoscale imaging with electron and ion microscopy are tools for investigating the world at the atomic scale, underpinning development in modern technologies from semiconductor devices to medical treatments. This project will use ideas from laser cooling of atoms and atom optics to achieve new imaging modalities for time-lapse imaging of fundamental processes at the nano-scale. It will allow increasingly small scale resolution of fundamental processes at the nano-scale.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE150100091
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$341,000.00
Summary
Traffic on DNA: interplay between RNA polymerases and DNA-bound proteins. The DNA inside the cell is not just a repository of information, but is an active player in how that information is used. Proteins bind to defined locations on the DNA to control which genes are active, and genes are expressed by RNA polymerases that track along the DNA. Collisions between RNA polymerases and DNA-bound proteins can remove the proteins or block the polymerase. How can these essential processes safely coexis ....Traffic on DNA: interplay between RNA polymerases and DNA-bound proteins. The DNA inside the cell is not just a repository of information, but is an active player in how that information is used. Proteins bind to defined locations on the DNA to control which genes are active, and genes are expressed by RNA polymerases that track along the DNA. Collisions between RNA polymerases and DNA-bound proteins can remove the proteins or block the polymerase. How can these essential processes safely coexist on the DNA? The project aims to integrate systematic experiments using well-defined genetic components and mathematical modelling to understand the 'design' features of DNA and proteins that minimise these traffic problems. A better understanding could inform new strategies for manipulation of gene expression.Read moreRead less
High resolution ultrafast imaging with cold electrons. This project will develop atomic-scale imaging that is able to bypass the resolution limitations of modern electron microscopes. The project will investigate the physical processes underlying a new imaging source based on extracting cold electrons from laser-cooled atoms. Ultrashort pulses of cold electrons will enable time-lapse imaging of fundamental processes at the nano-scale, with applications in fundamental biosciences and materials sc ....High resolution ultrafast imaging with cold electrons. This project will develop atomic-scale imaging that is able to bypass the resolution limitations of modern electron microscopes. The project will investigate the physical processes underlying a new imaging source based on extracting cold electrons from laser-cooled atoms. Ultrashort pulses of cold electrons will enable time-lapse imaging of fundamental processes at the nano-scale, with applications in fundamental biosciences and materials science.Read moreRead less
Investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying non-visual photoreception and their implications in the treatment of human neurological disease. The ability of organisms to detect light is fundamental for survival and has been a major driver in evolution. The project will investigate the genetic origins of the various visual and non-visual systems and will explore its implications for the bioengineering of therapeutics for the treatment of neurological disease in humans.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE150100666
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$373,536.00
Summary
Quantum metrology with strongly correlated Rydberg gases. The project aims to make the world's most sensitive measurement of high-frequency electric fields, and demonstrate the first quantum-enhanced electric field measurement. It will use quantum entanglement and Rydberg atoms, excited to the very edge of the classical/quantum divide, to reach record sensitivities for fields associated with next generation ultrafast electronic, communication and radar devices. The project aims to build on the e ....Quantum metrology with strongly correlated Rydberg gases. The project aims to make the world's most sensitive measurement of high-frequency electric fields, and demonstrate the first quantum-enhanced electric field measurement. It will use quantum entanglement and Rydberg atoms, excited to the very edge of the classical/quantum divide, to reach record sensitivities for fields associated with next generation ultrafast electronic, communication and radar devices. The project aims to build on the existing Australian research strengths in photonics, atomic physics and quantum sensing, with the potential to provide a disruptive technological breakthrough in the measurement of ultra-high-frequency electric fields, and establish a high profile research effort in the field of strongly correlated quantum gases.Read moreRead less
Molecular movies using time-resolved momentum spectroscopies. This project aims to use time-resolved momentum spectroscopies to take snapshots of chemical and physical processes as they evolve in time. This project expects to use these molecular movies to track the changes to electron motion after they have absorbed light. Expected outcomes of this project include understanding how the motion of electrons can drive physical processes and induce chemical changes. This will provide significant ben ....Molecular movies using time-resolved momentum spectroscopies. This project aims to use time-resolved momentum spectroscopies to take snapshots of chemical and physical processes as they evolve in time. This project expects to use these molecular movies to track the changes to electron motion after they have absorbed light. Expected outcomes of this project include understanding how the motion of electrons can drive physical processes and induce chemical changes. This will provide significant benefits through expanding knowledge that will assist in controlling chemical reactions and developing technologies with improved performance, such as sensors and solar cells. Read moreRead less
Structural domains of beta-tubulin and their role in microtubule dynamics and transport. This study aims to obtain a fundamental understanding of how the structural domains of the cytoskeletal protein beta-tubulin are involved in microtubule structures during cell division and vesicular transport. Using gene-editing technology and coupling this with cell biological approaches and high-resolution cell imaging will enable detailed analysis of the role of beta-tubulin domains in these important cel ....Structural domains of beta-tubulin and their role in microtubule dynamics and transport. This study aims to obtain a fundamental understanding of how the structural domains of the cytoskeletal protein beta-tubulin are involved in microtubule structures during cell division and vesicular transport. Using gene-editing technology and coupling this with cell biological approaches and high-resolution cell imaging will enable detailed analysis of the role of beta-tubulin domains in these important cellular processes. The outcomes will include fundamental new knowledge in cell biology and lead to the development of unique biological models that can be used to understand disease.Read moreRead less
Auger, Quantum Electro-Dynamics, Axions and New Technology. New technology developed by Australia, Sweden and the United States will be applied to major questions about the application of relativistic quantum mechanics to atomic structure and dynamics and spectroscopy, especially including critical issues in quantum electro-dynamics for atomic physics and applications. Discrepancies in quantum electro-dynamics have dominated international debate for decades, with claimed explanations annually fa ....Auger, Quantum Electro-Dynamics, Axions and New Technology. New technology developed by Australia, Sweden and the United States will be applied to major questions about the application of relativistic quantum mechanics to atomic structure and dynamics and spectroscopy, especially including critical issues in quantum electro-dynamics for atomic physics and applications. Discrepancies in quantum electro-dynamics have dominated international debate for decades, with claimed explanations annually failing to reveal the cause. Also a pattern of discrepancies has been seen at X-ray energies in first row metal atoms, with a similar sign and magnitude. A combined experimental an theoretical investigation will aim to reveal new light on these anomalies and serve to develop our understanding of the universe.Read moreRead less