Adaptive Evolution of BRCA1 in Ancestral Mammals. This project investigates adaptive evolution of BRCA1 in the early radiation of mammals. We will test the hypothesis that the evolution of mammary glands and X chromosome inactivation has resulted in modification of the BRCA1 protein sequence as it aquired new roles in these processes. We will also investigate the importance of these changes inducing compensatory changes in other parts of the protein.
Taming the intruders: the domestication of Tigger transposable elements in mammals. It has become apparent that most of the DNA that makes us what we are is actually comprised of the remnants of invading parasitic DNA acquired over time. A continual battle exists between host which tries to silence or remove this DNA, and the parasite that tries to multiply and spread. We are currently investigating an intriguing aspect of this process that involves host genomes 'domesticating' parasitic DNA to ....Taming the intruders: the domestication of Tigger transposable elements in mammals. It has become apparent that most of the DNA that makes us what we are is actually comprised of the remnants of invading parasitic DNA acquired over time. A continual battle exists between host which tries to silence or remove this DNA, and the parasite that tries to multiply and spread. We are currently investigating an intriguing aspect of this process that involves host genomes 'domesticating' parasitic DNA to provide novel functions, thereby facilitating the evolution of specific characteristics within species.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE150101259
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$371,000.00
Summary
The impact of urbanisation on viral diversity and disease emergence. Urbanisation increases the risk of infectious disease emergence by rapidly altering contact rates between humans and other species. Fortunately, many consequences of urbanisation appear to be universal, suggesting that it is possible to identify factors likely to increase the risk of viral disease emergence and predict their impacts. This project aims to examine the viral response to changes in host and vector population struct ....The impact of urbanisation on viral diversity and disease emergence. Urbanisation increases the risk of infectious disease emergence by rapidly altering contact rates between humans and other species. Fortunately, many consequences of urbanisation appear to be universal, suggesting that it is possible to identify factors likely to increase the risk of viral disease emergence and predict their impacts. This project aims to examine the viral response to changes in host and vector population structure and dynamics that occur as a result of urbanisation, and identify viral characteristics that are associated with survival in an urban environment. This novel fusion of urban and viral ecology will have unprecedented impact on the development of predictive models of viral emergence for risk assessment and management.Read moreRead less
Understanding the evolution of the alternation of generations in the land plant life cycle. This project will investigate the genetic basis and evolution of the land plant life cycle, in which both haploid and diploid phases consist of complex multicellular bodies. The project's findings, which will be made using two model laboratory plants, will be applicable to all plants and will help understand important processes such as pollen and seed production.
Development of new and high precision noble gas techniques for dating Quaternary volcanic rocks and surfaces: a Thermochronology and Noble Gas Geochronology and Geochemistry Organisation initiative. This project will calibrate noble gas dating methods, providing powerful tools for dating young volcanic rocks, eroded or buried surfaces and glacier/ice retreat. This research has considerable social, national and economic benefits for research training, volcanic hazard assessment, landscape evoluti ....Development of new and high precision noble gas techniques for dating Quaternary volcanic rocks and surfaces: a Thermochronology and Noble Gas Geochronology and Geochemistry Organisation initiative. This project will calibrate noble gas dating methods, providing powerful tools for dating young volcanic rocks, eroded or buried surfaces and glacier/ice retreat. This research has considerable social, national and economic benefits for research training, volcanic hazard assessment, landscape evolution, paleoclimate change and mineral exploration.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0882531
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$250,000.00
Summary
Quantum Limited Single Atom Detectors. The technology that has shaped our society, solid state diodes, transistors and computer chips is based on our ability to manipulate the average quantum properties of materials such as semiconductors. This physics has been well understood for decades. Many technologies that will shape our societies in this century will be based on our ability to manipulate quantum systems precisely, an area that is the focus of quantum atom optics. The detectors requested i ....Quantum Limited Single Atom Detectors. The technology that has shaped our society, solid state diodes, transistors and computer chips is based on our ability to manipulate the average quantum properties of materials such as semiconductors. This physics has been well understood for decades. Many technologies that will shape our societies in this century will be based on our ability to manipulate quantum systems precisely, an area that is the focus of quantum atom optics. The detectors requested in this proposal will ensure that Australia remains competitive in the technologies that will emerge from the new field of quantum atom optics.Read moreRead less
Australia's exceptional Palaeozoic fossil fishes, and a Gondwana origin for land vertebrates. The 370 million-year-old Gogo deposit in WA has produced the World's best-preserved fossil fishes of Devonian age. New discoveries of related forms in eastern and central Australia document the deep history of Australia's unique vertebrate fauna, and provide new evidence on the evolution of the first jaws and limbs in vertebrates. They indicate that the first land animals may have evolved on the Austral ....Australia's exceptional Palaeozoic fossil fishes, and a Gondwana origin for land vertebrates. The 370 million-year-old Gogo deposit in WA has produced the World's best-preserved fossil fishes of Devonian age. New discoveries of related forms in eastern and central Australia document the deep history of Australia's unique vertebrate fauna, and provide new evidence on the evolution of the first jaws and limbs in vertebrates. They indicate that the first land animals may have evolved on the Australian landmass. These remarkably preserved, information-rich skulls and braincases of some of the oldest known vertebrate fossils provide unique data on early evolution of the head and brain; they are held in national collections as a significant contribution to both National and World Heritage.Read moreRead less
Australian Centre for Quantum-Atom Optics. The Centre will combine pre-eminent Australian theoretical and experimental research groups in quantum and atom optics to create a powerful network to advance the rapidly developing field of Quantum-Atom Optics. We will exploit the quantum nature of multiple particle quantum states of atoms and photons including entangled light and Bose-Einstein condensates. The Centre will focus on fundamental research, but our long term goal is to underpin and develo ....Australian Centre for Quantum-Atom Optics. The Centre will combine pre-eminent Australian theoretical and experimental research groups in quantum and atom optics to create a powerful network to advance the rapidly developing field of Quantum-Atom Optics. We will exploit the quantum nature of multiple particle quantum states of atoms and photons including entangled light and Bose-Einstein condensates. The Centre will focus on fundamental research, but our long term goal is to underpin and develop the next generation quantum technology. We aim to build a quantum toolbox to enable applications such as the transfer and storage of information for photonics, and precision quantum control of atoms for enhanced atom interferometry.Read moreRead less
Discovering And Targeting Genes Regulating Skeletal Muscle Function, Metabolism, And Adaptations To Exercise Interventions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$431,000.00
Summary
Muscle wasting and decreased in mitochondrial function due to ageing or lack of physical activity are associated with reduced quality of life. The overarching aim is to develop a unique research program focusing on targeting specific genes, and to discover novel genes regulating muscle wasting and mitochondrial (dis)function. I anticipate this approach to assist in the development of targeted and personalised prevention and therapy for diseases associated with muscle (dis)function.
Molecular Characterisation Of Early Precursor Lesions Of A Novel Ñserrated Pathwayî Of Colorectal Cancer Using Gene Expression And Proteomics.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,338.00
Summary
In Australia, CRC is the second highest cause of all cancer-related deaths. If detected early, CRC has a high success rate of cure, but a percentage of precursor lesions escape detection and show aggressive clinical behaviour to progress to CRC. These are difficult to diagnosis with existing technologies. We aim to understand the biology behind sessile serrated adenoma pathways and hence enhance early detection, diagnosis and treatments strategies.