Design of dynamic visual signals. Models of the design of visual signals depend heavily upon analyses of static ornaments. Nothing is known about dynamic visual signals. We will use an array of new techniques to tackle this problem for the first time. Motion analyses will define the task faced by the visual system. Sensory limitations will be measured to identify constraints on signal evolution. Digital video playback studies will assess recognition and explain aspects of signal design. Results ....Design of dynamic visual signals. Models of the design of visual signals depend heavily upon analyses of static ornaments. Nothing is known about dynamic visual signals. We will use an array of new techniques to tackle this problem for the first time. Motion analyses will define the task faced by the visual system. Sensory limitations will be measured to identify constraints on signal evolution. Digital video playback studies will assess recognition and explain aspects of signal design. Results will test the generality of principles that have been developed in studies of female mate choice and extend these ideas to address intra-sexual selection operating through opponent assessment.Read moreRead less
Computational Modeling of RNA Control Networks. One of the most exciting new ideas for understanding the regulation of gene expression involves the contribution of intronic and other non-protein coding RNAs to regulatory networks within cells. This novel role for intronic RNA is currently making headlines within the molecular biology community but has not yet been modelled computationally. The network of genetic regulatory interactions forms a complex system which is amenable to computational ....Computational Modeling of RNA Control Networks. One of the most exciting new ideas for understanding the regulation of gene expression involves the contribution of intronic and other non-protein coding RNAs to regulatory networks within cells. This novel role for intronic RNA is currently making headlines within the molecular biology community but has not yet been modelled computationally. The network of genetic regulatory interactions forms a complex system which is amenable to computational analysis. This project aims to extend current models to incorporate intronic RNA feedback control, complementing parallel studies in vivo, and computationally testing ideas essential to the theoretical understanding of the basis of life.Read moreRead less
Parameterized Algorithm Design and Complexity Analysis: New Methods and Strategic Applications in the FPT Algorithmic Server Project. A fundamental discovery of the first decades of computer science is that completely efficient (polynomial time) algorithms probably do not exist for thousands of natural computational problems. The project will result in new methods for designing and analyzing algorithms for hard problems with natural parameters, and in improved
algorithms for these problems.
A new theory for retinotectal map formation. How brains become wired up during development is a question of
importance to both biology and computing. In this project we adopt a
novel computational approach to understanding the development of
topographic maps, a wiring pattern that is ubiquitous in biological
nervous systems. This project will build capacity for research in
computational neuroscience in Australia. It may also lead to
technological benefits such as new ideas for the design o ....A new theory for retinotectal map formation. How brains become wired up during development is a question of
importance to both biology and computing. In this project we adopt a
novel computational approach to understanding the development of
topographic maps, a wiring pattern that is ubiquitous in biological
nervous systems. This project will build capacity for research in
computational neuroscience in Australia. It may also lead to
technological benefits such as new ideas for the design of self-wiring
computing devices, and new insights into
the causes of wiring defects both during normal development and
rewiring after injury.
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Wiring up the nervous system: how do axons detect molecular gradients? This project will improve our understanding of how the nervous system
becomes wired up during development. This will ultimately allow better
therapies for some types of developmental disorders, and for repairing
damaged connections for instance in the spinal cord. The theoretical
models developed will improve our understanding of the computations
necessary to generate appropriate wiring of the nervous system, which
may ....Wiring up the nervous system: how do axons detect molecular gradients? This project will improve our understanding of how the nervous system
becomes wired up during development. This will ultimately allow better
therapies for some types of developmental disorders, and for repairing
damaged connections for instance in the spinal cord. The theoretical
models developed will improve our understanding of the computations
necessary to generate appropriate wiring of the nervous system, which
may facilitate the development of self-organizing computing
devices. The project will also provide unique research training at the
interface of biology and computation, building capacity for such
interdisciplinary research throughout Australia.
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The genomic programming of complex organisms. The project will have far-reaching consequences in medicine, agriculture, biotechnology, engineering, information science and associated industries. It will provide a platform for the rationalization of genetic epidemiology and genetic improvement programs, the development of a wide range of new diagnostics and therapies, the development of new core technologies and practical approaches in genetics and genetic diversity, a framework for advanced gen ....The genomic programming of complex organisms. The project will have far-reaching consequences in medicine, agriculture, biotechnology, engineering, information science and associated industries. It will provide a platform for the rationalization of genetic epidemiology and genetic improvement programs, the development of a wide range of new diagnostics and therapies, the development of new core technologies and practical approaches in genetics and genetic diversity, a framework for advanced genetic engineering, the development of new principles and systems for information storage and transmission, and the design of artificial systems capable of self-referential assembly in other environments.Read moreRead less
ARC Centre for Complex Systems. The Australian Centre for Complex Systems brings together leading researchers from several disciplines and institutions to conduct research on questions fundamental to understanding and managing complex systems. Its core research program, based on the theme of computation in and by networks of agents, has two interwoven strands. The science strand addresses questions about emergent properties, natural computation, and nonlinear dynamics. The engineering strand add ....ARC Centre for Complex Systems. The Australian Centre for Complex Systems brings together leading researchers from several disciplines and institutions to conduct research on questions fundamental to understanding and managing complex systems. Its core research program, based on the theme of computation in and by networks of agents, has two interwoven strands. The science strand addresses questions about emergent properties, natural computation, and nonlinear dynamics. The engineering strand addresses issues about methodology, modelling toolkits, and management and control. Practical applications are advanced via collaborative projects that address key issues in biology, environment, and socio-economics.Read moreRead less
An Automated Bioimaging System for High-Content Cell-Cycle Screening. 1) Providing a better understanding of the biological complexities
that will advance knowledge in life science research and facilitate the development of new anti-cancer drugs.
2) Supporting Australian academic institutions in a challenging field of innovative research through international, interdisciplinary collaborations, and publications in journals of high quality scientific research.
3) Providing research training ....An Automated Bioimaging System for High-Content Cell-Cycle Screening. 1) Providing a better understanding of the biological complexities
that will advance knowledge in life science research and facilitate the development of new anti-cancer drugs.
2) Supporting Australian academic institutions in a challenging field of innovative research through international, interdisciplinary collaborations, and publications in journals of high quality scientific research.
3) Providing research training in a research venture that requires expertise and collaboration in the disciplines of biology, engineering, computer science, and mathematics.
4) Bringing economic and social benefits for Australia by enhancing important industries and existing technologies in medicine, and biotechnology.
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Understanding cortical processing: Neuronal activity and learning in recurrently connected networks. This project addresses fundamental cross-disciplinary issues of information processing and control in large-scale biological neural systems. This is an area of research that is at the cutting edge of intelligent processing systems. An understanding of these mechanisms would have considerable implications in areas that span a range of complex biological and artificial neural systems, including the ....Understanding cortical processing: Neuronal activity and learning in recurrently connected networks. This project addresses fundamental cross-disciplinary issues of information processing and control in large-scale biological neural systems. This is an area of research that is at the cutting edge of intelligent processing systems. An understanding of these mechanisms would have considerable implications in areas that span a range of complex biological and artificial neural systems, including the rapidly growing fields of robotics, machine learning, and adaptive control, all with applications in diverse areas of economic importance. The project will provide students with training at an international level within Australia, thus helping ensure Australia maintains and extends its science and technology base.Read moreRead less
Emergence of robust, stable structures via computation within natural networks. An ever-increasing challenge for modern society is the sheer complexity of vast infrastructures. Unexpected, and sometimes catastrophic, behaviour often emerges from interactions between elements of large systems. As a result, highly complex systems such as the Internet, international finance markets, and power grids are highly susceptible to costly problems such as cascading failures, inefficiency, and critical sens ....Emergence of robust, stable structures via computation within natural networks. An ever-increasing challenge for modern society is the sheer complexity of vast infrastructures. Unexpected, and sometimes catastrophic, behaviour often emerges from interactions between elements of large systems. As a result, highly complex systems such as the Internet, international finance markets, and power grids are highly susceptible to costly problems such as cascading failures, inefficiency, and critical sensitivity. High-tech industries, such as biotechnology and information networking, also face problems in coordinating swarms of interacting agents. This project will contribute to solving such problems by identifying and adapting solutions from nature.Read moreRead less