Suboptimal Sleep And Unhealthy Brain Ageing: Improving Outcomes Through Treatment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$632,705.00
Summary
My research will address limitations in our understanding of the impact of sleep characteristics on memory and thinking abilities and biological markers of brain health in older adults, by; 1) exploring these relationships over time, and 2) enabling direct assessment of the effect of improved sleep on memory and thinking, and markers of brain health, following sleep-improvement therapy. My results will contribute to the development of strategies aimed at promoting healthy brain ageing.
Comparing properties of innate immune proteins of bats and humans. Supra-molecular protein complexes known as signalosomes drive our innate immune response by forming large signaling hubs capable of recruiting downstream effectors. This project aims to compare the properties and structure of human and bat signalosomes and discover the molecular origins of the “supra-immunity” of bats. In this context, the project expects to generate new knowledge concerning the fundamental molecular mechanisms t ....Comparing properties of innate immune proteins of bats and humans. Supra-molecular protein complexes known as signalosomes drive our innate immune response by forming large signaling hubs capable of recruiting downstream effectors. This project aims to compare the properties and structure of human and bat signalosomes and discover the molecular origins of the “supra-immunity” of bats. In this context, the project expects to generate new knowledge concerning the fundamental molecular mechanisms that regulate the signalosomes. The intended outcome is to answer the long-standing question of control of speed and amplitude of innate immune response at the molecular level. Both locally and internationally, this new approach should provide benefits across structural biology, molecular evolution and biotechnology.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE240100992
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$448,237.00
Summary
New methods to capture protein dynamics of the TSC-mTOR signalling axis. Protein flexibility, the way proteins move, has a major role in how they function. However, we still do not have the tools to analyse this flexibility. Our cells have evolved many complex and flexible systems to sense and respond to their environment. For example, the TSC-mTOR system is found across life, from baker’s yeast to humans, however it remains poorly understood. This proposal will study TSC as an exemplar to devel ....New methods to capture protein dynamics of the TSC-mTOR signalling axis. Protein flexibility, the way proteins move, has a major role in how they function. However, we still do not have the tools to analyse this flexibility. Our cells have evolved many complex and flexible systems to sense and respond to their environment. For example, the TSC-mTOR system is found across life, from baker’s yeast to humans, however it remains poorly understood. This proposal will study TSC as an exemplar to develop novel machine-learning approaches to capture protein flexibility and shape. This proposal will advance fundamental understanding of the TSC-mTOR pathway and build transformative methodologies to study flexible proteins more broadly.Read moreRead less
In depth characterisation of the gamma delta T cell immune synapse. This project aims to comprehensively characterise the activation principles of gamma delta T cells. These cells have an understudied but central role in vertebrate immunity and development. A missing piece of the puzzle is how gamma delta T cells sense stress and how this signal leads to activation. Expected outcomes include the generation of fundamental knowledge in immunology and structural biology. This proposal uses high-ski ....In depth characterisation of the gamma delta T cell immune synapse. This project aims to comprehensively characterise the activation principles of gamma delta T cells. These cells have an understudied but central role in vertebrate immunity and development. A missing piece of the puzzle is how gamma delta T cells sense stress and how this signal leads to activation. Expected outcomes include the generation of fundamental knowledge in immunology and structural biology. This proposal uses high-skilled techniques, including cryo-electron microscopy and single-molecule imaging and holds ancillary benefits to postgraduate students. Anticipated outcomes include influential publications, building a critical mass of expertise in Australia and fostering international collaborations with Australia at the epicentre.Read moreRead less
Harnessing Imaging And IT Strategies To Expedite Targeted Treatment And Improve Outcomes In Cerebrovascular Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,914,215.00
Summary
This project will expand on my 25+ years of research in combining neuroimaging methods such as CT and MRI with nascent software tools to better target and coordinate treatment and achieve improved outcomes in cerebrovascular diseases such as stroke. We will develop & improve new CT and MRI methods and leverage latest advances in computer science, such as deep learning and mobile phone app technology, to achieve faster and more accurate identification of patients who can benefit from treatment.
Reliability and design of 3D printed metal structures. The project will produce a design framework for additively manufactured (3D printed) metal structures. The project will develop open source algorithms for predicting (i) mechanical properties of 3D printed metals for given printing parameters and (ii) internal stresses and distortions arising from the printing process. Underpinned by experiments on structural components and structural reliability analyses, models will be calibrated for the n ....Reliability and design of 3D printed metal structures. The project will produce a design framework for additively manufactured (3D printed) metal structures. The project will develop open source algorithms for predicting (i) mechanical properties of 3D printed metals for given printing parameters and (ii) internal stresses and distortions arising from the printing process. Underpinned by experiments on structural components and structural reliability analyses, models will be calibrated for the nonlinear analysis of 3D printed structures, and a methodology will be set out for designing 3D printed metal structures with acceptably low probability of failure. The project will enable structural engineers to safely and efficiently design 3D printed metal structures and components.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE220100876
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$413,000.00
Summary
Smart Optimisation of Functionally Graded Porous Structures. This project aims to develop a novel smart optimisation method for shaping the porosity geometries of metal foams for design requirements. Although these functionally graded porous structures have superior engineering properties, efficient examination methods to understand the mechanical behaviour of irregular graded porosities are lacking. Expected outcomes of this project include the expansion of fundamental knowledge in porous media ....Smart Optimisation of Functionally Graded Porous Structures. This project aims to develop a novel smart optimisation method for shaping the porosity geometries of metal foams for design requirements. Although these functionally graded porous structures have superior engineering properties, efficient examination methods to understand the mechanical behaviour of irregular graded porosities are lacking. Expected outcomes of this project include the expansion of fundamental knowledge in porous media and new technologies to build stronger and lighter multifunctional structural components. The project will provide significant benefits, including enhanced manufacturing capacities of local industries to fabricate metal foam products, new job opportunities in a growing market, and less carbon emissions.Read moreRead less