Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE110100121
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$360,000.00
Summary
Three-dimensional super-resolution nanophotonic fabrication facility. This stimulated emission depletion microscopy nanophotonic fabrication facility will be the first nanophotonic fabrication facility that is able to achieve optical resolution far beyond the diffraction limit, which will facilitate breakthroughs in cutting-edge nanotechnology research areas.
A NOVEL MOUSE MODEL TO INVESTIGATE THE MECHANISMS OF VIRUS-INDUCED ARTHRITIS
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$336,000.00
Summary
We have developed a novel animal model by which to study arthritic disease caused by insect-transmitted viruses known as arboviruses. The existence of this model and novel reagents provides an excellent opportunity to further explore the basic mechanisms of infectious disease in a complete functioning animal, rather than specific cultured cells. The study will use modern approaches in molecular and cellular biology to achieve this goal. The production by our immune systems of soluble mediators ( ....We have developed a novel animal model by which to study arthritic disease caused by insect-transmitted viruses known as arboviruses. The existence of this model and novel reagents provides an excellent opportunity to further explore the basic mechanisms of infectious disease in a complete functioning animal, rather than specific cultured cells. The study will use modern approaches in molecular and cellular biology to achieve this goal. The production by our immune systems of soluble mediators (cytokines-chemokines) and antibodies is an overwhelming positive aspect of our physiological response to infection by microbes. Protection from disease by these immune compounds can happen naturally, or the body's ability to produce these factors can be exploited to our benefit via the administration of vaccines. However, these factors can also be detrimental to the host contributing to severe disease. For instance, work performed almost 40 years ago showed for the first time that under particular conditions, antibodies against viruses can enhance infection, instead of inhibiting infection as normally seen. In the intervening years work by scientists all over the world has associated antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) of infection to many types of viruses; ADE is even thought to be a risk factor to serious disease with dengue virus, and has been shown in vitro for the AIDS virus and Ebola virus. We have recently discovered a molecular mechanism which explains how antibody enhances viral infection in vitro. In studies on immune cells infected with Ross River Virus (RRV) we found that infection helped by antibody resulted in the specific disruption to the production of cellular chemicals which are toxic to viruses. Are these mechanisms of antibody-enhanced infection also found in animals? Will such mode of infection cause enhanced disease and tissue pathology (arthritis) in animals?Read moreRead less
Assessment Of Interventions For Controlling Pandemic Influenza And Determining Data Needs To Inform These Assessments
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$183,040.00
Summary
The aim of this study is to help us prepare for a pandemic of influenza by comparing how effective the various available control strategies are at reducing transmission of the disease. The available control interventions include: reducing the number of close contacts we make with others, isolating cases after they are diagnosed, closing schools, quarantining households, quarantining individuals who are known to have been exposed to a case, and using antiviral drugs treat and protect people at ri ....The aim of this study is to help us prepare for a pandemic of influenza by comparing how effective the various available control strategies are at reducing transmission of the disease. The available control interventions include: reducing the number of close contacts we make with others, isolating cases after they are diagnosed, closing schools, quarantining households, quarantining individuals who are known to have been exposed to a case, and using antiviral drugs treat and protect people at risk of being infected. We will compare these control measures by taking due account of the ability and resources available for these interventions, and with regard to the need to maintain essential services. The comparisons will be made using mathematical models that describe the transmission of the infection. All available data and advice from experts will be used to ensure that realistic models are used for the comparisons. We will also use the models to determine the best use of the limited antiviral drugs available, until a vaccine becomes available. We will consider how the control strategy should be changed if a strain develops that is resistant to the antiviral drugs. In addition, we will determine what data need to be collected during the early stages of a pandemic to help us to determine the best use of the antiviral drugs, the best use of a new vaccine and to check on the development of resistance to the antiviral drugs.Read moreRead less
The Role Of Capsid Protein Nucleolar Localisation In Chikungunya Virus: Implications For Vaccine Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$520,520.00
Summary
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a globally widespread mosquito-borne alphavirus capable of causing considerable human morbidity and mortality. With no CHIKV vaccine or antiviral available this proposal aims to develop a live attenuated CHIKV vaccine, rationally designed by investigating the host cell nucleolar trafficking of CHIKV capsid protein. This vaccine has the potential to provide cross-protection against additional arthritogenic alphaviruses endemic to Australia such as Ross River virus.
Arbovirus Activation And Modulation Of NLRP3 Inflammasome
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$779,720.00
Summary
This project aims to establish how mosquito borne viruses such as Ross River and dengue viruses interacts with the human host to cause disease, including how the virus evades the host’s immune response to persist and cause disease for prolonged periods. Knowing how differences in the virus and the host’s immune system interplay to cause asymptomatic to severely disabling disease will assist in devising new treatments and prevention programs to lessen the impact of these diseases in Australia.
Nonlinear near-field nanophotonics. This project aims to develop nanostructures which employ both high intrinsic nonlinearities and high indices of refraction to create nanophotonic devices. Silicon photonics promises a technological leap forward through efficient photon-photon interactions within lossless dielectric nanoparticles. Light-controlling-light devices open new ways to control light-matter interaction at the nanoscale, which form the basis for many applications from all-optical inform ....Nonlinear near-field nanophotonics. This project aims to develop nanostructures which employ both high intrinsic nonlinearities and high indices of refraction to create nanophotonic devices. Silicon photonics promises a technological leap forward through efficient photon-photon interactions within lossless dielectric nanoparticles. Light-controlling-light devices open new ways to control light-matter interaction at the nanoscale, which form the basis for many applications from all-optical information processing to biomedical sensing. The expected outcomes will provide Australia with advanced technologies of integrated optical circuits with applications in optical communication networks, bioimaging, solar cells and quantum information technologies.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE160100124
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$300,000.00
Summary
Rapid prototyping 3-D nano-pattern large area writer . Rapid prototyping 3-D nano-pattern large area writer:
The project aims to establish a nanoscale three-dimensional patterning rapid prototyping capability to enable advanced nanofabrication research and development. The extension of patterning nanostructured materials in three dimensions with nanometre resolution, developed for semiconductor processing, to nano-electronics, nanophotonics, nanosensors, nanobiotechnology and fundamental studi ....Rapid prototyping 3-D nano-pattern large area writer . Rapid prototyping 3-D nano-pattern large area writer:
The project aims to establish a nanoscale three-dimensional patterning rapid prototyping capability to enable advanced nanofabrication research and development. The extension of patterning nanostructured materials in three dimensions with nanometre resolution, developed for semiconductor processing, to nano-electronics, nanophotonics, nanosensors, nanobiotechnology and fundamental studies of nanoscale phenomena in science and engineering has opened new opportunities in these areas. As these areas accelerate, there is a need to develop nanoscale patterns and structures via rapid prototyping pathways and with methods accessible to an ever-diverse researcher base without a background in nanofabrication. By establishing the first NanoFrazor in Australia, this project aims to provide new technology for the fabrication of high-resolution nanoscale structures and patterns.
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Novel Insights Into The Mechanisms Of How Viruses Cause Arthritis/Arthralgia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$78,187.00
Summary
Viruses cause many diseases today and new viruses emerge to post threats to future health and well being. The proposed work investigates how viruses cause disease in people, particularly how viral infections can lead to arthritis or muscle pain. This understanding will be used in the development of new prevention strategies and treatments.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE200100003
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$400,000.00
Summary
3D Nanofabrication and Nanocharacterisation facility. This project aims to establish a revolutionary nanoscale fabrication and characterisation facility in Australia. The facility is an angle-based nanoscale etching system with integrated chemical analysis capabilities and will be the first instrument of its kind in Australia. The facility will enable unprecedented fabrication and characterisation of 3D nanostructures and new device geometries from semiconductors, oxides and metals that underpin ....3D Nanofabrication and Nanocharacterisation facility. This project aims to establish a revolutionary nanoscale fabrication and characterisation facility in Australia. The facility is an angle-based nanoscale etching system with integrated chemical analysis capabilities and will be the first instrument of its kind in Australia. The facility will enable unprecedented fabrication and characterisation of 3D nanostructures and new device geometries from semiconductors, oxides and metals that underpin modern nanoelectronics for innovative energy, nano-optical and quantum device applications. This unique equipment will facilitate breakthrough discoveries in nanomaterials, and foster collaborations amongst Australian researchers to accelerate industry in advanced nanodevice technologies.Read moreRead less
Nanofabrication of Metamaterials for Next Generation Optical Devices. The dream of invisibility cloaks dates back to ancient times but recent advances in nanotechnology have made this a reality through the use of metamaterials. Metamaterials are artificially-made materials that have optical properties not found in nature. This field is still in its infancy and significant challenges remain and need to be solved before practical applications can be realised. This project builds on Australia’s str ....Nanofabrication of Metamaterials for Next Generation Optical Devices. The dream of invisibility cloaks dates back to ancient times but recent advances in nanotechnology have made this a reality through the use of metamaterials. Metamaterials are artificially-made materials that have optical properties not found in nature. This field is still in its infancy and significant challenges remain and need to be solved before practical applications can be realised. This project builds on Australia’s strategic investment in nanofabrication capabilities to fabricate functional metamaterials and uncover the underlying physical phenomena. It will revolutionise the field of nanophotonics for a variety of novel applications ranging from defence, renewable energy, imaging, sensing to optical communications.Read moreRead less