Developing new tools for chemical biology. We will develop new synthetic strategies to support the development of small molecule chemical probes that bind with high affinity and specificity to a target protein. Such chemical probes are invaluable in elucidating the role of specific proteins in biological pathways. Our novel strategy aims to be rapid, efficient in its use of materials and widely applicable to a range of different protein targets. The core of our approach involves using biophysica ....Developing new tools for chemical biology. We will develop new synthetic strategies to support the development of small molecule chemical probes that bind with high affinity and specificity to a target protein. Such chemical probes are invaluable in elucidating the role of specific proteins in biological pathways. Our novel strategy aims to be rapid, efficient in its use of materials and widely applicable to a range of different protein targets. The core of our approach involves using biophysical binding assays to characterise compounds that are produced on small scale using parallel chemistry. This approach will enable better chemical probes to be developed more rapidly at lower cost than is currently possible.Read moreRead less
Glycan-based prebiotic approaches to increase food safety in Australia. Since the launch of the first Australian Animal Sector National Antimicrobial Resistance Plan (2018) several approaches have been suggested to reduce the use antibiotics in agriculture, however no alternatives to antibiotics have been suggested or trialled. In this proposal we aim to develop a novel glycan-based prebiotic strategy to reduce Campylobacter jejuni colonisation in chicken and poultry by disrupting important glyc ....Glycan-based prebiotic approaches to increase food safety in Australia. Since the launch of the first Australian Animal Sector National Antimicrobial Resistance Plan (2018) several approaches have been suggested to reduce the use antibiotics in agriculture, however no alternatives to antibiotics have been suggested or trialled. In this proposal we aim to develop a novel glycan-based prebiotic strategy to reduce Campylobacter jejuni colonisation in chicken and poultry by disrupting important glycan-glycan interactions. Outcomes of this proposal is a cost-effective antibiotic- and vaccine-independent animal feed supplement strategy that will decrease the risk of human food-borne illness and therefore promoting food safety and public health in Australia. Read moreRead less
BioPPSy: An open source BIOchemical Property Prediction SYstem. Computer software will be developed for the prediction of the pharmacokinetic properties of small molecules to assist in the development of new compounds with drug-like properties. The software will be made freely available to promote its use and further development.
A novel granular stress sensor for soil exploration. The project aims to develop a novel way to measure the state of soils and improve the perception of soft ground robots by combining advances in sensor development with granular physics. The project expects to produce new insights in geotechnical engineering by utilising innovative sensors compliant with the surrounding medium, thus improving measurements across broader deformation conditions than existing technologies. Expected outcomes includ ....A novel granular stress sensor for soil exploration. The project aims to develop a novel way to measure the state of soils and improve the perception of soft ground robots by combining advances in sensor development with granular physics. The project expects to produce new insights in geotechnical engineering by utilising innovative sensors compliant with the surrounding medium, thus improving measurements across broader deformation conditions than existing technologies. Expected outcomes include an increased ability to prevent soil failures by utilising these sensors to monitor stress levels underground. This should provide significant benefits for saving critical infrastructure from environmental and geotechnical failures, including landslides, tunnel collapses, and tailings dam damages.Read moreRead less
Eruption dynamics and tsunami potential from submarine volcanoes. This project is based on recently acquired seafloor samples and geophysical data from extraordinary deposits at a modern submarine volcano. This project aims to determine the conditions that lead to explosive eruption underwater, the dynamics of associated sediment flows, and if these events can trigger tsunami. Expected outcomes include an unprecedented reconstruction of the architecture of submarine caldera volcanoes, new innova ....Eruption dynamics and tsunami potential from submarine volcanoes. This project is based on recently acquired seafloor samples and geophysical data from extraordinary deposits at a modern submarine volcano. This project aims to determine the conditions that lead to explosive eruption underwater, the dynamics of associated sediment flows, and if these events can trigger tsunami. Expected outcomes include an unprecedented reconstruction of the architecture of submarine caldera volcanoes, new innovative models applicable globally for a richer understanding of volcanic tsunami and eruptions that shape the seafloor. This project will provide significant benefits through mitigation of global marine natural hazards, and by improving knowledge on the volcanic hosts of ore deposits.Read moreRead less
Who were the ancestors of Homo floresiensis? The discovery of a tiny, new hominid species living in Indonesia until just 12,000 years ago, at the same time as modern humans in the region, has sparked world-wide public interest and debate. Finding the ancestors of this species will further promote Australian research as high profile, high calibre and cutting edge. Collaboration with researchers and institutions in Indonesia, USA, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and the Republic of Georgia will stre ....Who were the ancestors of Homo floresiensis? The discovery of a tiny, new hominid species living in Indonesia until just 12,000 years ago, at the same time as modern humans in the region, has sparked world-wide public interest and debate. Finding the ancestors of this species will further promote Australian research as high profile, high calibre and cutting edge. Collaboration with researchers and institutions in Indonesia, USA, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and the Republic of Georgia will strengthen our links with these nations.Read moreRead less
How beetles harness near-infrared properties to enhance energy efficiency. This project aims to discover how animals use nanophotonic structures to manipulate near infra-red light for thermal control and visual information. Almost nothing is currently known about the mechanism, function and evolution of near-infrared properties in animals, despite their potential importance for maintaining body temperatures within the critical thermal limits for survival. The project uses multidisciplinary techn ....How beetles harness near-infrared properties to enhance energy efficiency. This project aims to discover how animals use nanophotonic structures to manipulate near infra-red light for thermal control and visual information. Almost nothing is currently known about the mechanism, function and evolution of near-infrared properties in animals, despite their potential importance for maintaining body temperatures within the critical thermal limits for survival. The project uses multidisciplinary techniques from optical physics, physiology and evolutionary biology to reveal near-infrared adaptations in socially and economically important Christmas beetles. The intended outcomes include a bio-informed blueprint for a new class of functional nanomaterials that enhance energy efficiency.Read moreRead less
Alternative Splicing in the Mouse Transcriptome. Although the human genome completion is cause for excitement we do not have any firm indication of precisely how many protein-coding genes exist in a mammalian genome. We have even less indication of the extent to which these genes generate alternative gene products, through a process termed alternative splicing. The detection and sequencing of these full-length alternative gene products is the focus of this application. This application details t ....Alternative Splicing in the Mouse Transcriptome. Although the human genome completion is cause for excitement we do not have any firm indication of precisely how many protein-coding genes exist in a mammalian genome. We have even less indication of the extent to which these genes generate alternative gene products, through a process termed alternative splicing. The detection and sequencing of these full-length alternative gene products is the focus of this application. This application details the opportunity to participate in the identification of the full transcriptome of the mouse and is part of a collaborative effort with The RIKEN Genome Sciences Center in Japan.Read moreRead less
SCP/TAPS proteins of the barber’s pole worm. This integrated, collaborative project, will explore, in a targeted way, the structure and function of a key group of molecules in a socio-economically important eukaryotic pathogen and their involvement in pathogen-host interactions. Fundamental knowledge and understanding of these molecules will provide a solid foundation for understanding disease processes and finding new intervention strategies for a range of pathogens. This is crucial, given the ....SCP/TAPS proteins of the barber’s pole worm. This integrated, collaborative project, will explore, in a targeted way, the structure and function of a key group of molecules in a socio-economically important eukaryotic pathogen and their involvement in pathogen-host interactions. Fundamental knowledge and understanding of these molecules will provide a solid foundation for understanding disease processes and finding new intervention strategies for a range of pathogens. This is crucial, given the serious drug resistance problems in pathogens, and residue problems in meat, milk and the environment.Read moreRead less
Nature’s advanced optical materials and their role in thermal management. This project aims to discover the nano-structural properties of beetles than enable effective management of solar and thermal radiation in different environments. A further aim is to reveal how these composite biological materials combine thermal control with desirable mechanical properties, such as strength and flexibility. Passive control of radiative energy is critical for both animal survival and for the design of many ....Nature’s advanced optical materials and their role in thermal management. This project aims to discover the nano-structural properties of beetles than enable effective management of solar and thermal radiation in different environments. A further aim is to reveal how these composite biological materials combine thermal control with desirable mechanical properties, such as strength and flexibility. Passive control of radiative energy is critical for both animal survival and for the design of many manufactured materials, particularly in a warming world. This interdisciplinary project will provide new knowledge of the different ways that biological materials mediate radiative energy exchange with the environment. This knowledge is essential for the design of bioinspired, energy-efficient, multi-functional materials.Read moreRead less