Elucidating structure and function of activation-associated secreted proteins (ASPs) in blood-feeding hookworms – toward new methods of control. The national/community benefits are: (1) to develop a long-term, high quality scientific and technological program contributing to national objectives, including the maintenance of a strong capability in basic research, the development of new scientific concepts and the enhancement of international collaborative links; (2) to strengthen the links betwee ....Elucidating structure and function of activation-associated secreted proteins (ASPs) in blood-feeding hookworms – toward new methods of control. The national/community benefits are: (1) to develop a long-term, high quality scientific and technological program contributing to national objectives, including the maintenance of a strong capability in basic research, the development of new scientific concepts and the enhancement of international collaborative links; (2) to strengthen the links between basic and applied research; (3) to develop excellence in research by promoting collaborative research, resulting in a more efficient use of resources in a national and international context; (4) to enhance the skills-base in biology and biotechnology; (5) to substantially increase global visibility through quality research, leading to an increased investment in Australian science.Read moreRead less
Mitogenomics using a massively parallel reactor platform - from barcoding to diagnostic tools for pathogens of major socioeconomic importance. The national/community benefits are: (1) to develop a long-term, high quality scientific and technological program contributing to national objectives, including the maintenance of a strong capability in basic research, the development of new scientific concepts and the enhancement of international collaborative links; (2) to strengthen the links between ....Mitogenomics using a massively parallel reactor platform - from barcoding to diagnostic tools for pathogens of major socioeconomic importance. The national/community benefits are: (1) to develop a long-term, high quality scientific and technological program contributing to national objectives, including the maintenance of a strong capability in basic research, the development of new scientific concepts and the enhancement of international collaborative links; (2) to strengthen the links between basic and applied research; (3) to develop excellence in research by promoting collaborative research, resulting in a more efficient use of resources in a national and international context; (4) to enhance the skills-base in biology and biotechnology; (5) to substantially increase global visibility through quality research, leading to an increased investment in Australian science.
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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
Harnessing next-generation technologies to tackle major food-borne parasites and design new interventions. Frontier technologies will be used in this project to unlock the molecular secrets of parasites which cause serious food-borne diseases in animals. The quantum leap made here will lead to radically new ways of treating and controlling such diseases, and provide outstanding international visibility of Australian science and a solid skills/knowledge-base.
Illuminating genomic dark matter to develop new interventions for parasites. This project aims to unravel the molecular basis of parasitism using leading-edge post-genomics approaches. This research expects to explore genomic ‘dark matter’ in the genome to discover how parasites survive and cause disease. The resultant shift in the understanding of molecular mechanisms and processes governing parasitism will lead to new ways of disrupting the intricate parasite-host relationship, which will tran ....Illuminating genomic dark matter to develop new interventions for parasites. This project aims to unravel the molecular basis of parasitism using leading-edge post-genomics approaches. This research expects to explore genomic ‘dark matter’ in the genome to discover how parasites survive and cause disease. The resultant shift in the understanding of molecular mechanisms and processes governing parasitism will lead to new ways of disrupting the intricate parasite-host relationship, which will translate into innovative technologies or products to ameliorate the burden of parasites in livestock animals. Expected socioeconomic benefits include lifting Australia’s scientific knowledge base, reputation in biology and biotechnology, livestock production and investment in translational research.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
Managing microorganisms in Melbourne’s drinking water assets. Safe, fresh drinking water is the most important resource of any country. Melbourne Water Corporation supplies drinking water to more than four million people, and Melbourne is one of the few cities in the world that receives largely unfiltered drinking water from wilderness catchment areas. Built on extensive preliminary collaborative work, the project aims to develop an integrated monitoring and surveillance program, using newly dev ....Managing microorganisms in Melbourne’s drinking water assets. Safe, fresh drinking water is the most important resource of any country. Melbourne Water Corporation supplies drinking water to more than four million people, and Melbourne is one of the few cities in the world that receives largely unfiltered drinking water from wilderness catchment areas. Built on extensive preliminary collaborative work, the project aims to develop an integrated monitoring and surveillance program, using newly developed technologies, to underpin Melbourne Water Corporation’s prevention strategy against key waterborne diseases, including cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis. This project is sharply focused on the National Science and Research Priorities 'Soil and Water', 'Environmental Change' and 'Health'.Read moreRead less
Harnessing the genomics revolution - toward radically new approaches to control neglected parasites of paramount global importance. Frontier technologies will be used to unlock the molecular secrets of neglected parasites causing devastating diseases in animals and humans worldwide. The quantum leap made here will lead to radically new ways of treating and controlling such diseases, outstanding international visibility of Australian science and a solid skills and knowledge-base.
Establishing next-generation technology platforms for the detection and monitoring of microorganisms in Melbourne water catchments. This project will establish a major scientific and technological program in national priority areas to protect drinking water catchments. This industry-linked program will conduct strong applied and basic research. The project will also provide new concepts, a solid skills-base, substantially enhanced global visibility of Australian science and key technological out ....Establishing next-generation technology platforms for the detection and monitoring of microorganisms in Melbourne water catchments. This project will establish a major scientific and technological program in national priority areas to protect drinking water catchments. This industry-linked program will conduct strong applied and basic research. The project will also provide new concepts, a solid skills-base, substantially enhanced global visibility of Australian science and key technological outcomes.Read moreRead less
Discovering nature's photonic devices to control light and heat. This project aims to discover how and why beetles and butterflies reflect near-infrared light. Reflection of near-infrared radiation may be critical to prevent overheating, yet its role in thermal protection remains largely unexplored. The project will integrate evolutionary biology, optical physics and biophysics to reveal the diversity, mechanism, function and evolution of near-infrared signatures. Expected outcomes include the d ....Discovering nature's photonic devices to control light and heat. This project aims to discover how and why beetles and butterflies reflect near-infrared light. Reflection of near-infrared radiation may be critical to prevent overheating, yet its role in thermal protection remains largely unexplored. The project will integrate evolutionary biology, optical physics and biophysics to reveal the diversity, mechanism, function and evolution of near-infrared signatures. Expected outcomes include the discovery of nature’s solutions to selection for both optical (camouflage, communication) and thermal functions. The project will have significant benefits such as creating opportunities to develop biomimetic and bioinspired materials to enhance energy efficiency, which will have significant economic and environmental benefits.Read moreRead less