New high resolution radiation dose mapping of special type polymer-gel dosimeters using mini-MRI scanner of high (4.7 Tesla) magnetic field. Gel dosimeters main advantage is dose determination in 3-dimensions. Their main limitation is low spatial-resolution. We propose fabrication of special-type gels and for the first time use the 4.7 Tesla mini-scanner for dose mapping. Increased magnetic field combined with a small aperture for field dissipation will greatly improve spatial resolution down t ....New high resolution radiation dose mapping of special type polymer-gel dosimeters using mini-MRI scanner of high (4.7 Tesla) magnetic field. Gel dosimeters main advantage is dose determination in 3-dimensions. Their main limitation is low spatial-resolution. We propose fabrication of special-type gels and for the first time use the 4.7 Tesla mini-scanner for dose mapping. Increased magnetic field combined with a small aperture for field dissipation will greatly improve spatial resolution down to micrometers (micro-dosimetry). This new technique will render gel-dosimeters suitable for applications in radiotherapy, industrial and all other radiation fields. Moreover, we will employ new parameter for dose mapping, which is expected to be more sensitive to radiation than the currently used relaxation timesRead moreRead less
Electric field induced surface attachment and detachment of proteins. Microarrays are revolutionising the diagnosis of disease by enabling large amounts of data on genetics and protein expression to be obtained from one sample. Biosensors for diseases and toxins rely on the same mechanism, namely attachment of biological macromolecules to a surface. We propose a new method for controlling the attachment by micromachining an electrode system to apply an electric field to chosen sites. Ultimately ....Electric field induced surface attachment and detachment of proteins. Microarrays are revolutionising the diagnosis of disease by enabling large amounts of data on genetics and protein expression to be obtained from one sample. Biosensors for diseases and toxins rely on the same mechanism, namely attachment of biological macromolecules to a surface. We propose a new method for controlling the attachment by micromachining an electrode system to apply an electric field to chosen sites. Ultimately microelectronic engineering methods will be used. This will give control over the attachment process with potential benefits of orienting attaching molecules, minimising non-specific attachment and enriching diagnostics by enabling interrogation of the force of attachment.Read moreRead less
Molecular approaches to solving current and emerging problems in the epidemiology and diagnosis of Marek's disease in Australia. Marek's disease (MD) is a ubiquitous viral disease of chickens that is currently controlled in meat chickens by blanket vaccination of all chickens. However, as has happened overseas, the efficacy of the HVT vaccine being used in Australia is breaking down resulting in subclinical and clinical losses due to MD. To assist industry deal with this situation we propose to ....Molecular approaches to solving current and emerging problems in the epidemiology and diagnosis of Marek's disease in Australia. Marek's disease (MD) is a ubiquitous viral disease of chickens that is currently controlled in meat chickens by blanket vaccination of all chickens. However, as has happened overseas, the efficacy of the HVT vaccine being used in Australia is breaking down resulting in subclinical and clinical losses due to MD. To assist industry deal with this situation we propose to develop novel molecular methods for the quantification of Marek's disease viruses (MDV) in the host and the environment, to use these methods to design effective early monitoring systems for MD in broilers that predict disease and performance outcomes, and to develop an epidemiological model that will predict the spread and severity of MD as failure of vaccinal protection progresses.Read moreRead less
Why is most of the genetic variance for complex traits undetected by large powerful screens of common variants? The genomics revolution has made it possible to measure thousands of DNA variants in individuals. These variants have been associated with phenotypic outcomes in a range of species. Paradoxically, even very large studies have only accounted for a fraction of the resemblance between relatives that we know exist. Our study will test three specific hypotheses to explain this paradox. A be ....Why is most of the genetic variance for complex traits undetected by large powerful screens of common variants? The genomics revolution has made it possible to measure thousands of DNA variants in individuals. These variants have been associated with phenotypic outcomes in a range of species. Paradoxically, even very large studies have only accounted for a fraction of the resemblance between relatives that we know exist. Our study will test three specific hypotheses to explain this paradox. A better understanding about the genetic architecture for complex traits will improve the efficiency of gene mapping methods, including applications in humans for traits related to productive ageing and a healthy start to life, will lead to more efficient selection programs in agricultural populations and will inform us with respect to past evolutionary events.Read moreRead less
The multiplexed diagnosis of arbovirus infections using combinatorial probes. Viruses that cause serious diseases such as hemorrhagic fever or encephalitis must be quickly identified. Diagnostic tests based on DNA hybridisation are accurate and can be rapid but they are expensive. We will test a method for simplifying DNA tests and increasing their capabilities. DNA probes for detecting arboviruses will be designed at the ANU using new bioinformatic methods and their reliability will be model ....The multiplexed diagnosis of arbovirus infections using combinatorial probes. Viruses that cause serious diseases such as hemorrhagic fever or encephalitis must be quickly identified. Diagnostic tests based on DNA hybridisation are accurate and can be rapid but they are expensive. We will test a method for simplifying DNA tests and increasing their capabilities. DNA probes for detecting arboviruses will be designed at the ANU using new bioinformatic methods and their reliability will be modelled using all the available genetic information. Computer predictions will be experimentally tested in the PANBIO laboratory by using the probes to detect viral nucleic acids. The influence of virus genome complexity will be investigatedRead moreRead less
Detection of imported exotic strains of West Nile virus for national biosecurity surveillance. West Nile virus (WNV) is transmitted by mosquitoes and causes a fatal disease of the brain in animals and humans. WNV is currently exotic to this country, however a closely related, but benign cousin of this virus (Kunjin) can be found in Northern Australia. Currently it is very difficult to differentiate between infections with WNV and Kunjin using standard laboratory tests, therefore it will be diff ....Detection of imported exotic strains of West Nile virus for national biosecurity surveillance. West Nile virus (WNV) is transmitted by mosquitoes and causes a fatal disease of the brain in animals and humans. WNV is currently exotic to this country, however a closely related, but benign cousin of this virus (Kunjin) can be found in Northern Australia. Currently it is very difficult to differentiate between infections with WNV and Kunjin using standard laboratory tests, therefore it will be difficult for public health officials to detect WNV if it is introduced to Australia. In this project we aim to develop more accurate laboratory tests to detect infections with the deadly, exotic WNV using new strategies. Read moreRead less
Biomolecular activity modulated by interaction with nanostructures. Nanotechnological methods are able to reliably fabricate artificial nanostructures with dimensions similar to those of large biomolecules (a few to tens of nanometers). This study focuses on the interaction of artificial nanostructures with biomolecules such as proteins and DNA, and will enable scientists to better understand biomolecular recognition and binding events, which are central to all biological processes. The underst ....Biomolecular activity modulated by interaction with nanostructures. Nanotechnological methods are able to reliably fabricate artificial nanostructures with dimensions similar to those of large biomolecules (a few to tens of nanometers). This study focuses on the interaction of artificial nanostructures with biomolecules such as proteins and DNA, and will enable scientists to better understand biomolecular recognition and binding events, which are central to all biological processes. The understanding gained can then be used to design biomimetic surfaces for use in health monitoring and medical diagnostic devices with improved sensitivity, robustness and portability, thereby providing significant benefits to the health sector.Read moreRead less
Gene Expression Profiling and de novo Transcriptome Sequencing using Geneballs. The purpose of the project is to demonstrate that bead-based technology can be used in applications that currently require DNA hybridisation in order to overcome existing deficiencies in microarray technology. By providing the capability to quickly and efficiently produce, screen and utilize biomolecule libraries of nearly unlimited size, this technology provides the key to unlock the power of genomics and proteomics ....Gene Expression Profiling and de novo Transcriptome Sequencing using Geneballs. The purpose of the project is to demonstrate that bead-based technology can be used in applications that currently require DNA hybridisation in order to overcome existing deficiencies in microarray technology. By providing the capability to quickly and efficiently produce, screen and utilize biomolecule libraries of nearly unlimited size, this technology provides the key to unlock the power of genomics and proteomics for use in real world applications. The project has two aspects. First, relatively small directed cDNA-bead libraries will be compared to known low-density cDNA microarrays to validate the technique for utility in gene expression profiling. Secondly, large libraries containing short oligonucleotide sequences will be used for de novo sequencing of a complete transcriptome. Proof-of-concept in either case will pave the way for many genomic applications and catapult the technology to 'blockbuster' status.Read moreRead less
Measurement and imaging of pathogenic and diagnostic iron oxide nanoparticles using proton magnetic resonance. This project is likely to result in new and improved technologies to aid in the management and diagnosis of a range of diseases including iron metabolism disorders such as thalassaemia and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. Other aspects of the research may lead to technologies for the early detection of some cancers. The technologies will enhance Australia's intern ....Measurement and imaging of pathogenic and diagnostic iron oxide nanoparticles using proton magnetic resonance. This project is likely to result in new and improved technologies to aid in the management and diagnosis of a range of diseases including iron metabolism disorders such as thalassaemia and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. Other aspects of the research may lead to technologies for the early detection of some cancers. The technologies will enhance Australia's international standing in the field of advanced medical imaging and have the potential to be commercialised within the Australian biotechnology sector. During the project, research students will receive high quality multidisciplinary training ensuring the supply of personnel with high-level technical expertise into the future.Read moreRead less
Retroviral invasion of the koala genome: prevalence, transmission and role in immunosuppressive disease. Koalas are a national symbol yet many of their populations are in decline as a result of habitat loss and disease. Lymphoid cancers and opportunistic infections are significant diseases in both captive and wild koala populations. We previously demonstrated that the recently identified koala retrovirus is associated with lymphoid cancer in koalas. This project will determine the distribution o ....Retroviral invasion of the koala genome: prevalence, transmission and role in immunosuppressive disease. Koalas are a national symbol yet many of their populations are in decline as a result of habitat loss and disease. Lymphoid cancers and opportunistic infections are significant diseases in both captive and wild koala populations. We previously demonstrated that the recently identified koala retrovirus is associated with lymphoid cancer in koalas. This project will determine the distribution of the virus in Australia, the mechanism of its spread and its effect on the immune function of koalas. This research will provide a foundation for better management of captive koalas and for conservation of wild koalas.Read moreRead less