The role of mechanosensitive (MS) ion channels in magnetoreception. The magnetic field of the Earth has for long been known to influence the behaviour and orientation of a variety of organisms. Experimental study of the magnetic sense has however, been impaired by the lack of a plausible cellular and/or molecular mechanism providing meaningful explanation for detection of magnetic fields by living organisms. Recently, mechanosensitive (MS) ion channels have been implied to play a role in magneto ....The role of mechanosensitive (MS) ion channels in magnetoreception. The magnetic field of the Earth has for long been known to influence the behaviour and orientation of a variety of organisms. Experimental study of the magnetic sense has however, been impaired by the lack of a plausible cellular and/or molecular mechanism providing meaningful explanation for detection of magnetic fields by living organisms. Recently, mechanosensitive (MS) ion channels have been implied to play a role in magnetoreception. Based on our preliminary investigations, which suggest that the activity of bacterial MS channels may be affected by magnetic fields, we propose to study effects of magnetic fields on MS ion channels in Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli and Magnetospirillum magnetotacticum. The project promises also to contribute towards better understanding of adverse effects of electromagnetic radiation on human health and towards understanding the mechanisms behind remote magnetic-nanoparticle mediated activation of MS ion channels.Read moreRead less
Seagrass adaptation and acclimation responses to extreme climatic events. This project aims to advance our understanding of how temperate marine plants in their northern limit will respond to the effects of synergistic stressors from extreme events combined with climate change. The project will study Shark Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where a semi-permanent, salinity gradient maintained by shallow seagrass banks has resulted in unique ecosystems like stromatolites to persist. Expected outc ....Seagrass adaptation and acclimation responses to extreme climatic events. This project aims to advance our understanding of how temperate marine plants in their northern limit will respond to the effects of synergistic stressors from extreme events combined with climate change. The project will study Shark Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where a semi-permanent, salinity gradient maintained by shallow seagrass banks has resulted in unique ecosystems like stromatolites to persist. Expected outcomes include practical solutions for building resilience to climate change mitigation in marine ecosystems. This will benefit the broader Australian community through changing how we manage significant resources and services these systems support, such as fisheries, coastal protection.Read moreRead less