Development Of Microscope-in-a-needle Devices For Improved Clinical Diagnostics
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$327,746.00
Summary
We have developed a new high-resolution optical imaging technology. The unique aspect of our research has been to redesign the imaging probe, miniaturising it to a few hundred microns in diameter, and encase it in a hypodermic needle – a ‘microscope-in-a-needle’. We are developing specific imaging probes to aid in the assessment of lung disease; the diagnosis of liver disease; and integrated into a brain biopsy needle to enable safer brain biopsies.
Quantitative multi-modal optical imaging of deep tissue. This project aims to create new tools to quantify the structural and functional properties of tissue. Combining multiple optical imaging technologies (multi-modal) into a single, miniaturised probe, these tools could enable physiologists and biomedical researchers to obtain new insight into disease. Encasing the highly miniaturised probe within a medical needle is aimed to allow insertion of the 'needle probe' deep into tissue, extending o ....Quantitative multi-modal optical imaging of deep tissue. This project aims to create new tools to quantify the structural and functional properties of tissue. Combining multiple optical imaging technologies (multi-modal) into a single, miniaturised probe, these tools could enable physiologists and biomedical researchers to obtain new insight into disease. Encasing the highly miniaturised probe within a medical needle is aimed to allow insertion of the 'needle probe' deep into tissue, extending optical imaging to areas not previously accessible. The project could develop novel quantification models to allow longitudinal assessment and comparison between subjects. Validating the tools with specific biomarkers, it could provide outcomes in breast and liver cancer, and a framework to explore other diseases.Read moreRead less
Dynamic Mechano-Microscopy for use in Mechanobiology . We will develop an innovative microscope that will enable new discoveries in biology. Most microscopes form images of a sample's optical properties, instead we will image a sample's mechanical properties. The reason our novel approach is needed is that cell behaviour depends on the stiffness of it's environment, but current microscopes are unable to image this. Our microscope will provide insights in biology that can improve our understandi ....Dynamic Mechano-Microscopy for use in Mechanobiology . We will develop an innovative microscope that will enable new discoveries in biology. Most microscopes form images of a sample's optical properties, instead we will image a sample's mechanical properties. The reason our novel approach is needed is that cell behaviour depends on the stiffness of it's environment, but current microscopes are unable to image this. Our microscope will provide insights in biology that can improve our understanding of cells, the building blocks of life. We will achieve this by: 1. Developing a microscope that combines microscopic resolution with rapid imaging; 2: Developing the capability to image both within the cell and its surrounding environment; and 3. Using our microscope to make discoveries in biology.Read moreRead less
Developing Interpretable Machine Learning Models For Clinical Imaging And Single-cell Genomics
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,312,250.00
Summary
Machine learning methods will be vital to make best use of the deluge of data generated by high-throughput technologies in biomedical science. To get the most out of these models, however, we need to be able to unpack the 'black box'. I will use curated clinical and public research data to benchmark and develop interpretable deep learning models and software tools. These models will be used for breast cancer screening programs and for analysis of complex, large-scale single-cell genomics data.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE100100104
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$400,000.00
Summary
Capability for the fabrication and characterisation of mid-infrared photonic materials. The proposed facility will support the development of new glass materials suitable for transmitting and generating light in the mid-infrared spectral region. This research will allow Australia to lead the world in developing new technologies that make use of the mid-infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Particular applications that will flow from this research include the development of new optical ....Capability for the fabrication and characterisation of mid-infrared photonic materials. The proposed facility will support the development of new glass materials suitable for transmitting and generating light in the mid-infrared spectral region. This research will allow Australia to lead the world in developing new technologies that make use of the mid-infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Particular applications that will flow from this research include the development of new optical fibre-based laser sources for defence and surgery, new technologies for detecting and treating cancer, and other in-vivo detection methods.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE150101005
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$378,288.00
Summary
Miniaturised fibre-optic probes for biomedical image and sensor data fusion. The project aims to develop new types of tiny biomedical imaging devices based on optical fibres that can be inserted into the body via hypodermic needles or catheters. These devices will have the ability to generate a three-dimensional image of the tissue region. As the devices will also be able to sense biochemical or mechanical properties of the tissue, they can be used to differentiate healthy from diseased tissue. ....Miniaturised fibre-optic probes for biomedical image and sensor data fusion. The project aims to develop new types of tiny biomedical imaging devices based on optical fibres that can be inserted into the body via hypodermic needles or catheters. These devices will have the ability to generate a three-dimensional image of the tissue region. As the devices will also be able to sense biochemical or mechanical properties of the tissue, they can be used to differentiate healthy from diseased tissue. These minimally invasive devices will produce information-rich multidimensional fused image and sensor data, opening up new possibilities for biologists and medical researchers to study disease progression and treatment in living animals and humans, with great potential for scientific discovery.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE110100116
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$400,000.00
Summary
100 Gbit to 1 Terabit per second optical communication test bed facility. This facility will develop and demonstrate novel optical technologies that will underpin the generation and transmission of a higher-speed Ethernet at 100 Gb/s to 1Terabit/s, and will lead to better broadband and more energy efficient internet. At the foundation of this research will be a test bed with multiple signal sources at data rates above 50 Gbaud.
Aspirin For The Prevention Of Cognitive Decline In The Elderly: A Neuro-Vascular Imaging Study (ENVIS-ion) From ASPREE
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,341,232.00
Summary
The ENVIS-ion trial will examine whether Aspirin is effective in delaying the onset of worsening of thinking and memory abilities in healthy older adults. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of brain structure will detect markers of early worsening of thinking and memory abilities. Blood vessels in the back of the eye (retina) share many features with vessels in the brain. We will compare whether aspirin lessens changes over time of features shown with brain MRI and retinal photography.
Optical wireless frontier: Design challenges of multi gigabit wireless. This project aims to improve the coverage, mobile access, miniaturisation, bandwidth and networking of optical wireless. As connected machines become the primary consumers of the Internet, technologies for wirelessly connecting devices, processors, storage and display devices at very high speeds become necessary for mission critical services and applications. Gigabit wireless access needs to overcome shortages in the radio-f ....Optical wireless frontier: Design challenges of multi gigabit wireless. This project aims to improve the coverage, mobile access, miniaturisation, bandwidth and networking of optical wireless. As connected machines become the primary consumers of the Internet, technologies for wirelessly connecting devices, processors, storage and display devices at very high speeds become necessary for mission critical services and applications. Gigabit wireless access needs to overcome shortages in the radio-frequency spectrum and provide scalable bandwidth and wider coverage. Optical wireless transmission is a real alternative to current wireless systems because its connection speed of tens of gigabits/second means it can work efficiently with wired optical networking technologies. This project is expected to lead to optical wireless technology.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE100100009
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$455,000.00
Summary
Ultra-precision cutting and polishing machines for fabricating high-Q crystalline resonators. The proposed facility will equip Australian researchers with the capability to machine and polish optical crystalline materials down to atomic-level smoothness. The availability of this technology will enable the fabrication of ultra-sensitive metrological sensors, state-of-the-art photonic components, and quantum devices. Precision metrology is an integral component of many industries and it underpins ....Ultra-precision cutting and polishing machines for fabricating high-Q crystalline resonators. The proposed facility will equip Australian researchers with the capability to machine and polish optical crystalline materials down to atomic-level smoothness. The availability of this technology will enable the fabrication of ultra-sensitive metrological sensors, state-of-the-art photonic components, and quantum devices. Precision metrology is an integral component of many industries and it underpins a modern, technically advanced society. With this facility Australian researchers will lead the world in the fabrication of optical crystalline devices for a broad range of industrial and research applications.Read moreRead less