Evolutionary history and impact of adeno-associated viruses in Australia. Recently accrued evidence identifies Australia as an ideal closed-model system in which to elucidate the evolutionary history of a group of non-pathogenic viruses, known as adeno-associated viruses (AAVs). This project aims to trace back the evolutionary history of AAVs for tens of millions of years via molecular fossil imprints left behind by ancient viral invasions of Australian marsupial genomes. Concurrently, the poten ....Evolutionary history and impact of adeno-associated viruses in Australia. Recently accrued evidence identifies Australia as an ideal closed-model system in which to elucidate the evolutionary history of a group of non-pathogenic viruses, known as adeno-associated viruses (AAVs). This project aims to trace back the evolutionary history of AAVs for tens of millions of years via molecular fossil imprints left behind by ancient viral invasions of Australian marsupial genomes. Concurrently, the potential impact that these viral invasions had on the evolutionary development of their ancestral hosts will be investigated. This could facilitate previously unattainable insights into both AAV and marsupial evolution, with broader implications relevant to the advancement of the fields of virology and mammalian evolution.Read moreRead less
Ultra-high-throughput genotyping of Eucalyptus trees: Development and application of diversity array technology for genomic studies. A major international eucalypt genomic project is underway. Australia needs to take part because the Australian public would expect Australia to be at the forefront of research on one of its national symbols. Eucalypts are critically important to biodiversity and commercial forestry. The development of the proposed generic eucalypt DArT chip will help keep Australi ....Ultra-high-throughput genotyping of Eucalyptus trees: Development and application of diversity array technology for genomic studies. A major international eucalypt genomic project is underway. Australia needs to take part because the Australian public would expect Australia to be at the forefront of research on one of its national symbols. Eucalypts are critically important to biodiversity and commercial forestry. The development of the proposed generic eucalypt DArT chip will help keep Australia at the forefront of genetic and genomic research in eucalypts and help develop our biotechnology industry. Such research is essential for future forest tree breeding. Furthermore, eucalypt forests are one of our most important natural assets and their continual preservation requires that we develop better knowledge of their natural genetic variation and development.Read moreRead less