Oxygenation history of the Earth and the evolution of complex life. This project will investigate how and when the atmosphere became oxygen-rich by analyzing ancient barrier reefs and other rocks that formed between 1000 to 300 million years ago, spanning the appearance and diversification of animals and plants. The project is significant because the buildup of oxygen in the atmosphere was arguably the most important chemical process ever to have occurred on Earth and controlled the evolution of ....Oxygenation history of the Earth and the evolution of complex life. This project will investigate how and when the atmosphere became oxygen-rich by analyzing ancient barrier reefs and other rocks that formed between 1000 to 300 million years ago, spanning the appearance and diversification of animals and plants. The project is significant because the buildup of oxygen in the atmosphere was arguably the most important chemical process ever to have occurred on Earth and controlled the evolution of environments, climate and life. A major outcome will be an improved understanding of how the Earth's atmosphere and climate are regulated by geological processes. This project will generate new knowledge about how sedimentary zinc, lead and copper ore deposits form, which may guide exploration for these commodities.Read moreRead less
Investigating a novel genetic strategy for insect resistance in crops. Plants are in a constant battle with insect pests and there is an increasing reliance on chemical inputs for control. However there are incoming bans on some pesticides, and new approaches are required for pest management. The aim of this project is to develop a new strategy which exploits the dependence of herbivorous insects on phytosterols. Here, we will apply the latest genomics technologies in plants to produce non-utili ....Investigating a novel genetic strategy for insect resistance in crops. Plants are in a constant battle with insect pests and there is an increasing reliance on chemical inputs for control. However there are incoming bans on some pesticides, and new approaches are required for pest management. The aim of this project is to develop a new strategy which exploits the dependence of herbivorous insects on phytosterols. Here, we will apply the latest genomics technologies in plants to produce non-utilizable sterols which will not support insect growth and reproduction, but will still allow the plant to function normally. We will demonstrate this in the important crop canola. Translation of this knowledge will support breeding for crop resilience, leading to durable resistance and more sustainable crop production.Read moreRead less
Dawn of the age of mammals in Australia: foundations for an island biota. This project aims to fill a profound gap in knowledge about the origins of the modern fauna on the island continent Australia. It will augment Australia’s national natural heritage, enhance international research collaboration, and provide critical baseline data for complementary research in biology, geology, geography and climatology. End users of this project include primary, secondary, tertiary and public education sect ....Dawn of the age of mammals in Australia: foundations for an island biota. This project aims to fill a profound gap in knowledge about the origins of the modern fauna on the island continent Australia. It will augment Australia’s national natural heritage, enhance international research collaboration, and provide critical baseline data for complementary research in biology, geology, geography and climatology. End users of this project include primary, secondary, tertiary and public education sectors and environment and heritage protection agencies.Read moreRead less
Mangrove sustainability on the Australian coast. This project aims to model the response of mangroves and adjoining communities to sea-level rise. Australia’s coastline supports some of the most extensive and diverse mangrove forests globally, and mangrove response models are urgently needed to plan for Australia’s coastal future and global sea-level rise adaptation. Bringing together world-leading specialists in geomorphology and spatial analysis, we will project the response of Australia’s man ....Mangrove sustainability on the Australian coast. This project aims to model the response of mangroves and adjoining communities to sea-level rise. Australia’s coastline supports some of the most extensive and diverse mangrove forests globally, and mangrove response models are urgently needed to plan for Australia’s coastal future and global sea-level rise adaptation. Bringing together world-leading specialists in geomorphology and spatial analysis, we will project the response of Australia’s mangrove shorelines to sea-level rise, indicating the implications for blue carbon stocks, adjoining communities, infrastructure and assets. Significant benefits will be provided to sustainable coastal management and national carbon accounting efforts.Read moreRead less