Production and testing of novel bioactive honeys and honey-based cosmetic formulations. The purpose of this project is to evaluate the entire spectrum of plant bioactive compounds that are transferred to the honey and develop novel bioactive honeys with enhanced antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This project will also develop new honey-based cosmetic products like creams, gels and foams.
The development and evaluation of a new therapy for the prevention and treatment of bacterial infections in hospitals. The technology used in this project will enable products to be developed from the Australian dairy industry which may safely provide protection and treatment for diarrhoea acquired in hospitals for which there are few effective options. The product will be cost effective and can be used as a public health tool to control outbreaks in those most susceptible to severe disease.
Investigation of the function of Sel S a novel selenoprotein. The long term aim of this project is to find a way to prevent or delay the onset of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. ChemGenex pharmaceuticals, our commercial partners have discovered and patented a selenoprotein with antioxidant properties and have shown in vitro that it protects insulin-producing beta cells from oxidative damage. This project aims to prove, in an in vivo setting, that this protein can prevent or delay the onset of d ....Investigation of the function of Sel S a novel selenoprotein. The long term aim of this project is to find a way to prevent or delay the onset of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. ChemGenex pharmaceuticals, our commercial partners have discovered and patented a selenoprotein with antioxidant properties and have shown in vitro that it protects insulin-producing beta cells from oxidative damage. This project aims to prove, in an in vivo setting, that this protein can prevent or delay the onset of diabetes in mouse models of type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.Read moreRead less
The atlas of trace metals in the mouse brain: a new tool for neuroscientists. This project will produce the first atlas of trace metals in the mouse brain: a set of 'maps' of a type of brain often used to study diseases affecting the human brain. This online resource will show neuroscientists unprecedented 3D detail of the distribution in the brain of trace metals, which are implicated in such diseases as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
Biophysical identification of natural human antibody targets. A natural human antibody, PAT-SM6, isolated using technology developed by the partner organisation (Patrys), offers promise as a therapy to reduce mortalities due to cancer, the leading cause of death in Australia. The novelty of the approach pioneered by Patrys is the direct production of human antibodies which avoids undesirable side effects associated with the use of antibodies containing non-human components. This project is to ....Biophysical identification of natural human antibody targets. A natural human antibody, PAT-SM6, isolated using technology developed by the partner organisation (Patrys), offers promise as a therapy to reduce mortalities due to cancer, the leading cause of death in Australia. The novelty of the approach pioneered by Patrys is the direct production of human antibodies which avoids undesirable side effects associated with the use of antibodies containing non-human components. This project is to discover the specificity of PAT-SM6 for proteins and protein complexes and how these interactions lead to tumour cell death. This work will enhance the effectiveness of human antibody therapies and help in the development of this fast growing area within the biotechnology industry in Australia.Read moreRead less
Studies of the pi3-kinase enzyme family using selective inhibitors. The objective of this project is to study the function of the PI3-kinase enzyme family in blood platelets. To do this, inhibitors which block the action of specific family members, will be evaluated for their effects in assays of platelet function. The results will enhance our understanding of the way in which platelets and other cells respond to stimuli, and lead new approaches to designing novel drugs that block these response ....Studies of the pi3-kinase enzyme family using selective inhibitors. The objective of this project is to study the function of the PI3-kinase enzyme family in blood platelets. To do this, inhibitors which block the action of specific family members, will be evaluated for their effects in assays of platelet function. The results will enhance our understanding of the way in which platelets and other cells respond to stimuli, and lead new approaches to designing novel drugs that block these responses.Read moreRead less
Increasing the utility of tetanus toxins by protein engineering. There are a variety of common diseases that are the result of muscular defects. Some of these may be able to be treated with an agent that increases muscle tone, thereby giving benefit to the patient in the alleviation of symptoms. This project aims to use some of the most potent substances known, bacterial toxins, and engineer them to be valuable agents for treatment of certain muscular disorders.
Theoretical studies of molecular mechanisms of abnormal protein aggregation. Many proteins undergo conformational change and association as part of their physiological behavior. However, some proteins share a tendency to abnormal aggregation and form amyloid fibrils leading to disorders such as Alzheimer's and variant Creutzfeldt-Jacob diseases. Insulin, one such protein, has a high propensity to aggregate and form fibrils creating difficulties in preparation, storage and application. Using adva ....Theoretical studies of molecular mechanisms of abnormal protein aggregation. Many proteins undergo conformational change and association as part of their physiological behavior. However, some proteins share a tendency to abnormal aggregation and form amyloid fibrils leading to disorders such as Alzheimer's and variant Creutzfeldt-Jacob diseases. Insulin, one such protein, has a high propensity to aggregate and form fibrils creating difficulties in preparation, storage and application. Using advanced theoretical modelling techniques we will gain insight into the molecular mechanism of fibrillation by investigating the formation of insulin aggregates. An improved understanding of the essential mechanism of protein aggregation will allow the rational design of new drugs.Read moreRead less
Brides and Grandmothers: Challenges for Older Filipinos in Australia. This project investigates the settlement, acculturation experiences, and psychological wellbeing of older Filipino women who arrived in Australia under different circumstances. Some have migrated to Australia as young brides to marry Australian citizens and some as grandmothers to be reunited with family members. Five hundred older Filipino women, and a group of 100 men living in rural and urban areas, will participate in the ....Brides and Grandmothers: Challenges for Older Filipinos in Australia. This project investigates the settlement, acculturation experiences, and psychological wellbeing of older Filipino women who arrived in Australia under different circumstances. Some have migrated to Australia as young brides to marry Australian citizens and some as grandmothers to be reunited with family members. Five hundred older Filipino women, and a group of 100 men living in rural and urban areas, will participate in the project. The findings will enhance the understanding of the social and psychological needs of this special group of migrants and will assist in the planning of immigration policies and culturally appropriate health services for older migrants.Read moreRead less
Australian art exhibitions 1968-2009: a generation of cultural transformation. The years 1968 to 2009 witnessed a transformation in the way Australians saw the art of their country. This project investigates the impact of increased funding (government and private) and new scholarship on the curating of art exhibitions, and traces the reconfiguration of Australia’s art history that took place in exhibitions during this period.