Artificial photosynthesis for solar fuel production. We aim to realise an artificial system that converts solar energy to hydrogen (artificial photosynthesis). The resulting device will be able to 'split' water into oxygen and hydrogen, whereas hydrogen can be further converted into electricity or heat (combustion).
Measuring pain in livestock: mechanisms, objective biomarkers and treatments. This project aims to create an objective blood test to measure pain in livestock, and to create a new drug treatment for persistent pain by targeting the immunology of the brain and spinal cord. This project expects to generate new knowledge of the involvement of the neuro-immune system in the creation and maintenance of persistent pain and how this can be quantified through the innovative use of peripheral blood tests ....Measuring pain in livestock: mechanisms, objective biomarkers and treatments. This project aims to create an objective blood test to measure pain in livestock, and to create a new drug treatment for persistent pain by targeting the immunology of the brain and spinal cord. This project expects to generate new knowledge of the involvement of the neuro-immune system in the creation and maintenance of persistent pain and how this can be quantified through the innovative use of peripheral blood tests. Expected outcomes of this project include a blood test capable of quantifying the extent of current pain experience, and a cumulative life measure of pain an animal has experienced. This should provide significant benefits to the Australian livestock industry by improving best practice.Read moreRead less
Particles at Interfaces—Controlling Detachment. Small, solid particles affect the processes used by the Australian mining industry to recover precious metals and valuable minerals in ways that remain poorly understood. The outcomes of this project will make significant contributions to the fundamental understanding of the role of particles in emulsions and foams. The results will also ultimately transfer to, and have a substantial impact on, the pharmaceutical industry, which is poised to use na ....Particles at Interfaces—Controlling Detachment. Small, solid particles affect the processes used by the Australian mining industry to recover precious metals and valuable minerals in ways that remain poorly understood. The outcomes of this project will make significant contributions to the fundamental understanding of the role of particles in emulsions and foams. The results will also ultimately transfer to, and have a substantial impact on, the pharmaceutical industry, which is poised to use nanotechnology to revolutionise drug delivery.Read moreRead less
Slippery when wet: lubrication with responsive polymers. Lubrication and friction of aqueous (water-based) systems is important in many industrial and biological contexts, such as oil and gas exploration, solid/liquid separation, bioimplants and therapeutic treatments for joints. The outcomes of this project will provide greater control of friction through the use of stimulus responsive polymers.
The microbe factory: a novel approach to benign minerals processing. The purpose of this project is to reduce the environmental impact of current mining practices. The anticipated outcome of this project is the replacement of toxic chemicals used in the separation of minerals with the novel use of environmentally benign microbes.