Silicon defences for plant protection. This project aims to study how silicon uptake in grasses affects plant susceptibility aboveground. Grasses contain more silicon than nearly any other plant, which they acquire entirely from the soil. Silicon increases plant resistance to herbivores, disease and drought, but up to 25 per cent of grass productivity is lost to root herbivores, a situation compounded by water stress. Silicon uptake is poorly understood, but root herbivory and changing rainfall ....Silicon defences for plant protection. This project aims to study how silicon uptake in grasses affects plant susceptibility aboveground. Grasses contain more silicon than nearly any other plant, which they acquire entirely from the soil. Silicon increases plant resistance to herbivores, disease and drought, but up to 25 per cent of grass productivity is lost to root herbivores, a situation compounded by water stress. Silicon uptake is poorly understood, but root herbivory and changing rainfall patterns can either impair uptake or induce the plant to take up more silicon. The goal of this project is to optimise silicon-based resistance in grasses and exploit this for plant protection from invasive pests and drought.Read moreRead less
How does habitat complexity drive motor ageing and fitness in wild mammals? This project aims to demonstrate how habitat complexity shapes motor ageing in wild dasyurid marsupials, and to improve these animals’ motor function, slow its decline and increase reproductive output via behavioural and physiological changes. Motor decline should dramatically impact an animal growth, survival and reproduction by affecting how it moves through habitats when foraging, seeking mates, or escaping from preda ....How does habitat complexity drive motor ageing and fitness in wild mammals? This project aims to demonstrate how habitat complexity shapes motor ageing in wild dasyurid marsupials, and to improve these animals’ motor function, slow its decline and increase reproductive output via behavioural and physiological changes. Motor decline should dramatically impact an animal growth, survival and reproduction by affecting how it moves through habitats when foraging, seeking mates, or escaping from predators. However, little is known about the environmental drivers of motor ageing in wild animals. Our project addresses an important gap in the field of evolutionary ecology. Since decline in muscle function affects the quality of Australian's life, our work could lead to important economic and health implications.Read moreRead less
Epigenetic effects of environmental thyroid disruption. Anthropogenic impacts increasingly disrupt hormone-mediated responses to environmental change. The project aims to determine the interactive effects of climate warming, light-at-night, and plastic pollution on thyroid hormone signalling, and test whether these effects are passed between generations epigenetically. Epigenetic effects of endocrine disruption are one of the most important emerging conservation threats. Mathematical modelling o ....Epigenetic effects of environmental thyroid disruption. Anthropogenic impacts increasingly disrupt hormone-mediated responses to environmental change. The project aims to determine the interactive effects of climate warming, light-at-night, and plastic pollution on thyroid hormone signalling, and test whether these effects are passed between generations epigenetically. Epigenetic effects of endocrine disruption are one of the most important emerging conservation threats. Mathematical modelling of experimental data will help to predict how animals respond to anthropogenic impacts, and to acquire the tools necessary to maintain ecosystem function and services. The project will therefore have environmental benefits, as well as social benefits stemming from international collaborations and training.Read moreRead less