Analysing the protective role of platelets during malaria infection. Platelets protect the host during malarial infection. This project aims to study how platelets kill the malaria parasite by investigating the role of host molecules and their potential as novel antimalarial agents. The role of platelets in the pathogenesis of cerebral malaria syndrome will also be investigated.
A New Platform for Developing a Compound Against Herpes Simplex Virus. This project aims to further explore the research team’s recent fundamental discovery of a protein found naturally in an Australian abalone that inhibits viral entry by blocking three key viral glycoproteins. We would aim to utilise this knowledge towards development of a new class of therapeutics against Herpes simplex viruses (HSV) and their consequent infections. The new therapeutics could overcome the low bioavailability ....A New Platform for Developing a Compound Against Herpes Simplex Virus. This project aims to further explore the research team’s recent fundamental discovery of a protein found naturally in an Australian abalone that inhibits viral entry by blocking three key viral glycoproteins. We would aim to utilise this knowledge towards development of a new class of therapeutics against Herpes simplex viruses (HSV) and their consequent infections. The new therapeutics could overcome the low bioavailability of current drugs and thus significantly shorten the recurrence period. Such new drugs may have broad applicability.Read moreRead less
Investigating the molecular function of alpha-Haemoglobin stabilising protein. The research described in this proposal will provide new insights into haemoglobin regulation and redox chemistry in erythrocytes. Deregulation of these processes gives rise to a number of debilitating diseases, including varieties of anaemia and thalassaemia-in Australia it is estimated that 3% of the population could be carriers of b-thalassaemia mutations. Given the contribution of free aHb to the pathology of b-th ....Investigating the molecular function of alpha-Haemoglobin stabilising protein. The research described in this proposal will provide new insights into haemoglobin regulation and redox chemistry in erythrocytes. Deregulation of these processes gives rise to a number of debilitating diseases, including varieties of anaemia and thalassaemia-in Australia it is estimated that 3% of the population could be carriers of b-thalassaemia mutations. Given the contribution of free aHb to the pathology of b-thalassaemia, understanding the specific aHb-binding factor, AHSP is a goal of national significance. In the long term, manipulation of AHSP function through gene therapy may have a direct role in the treatment of thalassaemia.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0775570
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$570,000.00
Summary
Purchase of a high resolution organic mass spectrometer. The diverse research supported by the new instrument is expected to encompass a wide range of beneficial outcomes in the areas of health, plant genetics and breeding, horticulture, chemistry and novel analytical technologies. Genetic studies will lead to improved plant crops and are expected to contribute to new treatments for multiple scleroris and diabetes. Investigations in organic and organometallic chemistry will lead to the productio ....Purchase of a high resolution organic mass spectrometer. The diverse research supported by the new instrument is expected to encompass a wide range of beneficial outcomes in the areas of health, plant genetics and breeding, horticulture, chemistry and novel analytical technologies. Genetic studies will lead to improved plant crops and are expected to contribute to new treatments for multiple scleroris and diabetes. Investigations in organic and organometallic chemistry will lead to the production of better materials, more efficient catalysts and novel drugs. This instrument will provide infrastructure essential to enabling researchers to maintain internationally competitive profiles in these areas.Read moreRead less
Special Research Initiatives - Grant ID: SR1101002
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$21,000,000.00
Summary
Stem Cells Australia. Despite progress in stem cell research, scientists do not understand how stem cells “decide” what to become. Stem Cells Australia will draw upon strengths within Australia’s premier stem cell research universities and institutes. This collaboration between leading bioengineering, nanotechnology, stem cell and advanced molecular analysis experts, will fast-track efforts to deliver a fundamental understanding of the mechanisms of stem cell regulation and differentiation, and ....Stem Cells Australia. Despite progress in stem cell research, scientists do not understand how stem cells “decide” what to become. Stem Cells Australia will draw upon strengths within Australia’s premier stem cell research universities and institutes. This collaboration between leading bioengineering, nanotechnology, stem cell and advanced molecular analysis experts, will fast-track efforts to deliver a fundamental understanding of the mechanisms of stem cell regulation and differentiation, and the ability to control and influence this process. Stem Cells Australia will deliver new methods for stem cell propagation and manipulation, new translational technologies for therapeutic applications, and will prepare Australia’s future stem cell scientific leaders.Read moreRead less
Tools for manipulating neuronal activity for behavioural studies. This project aims to develop optogenetic tools neuroscientists can use to better understand brain circuitry and the functional effects of specific neurons on behaviour. Linking the activity of individual neurons in the brain to specific behaviours is a major challenge in neuroscience. Optogenetics achieve this by using light to control the activity of neurons. This has advanced understanding of behaviour and neurocircuitry. This p ....Tools for manipulating neuronal activity for behavioural studies. This project aims to develop optogenetic tools neuroscientists can use to better understand brain circuitry and the functional effects of specific neurons on behaviour. Linking the activity of individual neurons in the brain to specific behaviours is a major challenge in neuroscience. Optogenetics achieve this by using light to control the activity of neurons. This has advanced understanding of behaviour and neurocircuitry. This project is expected to increase understanding of brain function at the cellular and system levels, and advance Australia’s multidisciplinary research capacity in neuroscience, cognitive sciences and nanobiotechnology to ultimately treat neurological disorders.Read moreRead less
Powerful knowledge: mapping out standards of teachers' knowledge for teaching mathematics and English to achieve the goals of the curriculum. Setting standards is an important step to raising teacher quality. This project will establish benchmarks for teachers' knowledge at all levels of schooling in two key areas of the curriculum: English and mathematics.
Modelling with data: Advancing STEM in the primary curriculum. Improving the nation's skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) remains a continuing concern, especially given the decline in international test results. The project aims to introduce a new approach to promoting this learning across grades 3-6 through modelling with data. With a focus on inquiry processes involving data variation and uncertainty within STEM-based contexts, the project aims to develop the imp ....Modelling with data: Advancing STEM in the primary curriculum. Improving the nation's skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) remains a continuing concern, especially given the decline in international test results. The project aims to introduce a new approach to promoting this learning across grades 3-6 through modelling with data. With a focus on inquiry processes involving data variation and uncertainty within STEM-based contexts, the project aims to develop the important mathematical and statistical literacies needed for lifting student achievements. In advancing both theory and practice, the project aims to contribute to knowledge of primary students' capabilities for STEM problem solving and ways of enhancing implementation of the Australian Curriculum.Read moreRead less
Talking Maths: Bridging the gap through talk in Early Years mathematics . The study aims to address the gap in mathematical performance in Australia in relation to socioeconomic status (SES) by focusing on language and learning in mathematics. The study will design and evaluate a school-based intervention that positions language through talk as a key resource in teaching mathematics in Grades 1 and 2. Outcomes of the study will be empirical evidence of the effect of a language-based pedagogy on ....Talking Maths: Bridging the gap through talk in Early Years mathematics . The study aims to address the gap in mathematical performance in Australia in relation to socioeconomic status (SES) by focusing on language and learning in mathematics. The study will design and evaluate a school-based intervention that positions language through talk as a key resource in teaching mathematics in Grades 1 and 2. Outcomes of the study will be empirical evidence of the effect of a language-based pedagogy on young students' achievement in mathematics and further understanding of the relationship between talk and learning. These outcomes will inform policy and teacher education and have a long lasting impact on low SES students' educational and work opportunities with ultimate impact on economic and cultural prosperity.
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The endangered swift parrot as a model for managing small migratory birds. Endangered swift parrots use variable locations while breeding in eastern Tasmania and over winter on the Australian mainland. This project aims to develop effective conservation strategies for swift parrots and other migrants using new and long term data and innovative technological solutions to tracking small birds across vast landscapes.