3D analysis of facial features for proof of identity across Australia's ethnically diverse population. The forensic sciences concerned with establishing Human identity play a vital role in safeguarding Australia. Certainty in Human identification is required by police and intelligence agencies because knowing the identity of perpetrators (or potential perpetrators) of crime allows effective preventative intervention. This is particularly important during surveillance operations and in the contex ....3D analysis of facial features for proof of identity across Australia's ethnically diverse population. The forensic sciences concerned with establishing Human identity play a vital role in safeguarding Australia. Certainty in Human identification is required by police and intelligence agencies because knowing the identity of perpetrators (or potential perpetrators) of crime allows effective preventative intervention. This is particularly important during surveillance operations and in the context of border protection. When crime has already been committed, the identification of victims and perpetrators is important for the exoneration of the innocent and successful prosecution of the guilty. The full utilisation of 3D morphometric analysis of faces will provide criteria robust enough for legal proof of identity. Read moreRead less
Molecular Cell Biology and Comparative Genomics Of Planctomycetes and Verrucomicrobia In Relation To Evolution Of Cytoskeletal Proteins and Membrane-bounded Compartments. Planctomycetes and verrucomicrobia are evolutionarily distinct groups of bacteria which possess unusual cell structure and which share some significant genes important in cell biology with eukaryotes e.g. in verrucomicrobia the cytoskeleton protein tubulin. These bacteria are important for understanding the transition from no ....Molecular Cell Biology and Comparative Genomics Of Planctomycetes and Verrucomicrobia In Relation To Evolution Of Cytoskeletal Proteins and Membrane-bounded Compartments. Planctomycetes and verrucomicrobia are evolutionarily distinct groups of bacteria which possess unusual cell structure and which share some significant genes important in cell biology with eukaryotes e.g. in verrucomicrobia the cytoskeleton protein tubulin. These bacteria are important for understanding the transition from non-nucleated cells with simple cell division to nucleated cells with chromosome separation via cytoskeletal protein movement.The project will compare genomes of of planctomycetes and verrucomicrobia to determine their relationship, determine whether the tubulin homolog of verrucomicrobia can form cytoskeleton structures, and characterize the cytoskeleton of ammonium-oxidizing planctomycetes used in wastewater treatment.Read moreRead less
Arsenite oxidation by a novel bacterium that is a candidate for arsenic bioremediation. The arsenic munching microbe NT-26 could help in the fight to clean up arsenic-contaminated mining waste and drinking water. Arsenic poses an environmental problem in countries such as Australia, USA and Canada owing primarily to mining activities. The problem in countries such as Bangladesh and West Bengal are even more serious as these people are dying of arsenic-related diseases as they rely on water conta ....Arsenite oxidation by a novel bacterium that is a candidate for arsenic bioremediation. The arsenic munching microbe NT-26 could help in the fight to clean up arsenic-contaminated mining waste and drinking water. Arsenic poses an environmental problem in countries such as Australia, USA and Canada owing primarily to mining activities. The problem in countries such as Bangladesh and West Bengal are even more serious as these people are dying of arsenic-related diseases as they rely on water containing arsenic as their primary source of drinking water. The outcomes of this research should provide the necessary information for removing arsenic from all types of waters.Read moreRead less
Biological phosphorous removal for wastewater treatment. The aim is to provide a scientific basis for understanding how phosphorous can be removed in wastewater treatment plants, using environmentally safe biological methods rather than by using chemicals. This is expected to lead to improved performance in wastewater treatment plants, which will be of economic and environmental benefit, particularly to regional communities in inland Australia.
Novel vaccines and serotyping scheme for Haemophilus parasuis. Glasser's disease, caused by the bacterium Haemophilus parasuis, is a significant problem in Australian and overseas pig industries. Current approaches to the management of Glassers disease utilise antibacterials and also vaccines. However, antibacterials are of limited effectiveness in juvenile pigs (weaners) that are difficult to medicate other than by injection, and current vaccines are only protective against the serotypes incl ....Novel vaccines and serotyping scheme for Haemophilus parasuis. Glasser's disease, caused by the bacterium Haemophilus parasuis, is a significant problem in Australian and overseas pig industries. Current approaches to the management of Glassers disease utilise antibacterials and also vaccines. However, antibacterials are of limited effectiveness in juvenile pigs (weaners) that are difficult to medicate other than by injection, and current vaccines are only protective against the serotypes included in the vaccine. We propose to examine the immune response to natural infection and identify potential vaccine candidates which will then be tested in vaccine trials. The APAI will focus on developing a DNA-based typing scheme for H. parasuis.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0883068
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$150,000.00
Summary
Dako ACIS III Cellular Image Acquisition and Analysis System. The scientific advances that will be possible with the acquisition of this novel, cutting-edge instrument will enhance the research outputs of all investigators using it. The ability to visualize and analyze cells and tissues from many different animal species, to elucidate both normal and abnormal functions, will be enhanced by the use of this technology. This will lead to production of quantitative statistical data that in turn will ....Dako ACIS III Cellular Image Acquisition and Analysis System. The scientific advances that will be possible with the acquisition of this novel, cutting-edge instrument will enhance the research outputs of all investigators using it. The ability to visualize and analyze cells and tissues from many different animal species, to elucidate both normal and abnormal functions, will be enhanced by the use of this technology. This will lead to production of quantitative statistical data that in turn will inform new approaches to improve and maintain the health of humans and other animals.Read moreRead less
Special Research Initiatives - Grant ID: SR0354888
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$30,000.00
Summary
Australian Research Council Research Network for Parasitology. Parasites are a major cause of death and suffering in humans and animals throughout the world. The ARC Research Network for Parasitology aims to bring together Australia's finest researchers and establish a world class environment and web of facilities that attracts and retains the most talented young investigators and places Australia in a strong position to deal with current and future parasitological threats. The Network will focu ....Australian Research Council Research Network for Parasitology. Parasites are a major cause of death and suffering in humans and animals throughout the world. The ARC Research Network for Parasitology aims to bring together Australia's finest researchers and establish a world class environment and web of facilities that attracts and retains the most talented young investigators and places Australia in a strong position to deal with current and future parasitological threats. The Network will focus and enhance Australia's fundamental, strategic and applied parasitology research capabilities to :
(1) develop new approaches to vaccination;
(2) identify novel drug targets; and
(3) ensure the sustainability of wildlife and ecosystem health.
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ARC/NHMRC Research Network for Parasitology. The ARC Network for Parasitology will focus and coordinate Australia's world class fundamental, strategic and applied parasitology research. This targeted approach will raise Australia's standing in the field, assist in the community's understanding of parasitology and biosecurity and maintain and improve Australia's capacity for keeping its stock, crops, wildlife and people disease-free. On an international scale, the Network will work with other cou ....ARC/NHMRC Research Network for Parasitology. The ARC Network for Parasitology will focus and coordinate Australia's world class fundamental, strategic and applied parasitology research. This targeted approach will raise Australia's standing in the field, assist in the community's understanding of parasitology and biosecurity and maintain and improve Australia's capacity for keeping its stock, crops, wildlife and people disease-free. On an international scale, the Network will work with other countries to develop new technologies for the detection and eradication of parasites. This emphasis will not only protect Australia's borders but will assist our near neighbours and lead to the development of technologies with an economic benefit to Australia.
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Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0561042
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$852,705.00
Summary
Establishing a high-throughput Protein Production Unit. We seek to establish a world class high-throughput (H-T) protein production unit, the first of its kind in Australia. Throughout the unit robotic technology will be used to build and test protein expression systems as well as drive large scale protein production. The product of the unit will be high quality, pure protein, effective expression systems and world class research. The unit will act as a centre for research into H-T protein ex ....Establishing a high-throughput Protein Production Unit. We seek to establish a world class high-throughput (H-T) protein production unit, the first of its kind in Australia. Throughout the unit robotic technology will be used to build and test protein expression systems as well as drive large scale protein production. The product of the unit will be high quality, pure protein, effective expression systems and world class research. The unit will act as a centre for research into H-T protein expression technology, will underpin the finest biological research, provide the basis for large "structural genomic" type approaches to biological problems and provide a wealth of projects for the Australian synchrotron.Read moreRead less
The roles of novel pathways in the activation and regulation of the adaptive immune response in health and disease. The immune system is designed to protect us against infection and vaccines exploit this with great success in preventing many infections. However, the immune system can also 'fail' and attack the body in a process called autoimmunity e.g. destroying joints in rheumatoid arthritis. This proposal will define how white blood cells work to make better vaccines against infection and ho ....The roles of novel pathways in the activation and regulation of the adaptive immune response in health and disease. The immune system is designed to protect us against infection and vaccines exploit this with great success in preventing many infections. However, the immune system can also 'fail' and attack the body in a process called autoimmunity e.g. destroying joints in rheumatoid arthritis. This proposal will define how white blood cells work to make better vaccines against infection and how these same immune cells can malfunction to create autoimmune diseases like Crohn's disease.Read moreRead less