Development of symbiont based approaches to pest and disease control in sugarcane. This project aims to develop a new approach to the control of insect damage to sugarcane in Australia. It focuses on the manipulation of bacteria that are intimately associated with insects that feed on sugarcane, so as to decrease their ability to cause crop damage both directly through feeding and indirectly through the transmission of disease
Rapid functional and taxonomic skin microbe characterisation. Rapid functional and taxonomic skin microbe characterisation. This project aims to develop methods to detect and characterise bioactive molecules released by skin microbes, and a novel microspectroscopy method for rapid taxonomic identification. This project will acquire independent spectra and develop classification algorithms, and participate in strategic planning for applications and product development. The expected outcomes from ....Rapid functional and taxonomic skin microbe characterisation. Rapid functional and taxonomic skin microbe characterisation. This project aims to develop methods to detect and characterise bioactive molecules released by skin microbes, and a novel microspectroscopy method for rapid taxonomic identification. This project will acquire independent spectra and develop classification algorithms, and participate in strategic planning for applications and product development. The expected outcomes from this project are research tools for skin microbiome modulation of immunity, and proof-of-concept data for future commercial product development. Potential commercial applications include microbial characterisation for biosecurity, agriculture, environmental and soil biology.Read moreRead less
Defining domains within Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae surface proteins that interact with host extracellular matrix: efficacy testing of candidate vaccines in swine. Over 90% of Australian commercial pig production facilities are affected by Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, the causative agent of swine enzootic pneumonia. This disease causes economic losses in Australia of over $20 million per annum and up to $1 billion per annum in major swine rearing countries worldwide. This project will determine the p ....Defining domains within Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae surface proteins that interact with host extracellular matrix: efficacy testing of candidate vaccines in swine. Over 90% of Australian commercial pig production facilities are affected by Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, the causative agent of swine enzootic pneumonia. This disease causes economic losses in Australia of over $20 million per annum and up to $1 billion per annum in major swine rearing countries worldwide. This project will determine the protective efficacy of new generation vaccines against M. hyopneumoniae, which aim to block the colonisation process and prevent disease .Read moreRead less
Exploring the role of the domestic dog and wild rodents as peri-domestic reservoirs of Rickettsia felis. This project aims to explore the role of domestic dogs and wild rats as maintenance hosts for flea-borne spotted fever. Cases of this disease, transmitted to humans by the common dog and cat flea are being increasingly recognised throughout the world. The findings of this study will add significant importance to flea control in pets.
An integrated genomics approach to improve our understanding of the biology of genital campylobacteriosis in beef cattle. Beef is Australia's most valuable agricultural export estimated at $9.6B annually and this industry accounts for one-third of full time employment in regional communities. Currently, unknown causes of reproductive losses in cattle in Northern Australian cost producers approximately $15M per annum. Bovine genital campylobacteriosis is one of the major risk factors associated w ....An integrated genomics approach to improve our understanding of the biology of genital campylobacteriosis in beef cattle. Beef is Australia's most valuable agricultural export estimated at $9.6B annually and this industry accounts for one-third of full time employment in regional communities. Currently, unknown causes of reproductive losses in cattle in Northern Australian cost producers approximately $15M per annum. Bovine genital campylobacteriosis is one of the major risk factors associated with this high cost due to the inability to accurately diagnose the disease. This research will integrate genomics and bioinformatics with infection and vaccination models to improve our understanding of the biology of the disease to develop appropriate control strategies securing Australia's beef industry.Read moreRead less
Detection and viability of waterborne pathogens using a gut-on-chip. This project aims to resolve a significant problem for water utilities. Microbial pathogens Cryptosporidium, norovirus and adenovirus are the main public health concern for drinking water in developed nations. Water monitoring is limited by the lack of fast, reliable detection methods and viability assays for these pathogens. This project will use a novel gut-on-a-chip to develop for the first time rapid infectivity assays for ....Detection and viability of waterborne pathogens using a gut-on-chip. This project aims to resolve a significant problem for water utilities. Microbial pathogens Cryptosporidium, norovirus and adenovirus are the main public health concern for drinking water in developed nations. Water monitoring is limited by the lack of fast, reliable detection methods and viability assays for these pathogens. This project will use a novel gut-on-a-chip to develop for the first time rapid infectivity assays for Cryptosporidium, norovirus and adenovirus. Significant benefits include improved diagnostics and water disinfection assays, improved water treatment and reduced costs with global impact.Read moreRead less
In vitro expression and crystallization of proteins from the thermohalophile, Halothermothrix orenii. The project proposal is to develop enabling state-of-the-art protein technologies for biotechnology. We will for the first time develop a rapid and high throughput technique for the expression, purification and crystallisation of proteins from the extreme thermohalophile, Halothermothrix orenii. This important break through in protein technology will assist in determining structure and function ....In vitro expression and crystallization of proteins from the thermohalophile, Halothermothrix orenii. The project proposal is to develop enabling state-of-the-art protein technologies for biotechnology. We will for the first time develop a rapid and high throughput technique for the expression, purification and crystallisation of proteins from the extreme thermohalophile, Halothermothrix orenii. This important break through in protein technology will assist in determining structure and function relationships of thermohalophilic proteins. It is expected that such an understanding together with comparative bioinformatics will assist researchers to develop "designer proteins" with improved functions for different uses in biotechnology. It is also expected that this technology will be amenable for use with other thermohalophilic microbes.Read moreRead less
Of pets, vets and antimicrobials: fluoroquinolone use in dogs and resistance biology. Antimicrobial resistance is a current and growing threat relevant to human health, animal welfare, food production, and environmental preservation. This project will provide new insights into the basic science of antimicrobial resistance, through the generation of accurate data on the role of companion animal use of antibiotics on the development and control of resistance. Ultimate project goals are to produce ....Of pets, vets and antimicrobials: fluoroquinolone use in dogs and resistance biology. Antimicrobial resistance is a current and growing threat relevant to human health, animal welfare, food production, and environmental preservation. This project will provide new insights into the basic science of antimicrobial resistance, through the generation of accurate data on the role of companion animal use of antibiotics on the development and control of resistance. Ultimate project goals are to produce recommendations that limit the generation of further resistance. Project outcomes have demonstrable relevance to human preventative health, which is recognised as a national research priority. The health and welfare of pets will also be improved, which has associated community benefits.Read moreRead less
Development of an anti-Chlamydia vaccine for the koala. The koala is one of Australia's main icons and a major drawcard for tourists. However, it suffers from debilitating disease due to the bacterium Chlamydia, which can lead to severe conjunctivitis, eventual blindness in both sexes, and the females develop untreatable cysts and can become infertile. This project will develop a Chlamydia vaccine to be administered to healthy and diseased koalas in zoos, sanctuaries, koala care centres, relocat ....Development of an anti-Chlamydia vaccine for the koala. The koala is one of Australia's main icons and a major drawcard for tourists. However, it suffers from debilitating disease due to the bacterium Chlamydia, which can lead to severe conjunctivitis, eventual blindness in both sexes, and the females develop untreatable cysts and can become infertile. This project will develop a Chlamydia vaccine to be administered to healthy and diseased koalas in zoos, sanctuaries, koala care centres, relocation programs and eventually perhaps even wild populations. The vaccine findings may also be transferable to other animals and may also even assist the development of a human Chlamydia vaccine.Read moreRead less
In-Vitro Production of Baculovirus Biopesticides - A Systems Biology Approach. This project has the potential to develop an in-vitro production process that can produce large quantities of Baculoviruses at costs comparable to selective chemicals. This could transform agriculture allowing farmers to choose an insect control option that is both safe and efficacious to use as well as economically and environmentally superior to chemicals, and less controversial than transgenic plants. This outcome ....In-Vitro Production of Baculovirus Biopesticides - A Systems Biology Approach. This project has the potential to develop an in-vitro production process that can produce large quantities of Baculoviruses at costs comparable to selective chemicals. This could transform agriculture allowing farmers to choose an insect control option that is both safe and efficacious to use as well as economically and environmentally superior to chemicals, and less controversial than transgenic plants. This outcome would enhance Australia's reputation in the animal cell technology field (related technology is used to produce protein pharmaceutical products), and will earn significant export dollars through licensing out of the technology or through large scale manufacturing and export of the product itself. Read moreRead less