Quantum Dot Nanocrystals: Smart Materials for Microbiology. Quantum dots were originally developed for computers but have many advantages over fluorescent dyes currently in use. They can be coupled to larger structures and a excitation with a laser allows simultaneous multiple analyses ("multiplexing"). We propose to adapt these structures for use in microbial ecology because this field is one of the least understood areas in biology. The technology we will develop will have far broader uses, a ....Quantum Dot Nanocrystals: Smart Materials for Microbiology. Quantum dots were originally developed for computers but have many advantages over fluorescent dyes currently in use. They can be coupled to larger structures and a excitation with a laser allows simultaneous multiple analyses ("multiplexing"). We propose to adapt these structures for use in microbial ecology because this field is one of the least understood areas in biology. The technology we will develop will have far broader uses, and will create new diagnostic tools for monitoring and understanding microbial ecosystems would be invaluable in a number of fields. Examples are medical diagnostics, waste-water treatment, bioremediation, food and agriculture, bioprotection and biodiscovery.Read moreRead less
A novel microbial process breaking through the nitrogen cycling. Nitrogen transformation is central to life on Earth. This project will challenge a century-old paradigm that microorganisms must cooperate in a team to convert nitrogen from organic- to inorganic forms. We will carry out the first-ever systematic investigation of a novel process, where a single organism mediates complete ammonification and ammonia oxidation, directly connecting organic- and inorganic nitrogen. By revealing metaboli ....A novel microbial process breaking through the nitrogen cycling. Nitrogen transformation is central to life on Earth. This project will challenge a century-old paradigm that microorganisms must cooperate in a team to convert nitrogen from organic- to inorganic forms. We will carry out the first-ever systematic investigation of a novel process, where a single organism mediates complete ammonification and ammonia oxidation, directly connecting organic- and inorganic nitrogen. By revealing metabolic pathways, characterising ecophysiological properties, isolating key microorganisms and exploring their application potential, this project will change our fundamental understanding of global nitrogen cycling, improve the sustainability of water management, and contribute to the circular economy transitionRead moreRead less
Special Research Initiatives - Grant ID: SR0354702
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$10,000.00
Summary
Australian Microbial Resources Research Network. The Australian Microbial Resources Research Network will provide integrated access to Australian collections of microorganisms and electronic access to bioinformation databases to meet national strategic needs for microbiological resources and to support the competitive development of the life sciences and biotechnology industries in Australia. The network will promote collaborative interactions and accelerate the discovery of Australian microorg ....Australian Microbial Resources Research Network. The Australian Microbial Resources Research Network will provide integrated access to Australian collections of microorganisms and electronic access to bioinformation databases to meet national strategic needs for microbiological resources and to support the competitive development of the life sciences and biotechnology industries in Australia. The network will promote collaborative interactions and accelerate the discovery of Australian microorganisms and microbial genomic information for innovative biotechnology and create new opportunities for bioindustries. The Network will link researchers and foster the discovery and exploitation of Australian microbial resources and make these resources and associated information available for applications in research, industry and education.Read moreRead less
Environmental genomics and novel bioactives from microbial communities on living marine surfaces. This project has three linked benefits to Australia. One, it is the first study to use environmental genomics analysis in an Australian marine ecosystem, thus bringing into the Australian scientific community the cutting edge technology for studying diverse microbial communities. Two, by using this technology we will be able to investigate Australian marine biodiversity to an unprecedented extent. ....Environmental genomics and novel bioactives from microbial communities on living marine surfaces. This project has three linked benefits to Australia. One, it is the first study to use environmental genomics analysis in an Australian marine ecosystem, thus bringing into the Australian scientific community the cutting edge technology for studying diverse microbial communities. Two, by using this technology we will be able to investigate Australian marine biodiversity to an unprecedented extent. Three, this newly revealed diversity will then be mined for novel bioactives for use in pharmaceutical and other human health applications. Read moreRead less
Development and implementation of biodiversity information for sustainable management of South Australian groundwater. Clean potable water is one of the most important resources for human health and a successful economy. Increasingly, subterranean aquifers are used for storage and recovery of water. These aquifers contain dynamic ecosystems, but little is known about species composition or about the importance of the presence of various species for water quality. We will use the latest laborator ....Development and implementation of biodiversity information for sustainable management of South Australian groundwater. Clean potable water is one of the most important resources for human health and a successful economy. Increasingly, subterranean aquifers are used for storage and recovery of water. These aquifers contain dynamic ecosystems, but little is known about species composition or about the importance of the presence of various species for water quality. We will use the latest laboratory techniques and DNA identification methods to provide a template for determining ground water diversity and food web dynamics throughout Australia. This project will lead to a better understanding of how to manage ground water in a sustainable manner.Read moreRead less
Chromera velia - a new organism for understanding malaria and related parasitic diseases. Malaria and related parasitic diseases cause millions of deaths annually. Chromera velia is a recently discovered organism that was isolated from Australian corals and is the closest known relative to these parasites. Chromera is able to photosynthesis and live in the absence of a host, making it an excellent organism for developing antimalarial drugs. In this project we will determine key features of Chro ....Chromera velia - a new organism for understanding malaria and related parasitic diseases. Malaria and related parasitic diseases cause millions of deaths annually. Chromera velia is a recently discovered organism that was isolated from Australian corals and is the closest known relative to these parasites. Chromera is able to photosynthesis and live in the absence of a host, making it an excellent organism for developing antimalarial drugs. In this project we will determine key features of Chromera ecology, morphology, genetics and biochemistry. The resulting data will allow us to exploit Chromera as a model for developing anti-parasitic drugs and for understanding parasite evolution. Read moreRead less
Survival stategies and dynamics of stromatolite-associated microbial populations. Biogenic stromatolites are formed by the accretion of carbonates and entrapment of sediments by benthic cyanobacteria, algae and other microorganisms. Stromatolites have been present on Earth for more than three billion years and the biogeochemical processes involved in their formation are indicators of the earliest life on this planet. The applicant proposes to study, at the level of molecular genetics, the divers ....Survival stategies and dynamics of stromatolite-associated microbial populations. Biogenic stromatolites are formed by the accretion of carbonates and entrapment of sediments by benthic cyanobacteria, algae and other microorganisms. Stromatolites have been present on Earth for more than three billion years and the biogeochemical processes involved in their formation are indicators of the earliest life on this planet. The applicant proposes to study, at the level of molecular genetics, the diversity of stromatolite-associated microorganisms. The defined microbial populations will be correlated with the prevailing environmental conditions to elucidate the effect of biological and physical factors in determining stromatolite structure.Read moreRead less
The evolution of diverse interactions between Wolbachia bacteria and their invertebrate hosts: insights from a novel lineage infecting termite societies. Wolbachia intracellular bacteria are widespread in invertebrates, having evolved a remarkable range of host-interactions, from parasitic to mutualistic. I have discovered phylogenetically novel Wolbachia that infect the structural pests termites, and will investigate their host-effects and transmission dynamics. This will determine the generali ....The evolution of diverse interactions between Wolbachia bacteria and their invertebrate hosts: insights from a novel lineage infecting termite societies. Wolbachia intracellular bacteria are widespread in invertebrates, having evolved a remarkable range of host-interactions, from parasitic to mutualistic. I have discovered phylogenetically novel Wolbachia that infect the structural pests termites, and will investigate their host-effects and transmission dynamics. This will determine the generality of phenomena known from other Wolbachia, such as cytoplasmic incompatibility and horizontal transfer. The complexity of termite societies make them interesting candidates for studying how Wolbachia spread, and the results will be potentially valuable for future termite control strategies. The first comparative phylogenetic examination of diverse Wolbachia will be performed, providing new perspectives on their evolutionary history.Read moreRead less
The biology of integrons and their role in bacterial adaptation. Bacteria evolve in ways that animals and plants do not. One of the tools available is the ability to share genes amongst individuals in a community. One example of this is the very rapid spread of antibiotic resistance genes in pathogens. Here we will be studying a genetic element that greatly contributes to this horizontal spread of genes. This will lead to a better understanding of how bacteria work, the direct benefits of whic ....The biology of integrons and their role in bacterial adaptation. Bacteria evolve in ways that animals and plants do not. One of the tools available is the ability to share genes amongst individuals in a community. One example of this is the very rapid spread of antibiotic resistance genes in pathogens. Here we will be studying a genetic element that greatly contributes to this horizontal spread of genes. This will lead to a better understanding of how bacteria work, the direct benefits of which includes the discovery of new pathways and genes for the biotechnology industry and greater understanding of how bacteria cause disease in us, other animals and in commercial crops.Read moreRead less
A functional genomic approach for understanding metal ion adaptation in marine cyanobacteria. Unicellular marine cyanobacteria constitute 20-40% of total marine chlorophyll biomass and carbon fixation, and hence significantly impact the global carbon cycle and are very relevant to combating global warming. This research will reveal some of the major mechanisms by which marine cyanobacteria have adapted to metal levels in coastal and oligotrophic environments. Thus these results will help us und ....A functional genomic approach for understanding metal ion adaptation in marine cyanobacteria. Unicellular marine cyanobacteria constitute 20-40% of total marine chlorophyll biomass and carbon fixation, and hence significantly impact the global carbon cycle and are very relevant to combating global warming. This research will reveal some of the major mechanisms by which marine cyanobacteria have adapted to metal levels in coastal and oligotrophic environments. Thus these results will help us understand the distribution and diversity of these organisms in relation to global primary productivity. They will also lead to the development of more robust biomarkers for metal stress and pollution in coastal environments.Read moreRead less