Optimising seed sourcing for effective ecological restoration. This project aims to address the sourcing of native seed for ecological restoration under global change. The great demand for native seed to deliver ecological restoration provides a clear need and responsibility to use this seed as efficiently as possible. This project expects to develop detailed new knowledge that links plant and environmental genomics, plant physiology, seed and soil biology in embedded experiments at post-mining ....Optimising seed sourcing for effective ecological restoration. This project aims to address the sourcing of native seed for ecological restoration under global change. The great demand for native seed to deliver ecological restoration provides a clear need and responsibility to use this seed as efficiently as possible. This project expects to develop detailed new knowledge that links plant and environmental genomics, plant physiology, seed and soil biology in embedded experiments at post-mining rehabilitation sites. Expected outcomes include clear industry guidelines that refine seed sourcing strategies for ecological restoration for current and future climates. This should provide significant benefits for improved ecological restoration outcomes when using native seed today and into the future.Read moreRead less
How are microorganisms and nutrient cycling in saline soils affected by soil matric potential? Dryland agriculture is threatened by salinity and drought, and it is well-known that individually, both can decrease not only crop growth but also microbial activity and nutrient cycling which are critical for sustainability. As our climate becomes drier, it is necessary to understand how microbial activity and nutrient cycling in saline soils will be affected by drought and sporadic summer rainfall ev ....How are microorganisms and nutrient cycling in saline soils affected by soil matric potential? Dryland agriculture is threatened by salinity and drought, and it is well-known that individually, both can decrease not only crop growth but also microbial activity and nutrient cycling which are critical for sustainability. As our climate becomes drier, it is necessary to understand how microbial activity and nutrient cycling in saline soils will be affected by drought and sporadic summer rainfall events. As an international team of soil biologists, we will investigate the interactions between salinity and soil moisture on microbial activity and nutrient cycling. The results will provide insights into nutrient cycling in saline soils now and in the future and the benefit of amelioration strategies.Read moreRead less
Sediment-derived scenarios of wetland status and change, the Lower River Murray, SA. River Murray wetlands changed early in European settlement so the pre-impact conditions are invisible to managers relying on anecdote or monitoring. Baseline conditions of wetlands can be derived from ecological archives preserved in sediments. Fossil diatom assemblages, reflective of past water quality, and other fossils, will be exhumed from sediment sequences to reconstruct wetland conditions. The integration ....Sediment-derived scenarios of wetland status and change, the Lower River Murray, SA. River Murray wetlands changed early in European settlement so the pre-impact conditions are invisible to managers relying on anecdote or monitoring. Baseline conditions of wetlands can be derived from ecological archives preserved in sediments. Fossil diatom assemblages, reflective of past water quality, and other fossils, will be exhumed from sediment sequences to reconstruct wetland conditions. The integration of multiple indicators of the past will generate graphic re-enactments of natural wetland dynamics. These will provide a vision for community and government on-ground managers enabling them to perceive appropriate targets for wetland state and so generate measures to work towards sustainable conditions.Read moreRead less
Retrospective ecological character assessment for a review of Ramsar status of The Coorong, SA. Integrated analyses of the chemical and biological remains contained in the sediments of the Coorong will provide for a reconstruction of ecological change and variability over the last several thousand years. Detailed analyses of the recent sediments will measure how the condition of the Coorong has departed from this natural background and so provide an audit of human impact on the last wetland in t ....Retrospective ecological character assessment for a review of Ramsar status of The Coorong, SA. Integrated analyses of the chemical and biological remains contained in the sediments of the Coorong will provide for a reconstruction of ecological change and variability over the last several thousand years. Detailed analyses of the recent sediments will measure how the condition of the Coorong has departed from this natural background and so provide an audit of human impact on the last wetland in the Murray darling Basin. This evidence will directly inform the determination of the ecological character of this Ramsar listed, national ecological asset and steer its management for a sustainable future. Read moreRead less
Understanding And Overcoming Cardiovascular And Diabetes Inequalities In Indigenous Australians
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$707,370.00
Summary
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders experience the highest rates of heart disease and diabetes of all Australians. The reasons for this large disparity is not yet fully understood. I propose to investigate the patterns, causes, complications and links between heart disease and diabetes in Indigenous populations to identify better ways of managing and preventing chronic disease in high risk communities.
Using Online Social Technologies To Improve Health Behaviour
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$425,048.00
Summary
Physical inactivity and poor eating habits are leading causes of death and disease in Australia. Our health behaviours are influenced by our social networks. What’s more, Australians love social technologies, such as Facebook and smartphones. My research aims to harness these two factors to create socially-influential health programs. I will work with video game developers to develop fun and engaging interventions, and a viral marketer and leading organisations to spread the interventions.
Pathophysiology And Alternative Preventative Strategy For Breast Cancer Chemotherapy-induced Bone Loss
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$540,356.00
Summary
Combination cytotoxic chemotherapy is the current optimal approach for treating breast cancer in premenopausal women. However, long-term skeletal defects (osteoporosis and fractures) caused by the chemotherapy have become an increasingly serious problem due to its intensified use and improved patient survival rate. This project seeks to elucidate the mechanisms for chemotherapy-induced bone defects and to initiate development of a preventative treatment using natural bioactive micronutrients.
Novel Interventions To Address Methamphetamines In Aboriginal Communities, Including A Randomised Trial Of A Web Based Therapeutic Tool Used To Treat Dependence In Clinical Settings.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,177,908.00
Summary
Methamphetamine use in Aboriginal communities has gained much media attention, despite limited research studies to ascertain the full extent of its use and its impact. We propose a randomised trial of a web based therapeutic tool for use in Aboriginal Medical Services to treat clients using methamphetamines. In addition we will characterise the health and well-being of Aboriginal people who use methamphetamines and trial unique Aboriginal community led interventions to address methamphetamines.
The history of North Stradbroke Island's wetlands: defining natural climate variability in south-east Queensland and improving ecosystem management. South-east Queensland has among the fastest growing populations in Australia. It has also experienced severe drought lasting more than a decade. These combined pressures have led to the expenditure of more than $9 Billion on water resource development. However, it is not known whether the current drought is part of a natural cycle (or, importantly, ....The history of North Stradbroke Island's wetlands: defining natural climate variability in south-east Queensland and improving ecosystem management. South-east Queensland has among the fastest growing populations in Australia. It has also experienced severe drought lasting more than a decade. These combined pressures have led to the expenditure of more than $9 Billion on water resource development. However, it is not known whether the current drought is part of a natural cycle (or, importantly, if it represents the worst extremes in such a cycle). We will determine whether this is the case and, in doing so, contribute to national and international debates about the role of human-induced vs natural climate change.Read moreRead less
Improving Maternal And Infant Outcomes: A Multicentre Randomised Controlled Trial Of Midwifery And Dental Intervention
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$457,724.00
Summary
Poor oral health during pregnancy can impact the health of the mother and baby. Yet, many expectant mothers are unaware of the implications of poor oral health. In Australia there is a lack of importance being placed on maternal oral health. The aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of a new service which will promote maternal oral health through collaboration between midwives and dentists. We expect the new service will improve women's oral health, uptake of dental services and po ....Poor oral health during pregnancy can impact the health of the mother and baby. Yet, many expectant mothers are unaware of the implications of poor oral health. In Australia there is a lack of importance being placed on maternal oral health. The aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of a new service which will promote maternal oral health through collaboration between midwives and dentists. We expect the new service will improve women's oral health, uptake of dental services and potentially improve pregnancy outcomes.Read moreRead less