Highly efficient X-ray storage phosphor for medical and scientific imaging. X-rays are invaluable in medical diagnostics. For example, they are widely used in breast screening programs. However,they can cause cancer even at low doses. Consequently there is a global effort to reduce the X-ray dose by exploring more efficient imaging technologies. The present proposal seeks to exploit our recent discovery of a highly efficient storage phosphor that has the potential to facilitate substantial X-r ....Highly efficient X-ray storage phosphor for medical and scientific imaging. X-rays are invaluable in medical diagnostics. For example, they are widely used in breast screening programs. However,they can cause cancer even at low doses. Consequently there is a global effort to reduce the X-ray dose by exploring more efficient imaging technologies. The present proposal seeks to exploit our recent discovery of a highly efficient storage phosphor that has the potential to facilitate substantial X-ray dose reduction; this is of greatest significance to the general population. Also, the phosphor facilitates higher resolution images, a feature that is highly important in scientific imaging. This project may lead to substantial revenue streams for the nation because it taps into a global multibillion dollar industry.Read moreRead less
Comparing properties of innate immune proteins of bats and humans. Supra-molecular protein complexes known as signalosomes drive our innate immune response by forming large signaling hubs capable of recruiting downstream effectors. This project aims to compare the properties and structure of human and bat signalosomes and discover the molecular origins of the “supra-immunity” of bats. In this context, the project expects to generate new knowledge concerning the fundamental molecular mechanisms t ....Comparing properties of innate immune proteins of bats and humans. Supra-molecular protein complexes known as signalosomes drive our innate immune response by forming large signaling hubs capable of recruiting downstream effectors. This project aims to compare the properties and structure of human and bat signalosomes and discover the molecular origins of the “supra-immunity” of bats. In this context, the project expects to generate new knowledge concerning the fundamental molecular mechanisms that regulate the signalosomes. The intended outcome is to answer the long-standing question of control of speed and amplitude of innate immune response at the molecular level. Both locally and internationally, this new approach should provide benefits across structural biology, molecular evolution and biotechnology.Read moreRead less
In depth characterisation of the gamma delta T cell immune synapse. This project aims to comprehensively characterise the activation principles of gamma delta T cells. These cells have an understudied but central role in vertebrate immunity and development. A missing piece of the puzzle is how gamma delta T cells sense stress and how this signal leads to activation. Expected outcomes include the generation of fundamental knowledge in immunology and structural biology. This proposal uses high-ski ....In depth characterisation of the gamma delta T cell immune synapse. This project aims to comprehensively characterise the activation principles of gamma delta T cells. These cells have an understudied but central role in vertebrate immunity and development. A missing piece of the puzzle is how gamma delta T cells sense stress and how this signal leads to activation. Expected outcomes include the generation of fundamental knowledge in immunology and structural biology. This proposal uses high-skilled techniques, including cryo-electron microscopy and single-molecule imaging and holds ancillary benefits to postgraduate students. Anticipated outcomes include influential publications, building a critical mass of expertise in Australia and fostering international collaborations with Australia at the epicentre.Read moreRead less
Interaction of Local and Distortional Buckling in Thin-Walled High Strength Steel Sections. Recent research at the University of Sydney has shown that the local and distortional buckling modes in thin-walled high strength steel sections may have adverse interaction. Cold-Formed steel sections of this type are used in residential construction, ceiling systems, partitioning systems in offices and other light gauge applications. The project will develop mathematical models of the interaction beha ....Interaction of Local and Distortional Buckling in Thin-Walled High Strength Steel Sections. Recent research at the University of Sydney has shown that the local and distortional buckling modes in thin-walled high strength steel sections may have adverse interaction. Cold-Formed steel sections of this type are used in residential construction, ceiling systems, partitioning systems in offices and other light gauge applications. The project will develop mathematical models of the interaction behaviour of sections of this type for a wide range of section geometries. A major outcome will be design methods which accurately quantify the interaction behaviour based on the models. Testing will be undertaken to support the theoretical developments and to calibrate the design models.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE120100229
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$250,000.00
Summary
A prototype Scanning Helium Atom Microscope (SHeM) for soft materials. The scanning helium atom microscope (SHeM) has been a tantalising prospect since the birth of quantum physics. The SHeM would have unparalleled resolution and would be completely non-damaging; potentially revolutionising the imaging of soft delicate materials. This project will develop the first SHeM instrument in Australia to study soft matter.
Phonon based condensed matter imaging. This project will exploit observations of phonon-based chemical contrast in the SHeM to determine the physics that underpins the imaging mechanism and use them to probe vibrational processes in condensed matter imaging. Imaging is an essential tool for the discovery, application and fabrication of new materials, structures and devices. However, many delicate structures are irrevocably degraded and changed when imaged using conventional microscopy. This team ....Phonon based condensed matter imaging. This project will exploit observations of phonon-based chemical contrast in the SHeM to determine the physics that underpins the imaging mechanism and use them to probe vibrational processes in condensed matter imaging. Imaging is an essential tool for the discovery, application and fabrication of new materials, structures and devices. However, many delicate structures are irrevocably degraded and changed when imaged using conventional microscopy. This team recently invented the scanning helium atom microscope (SHeM), which can image surfaces non-destructively with nanoscale resolution. They will use the SHeM to determine the new fundamental physics that underpins the imaging mechanism. Outcomes include turning SHeM into a tool that materials and biological scientists can use in laboratories worldwide.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE100100118
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$600,000.00
Summary
Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy facilities for the Sydney region. The determination of molecular structure is crucial in the chemical and biomolecular sciences, leading to the development of new drugs and other types of molecules and providing an understanding of how molecules interact with each other. The requested equipment will provide the ability for researchers in the Sydney region to advance our knowledge at this fundamental level by expanding the number and types of experiments th ....Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy facilities for the Sydney region. The determination of molecular structure is crucial in the chemical and biomolecular sciences, leading to the development of new drugs and other types of molecules and providing an understanding of how molecules interact with each other. The requested equipment will provide the ability for researchers in the Sydney region to advance our knowledge at this fundamental level by expanding the number and types of experiments that can be performed.Read moreRead less