Developing an integrated device for on-farm detection of sugarcane diseases. Pathogenic organisms cause yield losses of more than $150M pa to the Australian sugarcane industry and many millions more worldwide. Partnering with Sugar Research Australia, this project aims to develop a novel on-farm diagnostic device, comprising new nanotechnology and magnetism-induced microfluidics with naked eye observation and electrochemical detection. This device is expected to enable improved disease managemen ....Developing an integrated device for on-farm detection of sugarcane diseases. Pathogenic organisms cause yield losses of more than $150M pa to the Australian sugarcane industry and many millions more worldwide. Partnering with Sugar Research Australia, this project aims to develop a novel on-farm diagnostic device, comprising new nanotechnology and magnetism-induced microfluidics with naked eye observation and electrochemical detection. This device is expected to enable improved disease management strategies through the prediction of potential risks and rapid and effective actions to mitigate impending yield loss. In turn productivity and sustainability of Australia’s sugar industry will be enhanced. The new platform device has great potential for improved disease management in other crops in Australia and globally.Read moreRead less
Superbugs and veterinary drugs: are multidrug-resistant zoonotic pathogens residing in Australian animals? Antibiotic resistance is a growing problem affecting human health that is now emerging in animals and veterinary hospitals. This project will integrate surveillance with novel treatments and preventatives to develop effective strategies to limit the impact of resistant bacteria to animal health and prevent transfer between humans and animals.
Integrated management of pathogenic monogenean (flatworm) parasite infections in warm water finfish aquaculture. Sea cage farming of warm water finfish is expanding worldwide, with potential for lucrative aquaculture industries. These, however, are threatened by monogenean (flatworm) parasites that weaken and can kill sea-caged fishes. Current control methods provide only short-term solutions and increase production costs. Monogeneans jeopardize the fledgling kingfish industry in South Austra ....Integrated management of pathogenic monogenean (flatworm) parasite infections in warm water finfish aquaculture. Sea cage farming of warm water finfish is expanding worldwide, with potential for lucrative aquaculture industries. These, however, are threatened by monogenean (flatworm) parasites that weaken and can kill sea-caged fishes. Current control methods provide only short-term solutions and increase production costs. Monogeneans jeopardize the fledgling kingfish industry in South Australia and remain pests in Japanese yellowtail aquaculture (value, AUS$2.4 billion/year). With Australian and Japanese industry partners, our innovative field and laboratory approach will revolutionize management of fish parasites with direct life-cycles. Outcomes include: integrated long-term strategies to manage parasites; lower production costs; ability for new finfish industries to thrive.Read moreRead less
Nanosampling sensors for real-time embryo monitoring. The health potential of every individual is established early in life, during the period when the oocytes mature and embryos are formed. This project will develop a photonic sensing platform capable of monitoring embryos as they develop, which will lead to new insight into the earliest stages of life and improved assisted reproduction technologies.
Development of a vaccine to protect koalas against koala retrovirus (KoRV). This project aims to develop a vaccine against koala retrovirus (KoRV) to arrest the increasing loss of animals due to this infection. Along with Chlamydia, KoRV threatens the long-term survival of the koala. KoRV infects over 95 per cent of Australia’s koalas and has been strongly linked to lymphoma and leukemia. Although quarantine and antiretroviral drug treatment are possible control measures, they are impractical in ....Development of a vaccine to protect koalas against koala retrovirus (KoRV). This project aims to develop a vaccine against koala retrovirus (KoRV) to arrest the increasing loss of animals due to this infection. Along with Chlamydia, KoRV threatens the long-term survival of the koala. KoRV infects over 95 per cent of Australia’s koalas and has been strongly linked to lymphoma and leukemia. Although quarantine and antiretroviral drug treatment are possible control measures, they are impractical in the wild, leaving vaccination as the only realistic option. This is valuable for both wild and captive koalas; zoos report high animal losses due to KoRV-associated lymphoma. The main outcome will be a KoRV vaccine which can be combined with a Chlamydia vaccine which is being developed in parallel.Read moreRead less
How to make antibiotics in pig feed redundant, naturally. Antimicrobial resistance has become a major issue in human and veterinary medicine being partially caused by the use of in-feed antimicrobials in farm animals. This project aims to completely eliminate antimicrobials from piglet feeds. The key differential approach is based on helping the physiology of the animal rather than testing interventions against bacteria. The project will consist of developing a novel nutritional strategy of natu ....How to make antibiotics in pig feed redundant, naturally. Antimicrobial resistance has become a major issue in human and veterinary medicine being partially caused by the use of in-feed antimicrobials in farm animals. This project aims to completely eliminate antimicrobials from piglet feeds. The key differential approach is based on helping the physiology of the animal rather than testing interventions against bacteria. The project will consist of developing a novel nutritional strategy of naturally (through maternal conditioning) boosting the natural appetite and the capacity to digest in piglets early in life. The anticipated outcome is that the new peri-natal program will result in minimal bacterial proliferation and diarrhoea thus, negating the need for in-feed antimicrobials in piglets. Read moreRead less
Novel nanosensors for monitoring of water filtration membrane integrity. Novel nanosensors for monitoring of water filtration membrane integrity. This project aims to develop arrays of electrochemical biosensors based on nanostructured silicon for real-time monitoring of water filtration membrane integrity. Real-time monitoring of membrane performance, based on removing virus-sized particles, is a priority for the water industry to maximise asset life and meet increased demand for safe and high- ....Novel nanosensors for monitoring of water filtration membrane integrity. Novel nanosensors for monitoring of water filtration membrane integrity. This project aims to develop arrays of electrochemical biosensors based on nanostructured silicon for real-time monitoring of water filtration membrane integrity. Real-time monitoring of membrane performance, based on removing virus-sized particles, is a priority for the water industry to maximise asset life and meet increased demand for safe and high-quality water. Materials scientists, electrochemists, and specialists in water management and reuse aim to harness advances in nanostructured transducers and electrochemical protocols to develop online performance-monitoring technology. This project is expected to improve water treatment processes, removing viruses and reducing the risks and uncertainties of water recycling.Read moreRead less
Agave; a new Australian crop with a resilient spirit. This project aims to set the foundations to establish Agave as a sustainable, versatile and climate-proof Australian crop, supporting production of a new high value spirit for domestic and global markets. Outcomes will include novel cultivation and sensor technology for agave harvest at the "sweet spot" and advanced spirit assessment technologies allied with consumer sensory testing. Product character and consistency will be optimised by holi ....Agave; a new Australian crop with a resilient spirit. This project aims to set the foundations to establish Agave as a sustainable, versatile and climate-proof Australian crop, supporting production of a new high value spirit for domestic and global markets. Outcomes will include novel cultivation and sensor technology for agave harvest at the "sweet spot" and advanced spirit assessment technologies allied with consumer sensory testing. Product character and consistency will be optimised by holistic integration and control of the production chain, encompassing plant growth, input materials, and fermentation and distillation steps for a complete plant to bottle pipeline. Read moreRead less