Artificial intelligence algorithms to predict risk of injury in racehorses. This project will address the urgent need for predicting and preventing catastrophic and career limiting limb injuries and cardiac arrhythmias in racehorses due to over (or under) training. Using data from GPS and movement sensors integrated into saddlecloths, artificial intelligence algorithms will convert cumulative data on speed, gait, and stride characteristics during training, along with injury data, into a risk mat ....Artificial intelligence algorithms to predict risk of injury in racehorses. This project will address the urgent need for predicting and preventing catastrophic and career limiting limb injuries and cardiac arrhythmias in racehorses due to over (or under) training. Using data from GPS and movement sensors integrated into saddlecloths, artificial intelligence algorithms will convert cumulative data on speed, gait, and stride characteristics during training, along with injury data, into a risk matrix. Recorded heart rate and ECG data will also be analysed using artificial intelligence to detect early evidence of the development of cardiac arrhythmias. The system will improve racehorse welfare, providing a simple interface to warn trainers when risk of injury becomes high, in order to prevent catastrophic breakdown.Read moreRead less
Enhancing fertility for the Thoroughbred and Standardbred industries. Enhancing fertility for the Thoroughbred and Standardbred industries. Responding to industry calls for improved methods of detecting and managing infertility in both stallions and mares, this project aims to provide a platform for competitive collaborations between universities, biotechnology companies and horse breeders: the end-users of technological developments in equine reproduction. The Thoroughbred and Standardbred bree ....Enhancing fertility for the Thoroughbred and Standardbred industries. Enhancing fertility for the Thoroughbred and Standardbred industries. Responding to industry calls for improved methods of detecting and managing infertility in both stallions and mares, this project aims to provide a platform for competitive collaborations between universities, biotechnology companies and horse breeders: the end-users of technological developments in equine reproduction. The Thoroughbred and Standardbred breeding industries contribute over $6.5 billion per annum to the Australian economy and employ thousands of staff across their value chains. However, these industries suffer from breeding program inefficiencies that amount to over $800 million in annual losses. Expected outcomes are novel reproductive technologies and specialised research capabilities that will make the Australian equine industry a global leader.Read moreRead less
Defining the antiviral effects of Wolbachia in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Mosquitoes that carry a bacterium called Wolbachia do not transmit human pathogenic viruses. These mosquitoes are being developed as a biocontrol tool to prevent mosquito-borne diseases. This project aims to define the molecular basis for virus inhibition by Wolbachia. Using unique biological tools including mosquitoes carrying different strains of Wolbachia that do or do not inhibit dengue virus, the project will define ho ....Defining the antiviral effects of Wolbachia in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Mosquitoes that carry a bacterium called Wolbachia do not transmit human pathogenic viruses. These mosquitoes are being developed as a biocontrol tool to prevent mosquito-borne diseases. This project aims to define the molecular basis for virus inhibition by Wolbachia. Using unique biological tools including mosquitoes carrying different strains of Wolbachia that do or do not inhibit dengue virus, the project will define how Wolbachia modifies its host to create an antiviral state. The findings will provide insight into how viral pathogens can be suppressed in insect hosts. This may guide future viral disease intervention strategies for diverse areas afflicted by insect-borne viral disease, including human health and agriculture.Read moreRead less
Enhancing the efficiency of equine reproduction: relevant to the Thoroughbred and Standardbred breeding industries. The purpose of this project is to link the equine breeding industry with a major centre of reproductive research at the University of Newcastle. By creating this unique nexus, major efficiency gains will be achieved for this industry that will not only secure its international competitiveness but also significantly enhance its profitability.
Subspecies distribution and virulence of Streptococcus uberis. Streptococcus uberis is a significant cause of bovine mastitis. Attempts to produce a successful vaccine against S. uberis have been hampered by the lack of knowledge of phylogenetic relationships within the species and virulence mechanisms. It is uncertain whether pathogenic strains are clonal or are acquired opportunistically from a diverse population in the environment. This project aims to examine the phylogenetic structure of ....Subspecies distribution and virulence of Streptococcus uberis. Streptococcus uberis is a significant cause of bovine mastitis. Attempts to produce a successful vaccine against S. uberis have been hampered by the lack of knowledge of phylogenetic relationships within the species and virulence mechanisms. It is uncertain whether pathogenic strains are clonal or are acquired opportunistically from a diverse population in the environment. This project aims to examine the phylogenetic structure of S. uberis by multilocus sequence typing and investigate control of virulence gene expression in S. uberis. The information obtained will be used to improve the formulation of a bovine mastitis vaccine developed by RMIT University and Vet Biosearch.Read moreRead less