Extraction of gold from thiosulfate leach liquors using selective magnetic ion exchange (MIEX) resins. Cyanide processes used for gold leaching can cause severe environmental problems. This proposal studies the use of thiosulfate as an alternative, concentrating on the design and synthesis of new functionalised magnetic ion-exchange resins, which will act as selective adsorbents for the gold thiosulfate complex and thereby facilitate the implementation of this efficient, low environmental impact ....Extraction of gold from thiosulfate leach liquors using selective magnetic ion exchange (MIEX) resins. Cyanide processes used for gold leaching can cause severe environmental problems. This proposal studies the use of thiosulfate as an alternative, concentrating on the design and synthesis of new functionalised magnetic ion-exchange resins, which will act as selective adsorbents for the gold thiosulfate complex and thereby facilitate the implementation of this efficient, low environmental impact process. Since the leaching is typically applied to ores rich in copper, resins for the recovery of copper will also be designed. Laboratory proving trials will be conducted and successful candidates will be considered for future commercialisation of a Resin-in-Pulp leaching and recovery process.Read moreRead less
A longitudinal study of neuropsychological and neuromotor effects of low level manganese exposure. This study will investigate the neuropsychological and neuromotor effects of low level exposure to mangenese particulate. Previous studies have indicated symptomology of high level exposure, but there is contention in the literature regarding the effects of low levels of exposure. Our aim is to refine measures of cumulative exposure and develop a more comprehensive and senstitive testing protocol t ....A longitudinal study of neuropsychological and neuromotor effects of low level manganese exposure. This study will investigate the neuropsychological and neuromotor effects of low level exposure to mangenese particulate. Previous studies have indicated symptomology of high level exposure, but there is contention in the literature regarding the effects of low levels of exposure. Our aim is to refine measures of cumulative exposure and develop a more comprehensive and senstitive testing protocol than has been reported thus far. These measures and protocols will be incorporated into a longitudinal design, which has not been conducted in research studies to date. In addition, a database of exposure variables will be developed to facilitate long-term, accurate research into the effects of the low levels of exposure.Read moreRead less
Evaluation of a multidimensional cognitive enhancement training program for healthy older adults. The percentage of the Australian population aged 65 years and over is projected to increase considerably over the next 50 years. The increased number of older Australians will have a major economic cost in terms of income support and the provision of health services. It is of high socioeconomic importance, therefore, to promote functional independence in this group. The implementation of cognitive e ....Evaluation of a multidimensional cognitive enhancement training program for healthy older adults. The percentage of the Australian population aged 65 years and over is projected to increase considerably over the next 50 years. The increased number of older Australians will have a major economic cost in terms of income support and the provision of health services. It is of high socioeconomic importance, therefore, to promote functional independence in this group. The implementation of cognitive enhancement programs that may slow age-related cognitive decline and, thereby, maximise quality of life and independence for a long as possible will have significant national benefit.Read moreRead less
Developing a wildlife health intelligence and vaccine distribution system. This project aims to establish an industry-linked pipeline for vaccines to be delivered to animals in edible baits and a near real-time monitoring system for assessing the impact of management actions. This project will develop ultrasensitive diagnostic tests and incorporate biomarkers into baits from Australia's leading pest animal control company. Bait uptake and disease status in the field will be monitored using artif ....Developing a wildlife health intelligence and vaccine distribution system. This project aims to establish an industry-linked pipeline for vaccines to be delivered to animals in edible baits and a near real-time monitoring system for assessing the impact of management actions. This project will develop ultrasensitive diagnostic tests and incorporate biomarkers into baits from Australia's leading pest animal control company. Bait uptake and disease status in the field will be monitored using artificial intelligence technology developed in Tasmania. This integrated wildlife health intelligence and scalable vaccine platform can help protect the iconic Tasmanian devil from disease and increase Australia's preparedness for looming threats to the livestock industry such as African swine fever.Read moreRead less
Probing the Tasmanian Devil Serum Proteome for Preclinical Diagnosis of Devil Facial Tumour Disease. The Tasmanian Devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) is a carnivorous marsupial endemic to the island state of Tasmania, and is found all over the state. Over the past decade, a dramatic decline has occurred in the Devil population in association with the emergence of Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD). This project aims to develop a preclinical diagnostic test for DFTD that will provide vital information ....Probing the Tasmanian Devil Serum Proteome for Preclinical Diagnosis of Devil Facial Tumour Disease. The Tasmanian Devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) is a carnivorous marsupial endemic to the island state of Tasmania, and is found all over the state. Over the past decade, a dramatic decline has occurred in the Devil population in association with the emergence of Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD). This project aims to develop a preclinical diagnostic test for DFTD that will provide vital information for use in developing management strategies to ensure the ongoing survival of the Tasmanian Devil. The benefit to Australia in performing this research rests in the new technology that will be developed and the application of this technology to key areas of national and international significance.Read moreRead less
Development of an amoebic gill disease vaccine to protect Atlantic salmon. This project aims to identify candidate vaccine antigens and produce an experimental vaccine against amoebic gill disease (AGD) that will benefit the Tasmanian and international Atlantic salmon aquaculture industries. AGD is the most significant health problem affecting Atlantic salmon aquaculture in Tasmania. In the last decade, AGD has become a legitimate health threat to the multibillion dollar global Atlantic salmon i ....Development of an amoebic gill disease vaccine to protect Atlantic salmon. This project aims to identify candidate vaccine antigens and produce an experimental vaccine against amoebic gill disease (AGD) that will benefit the Tasmanian and international Atlantic salmon aquaculture industries. AGD is the most significant health problem affecting Atlantic salmon aquaculture in Tasmania. In the last decade, AGD has become a legitimate health threat to the multibillion dollar global Atlantic salmon industry. A solution is needed before AGD fully establishes itself in the largest Atlantic salmon producing nations. The expected outcome of this project is the development of a commercial vaccine that should significantly benefit the Australian and international aquaculture industries. Read moreRead less
Understanding plant uptake of organic and inorganic nitrogen for optimal fertiliser application in forestry. Nitrogen (N) in soils occurs in both organic and inorganic forms. Plants can take up inorganic N - nitrate and ammonium - but, on average, these account for only 5% of the soluble N in soils. Recent evidence suggests that plants may be able to tap into some of the 95% of N that occurs in organic forms. We will investigate the importance of organic N uptake for two plantation Eucalyptus sp ....Understanding plant uptake of organic and inorganic nitrogen for optimal fertiliser application in forestry. Nitrogen (N) in soils occurs in both organic and inorganic forms. Plants can take up inorganic N - nitrate and ammonium - but, on average, these account for only 5% of the soluble N in soils. Recent evidence suggests that plants may be able to tap into some of the 95% of N that occurs in organic forms. We will investigate the importance of organic N uptake for two plantation Eucalyptus species by tracing the uptake of different N forms by bacteria, fungi and eucalypts. This information will redefine what is meant by 'available N' and will guide the development of a new test for soil N status.Read moreRead less
Natural selection and the Tasmanian devil. This project aims to explain evolution of immune capabilities in response to disease threats in the wild by assessing the immune adaptive capabilities of Tasmanian devils in response to facial tumour disease. It plans to determine how the expression of immune genes differs between wild and captive populations. The project will combine immunology, epidemiology and evolutionary biology, to understand the role of host genetic and phenotypic adaptations to ....Natural selection and the Tasmanian devil. This project aims to explain evolution of immune capabilities in response to disease threats in the wild by assessing the immune adaptive capabilities of Tasmanian devils in response to facial tumour disease. It plans to determine how the expression of immune genes differs between wild and captive populations. The project will combine immunology, epidemiology and evolutionary biology, to understand the role of host genetic and phenotypic adaptations to disease threats. The project will assist in the development of diagnostic tools for managing this and other threatened species and for screening disease resistance markers across wild and captive insurance populations.Read moreRead less
Identifying the specific structural features of metallothionein that regulate its ability to modulate astrogliosis. This project contributes directly to the Designated National Research Priority 2 and could potentially have a significant impact upon the broader Australian Community by identifying a novel and powerful therapeutic agent based upon metallothionein proteins with the ultimate aim of helping patients who have a brain injury or a neurodegenerative disease. It is important to note that ....Identifying the specific structural features of metallothionein that regulate its ability to modulate astrogliosis. This project contributes directly to the Designated National Research Priority 2 and could potentially have a significant impact upon the broader Australian Community by identifying a novel and powerful therapeutic agent based upon metallothionein proteins with the ultimate aim of helping patients who have a brain injury or a neurodegenerative disease. It is important to note that the partnership between UTAS and Bestenbalt LLC is a critical step in the development of these exciting research discoveries into commercially viable outcomes for the Australian Biotechnology Industry and the broader Australian community.Read moreRead less
Developing feasible in situ control of mange disease in wombats. Our goal is the development of feasible in situ control of sarcoptic mange in wombat populations. Globally important, the Sarcoptes scabiei mite infects >100 mammal species and is among the 50 most common human diseases, causing health, welfare and population impacts. This infection is treatable, and we will test a new treatment (fluralaner), develop new models to guide management, and conduct replicated field trials. This will ena ....Developing feasible in situ control of mange disease in wombats. Our goal is the development of feasible in situ control of sarcoptic mange in wombat populations. Globally important, the Sarcoptes scabiei mite infects >100 mammal species and is among the 50 most common human diseases, causing health, welfare and population impacts. This infection is treatable, and we will test a new treatment (fluralaner), develop new models to guide management, and conduct replicated field trials. This will enable science-based guidelines, advancing disease control, local eradication, and regulatory approval for wombats. Our research framework is adaptable to other mange-impacted species, and advance methods and theory for control of treatable disease in wildlife.Read moreRead less