Photosynthetic traits as “key performance indicators” of coral health. The objective of this project is to advance knowledge on the healthy functioning of the coral–algal symbiosis, which defines the response of coral reef ecosystems to worldwide environmental change. Current approaches to address this problem have linked coral health to algal symbiont diversity but have been unable to resolve the fundamental symbiont functional traits that govern this link – the “key performance indicators (KPI ....Photosynthetic traits as “key performance indicators” of coral health. The objective of this project is to advance knowledge on the healthy functioning of the coral–algal symbiosis, which defines the response of coral reef ecosystems to worldwide environmental change. Current approaches to address this problem have linked coral health to algal symbiont diversity but have been unable to resolve the fundamental symbiont functional traits that govern this link – the “key performance indicators (KPIs)”. This project plans to couple advanced physiological and functional genomics techniques to transform our understanding of how algal symbiont metabolic KPIs regulate coral growth and stress susceptibility. This may provide new diagnostic capability for the assessment of coral health and may enable us to improve coral reef ecosystem management.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE240100092
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,100,000.00
Summary
Quantum microscopy facility for ultrasensitive nanoscale magnetic imaging. Investigations of 2D and van der Waals materials, biological samples, energy materials, and quantum devices on the nano- and microscale are revolutionising medicine, communications, information technology, energy production and storage by virtue of new phenomena. The new quantum microscopy facility will enable state-of-the-art capabilities in mapping chemical, magnetic, optical, electronic, and spectral properties, provid ....Quantum microscopy facility for ultrasensitive nanoscale magnetic imaging. Investigations of 2D and van der Waals materials, biological samples, energy materials, and quantum devices on the nano- and microscale are revolutionising medicine, communications, information technology, energy production and storage by virtue of new phenomena. The new quantum microscopy facility will enable state-of-the-art capabilities in mapping chemical, magnetic, optical, electronic, and spectral properties, providing cutting-edge tools that will enable breakthroughs in both existing and future multi-disciplinary projects in photonics, quantum devices, nanomaterials, nanoelectronics, biotechnology, and energy technology as key drivers of the new economy in Australia.Read moreRead less
X-ray imaging and magnetic resonance approach for enhanced oil recovery. This project aims to develop an efficient multi-scale modelling capability to quantify the effect of two-phase fluid flow within porous material by modelling rock wettability heterogeneity and alteration on two-phase flow performance for heterogeneous rock. Super-resolution methods combined with a deep learning approach will be used to determine a digital representation of reservoir rock, achieving an unprecedented combinat ....X-ray imaging and magnetic resonance approach for enhanced oil recovery. This project aims to develop an efficient multi-scale modelling capability to quantify the effect of two-phase fluid flow within porous material by modelling rock wettability heterogeneity and alteration on two-phase flow performance for heterogeneous rock. Super-resolution methods combined with a deep learning approach will be used to determine a digital representation of reservoir rock, achieving an unprecedented combination of resolution necessary to resolve small-scale fluid connectivity and field of view required to capture heterogeneity. The project expects to develop a workflow to populate a high-resolution model with wettability parameters by combining micro-CT imaging with nuclear magnetic resonance measurements. This improved understanding should provide significant benefits by enhancing our capability to optimise enhanced oil and gas recovery programs.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE110100235
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$180,000.00
Summary
Interfacial mapping facility. New electronic materials and devices impact on everyday life in areas such as photovoltaics, biotechnology and healthcare. This facility will provide researchers with the unique capability of mapping both the structure and electronic properties of materials on the nanoscale. It will be an essential tool for developing new electronics based on nanotechnology.
How novel ribosomal RNA gene repeat variants drive cellular function. The hundreds of ribosomal RNA gene repeat copies are a remarkable part of our genomes, as they encode the machinery responsible for all cellular protein synthesis and shape the structure of the nucleus. However, due to their high degree of sequence similarity, they still have not been assembled into the human genome reference. This project will resolve this impasse and furthermore uncover the functional impacts of a newly iden ....How novel ribosomal RNA gene repeat variants drive cellular function. The hundreds of ribosomal RNA gene repeat copies are a remarkable part of our genomes, as they encode the machinery responsible for all cellular protein synthesis and shape the structure of the nucleus. However, due to their high degree of sequence similarity, they still have not been assembled into the human genome reference. This project will resolve this impasse and furthermore uncover the functional impacts of a newly identified molecular diversity in the ribosomal RNA gene repeats. Outcomes include new paradigms for how the ribosomal RNA gene repeats drive protein synthesis and genome structure, and a blueprint to develop novel genomics applications for human health, biotechnology, and agriculture.Read moreRead less
Haemodynamic investigation of flow diverter stents for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. This project will explore the engineering of a flow diverter, an endovascular device for the treatment of brain aneurysms. The project will determine the optimal design of new types of flow diverters, which in turn could improve the effectiveness of treatments, thus reducing the associated costs of cerebral haemorrhage and stroke.
How ribosomal protein loss affects cell fate. This project aims to challenge the dogma that the ribosome behaves only as a ‘‘house-keeper’’. Ribosomal protein (RP) mutations should, and often do, result in reduced cell growth and stunted animal development. Depletion of RPs in Drosophila blood cells impair stem cells and cause massive tissue overgrowth. This suggests RPs are involved in cell fate determination, which this project will research using genetic models. As ribosomal function is funda ....How ribosomal protein loss affects cell fate. This project aims to challenge the dogma that the ribosome behaves only as a ‘‘house-keeper’’. Ribosomal protein (RP) mutations should, and often do, result in reduced cell growth and stunted animal development. Depletion of RPs in Drosophila blood cells impair stem cells and cause massive tissue overgrowth. This suggests RPs are involved in cell fate determination, which this project will research using genetic models. As ribosomal function is fundamental to the development of all living organisms, this work could have wide implications for understanding all biology – from microbes, insects and plants to humans.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE100100008
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$350,000.00
Summary
Laser microdissection microscopy system for cell and development biology. The University of Newcastle has invested heavily in its biological and life sciences to create a research nexus focusing on national research priorities in biotechnology and environmental protection. The live cell laser microdissection platform will be utilised by scientists researching such strategically important areas as developmental biology, intracellular signalling cascades, cell cycle dynamics, plant development and ....Laser microdissection microscopy system for cell and development biology. The University of Newcastle has invested heavily in its biological and life sciences to create a research nexus focusing on national research priorities in biotechnology and environmental protection. The live cell laser microdissection platform will be utilised by scientists researching such strategically important areas as developmental biology, intracellular signalling cascades, cell cycle dynamics, plant development and microbiology. Moreover, this component of the University's research portfolio plays a major role in the postgraduate training of young Australian scientists who will, in turn, fuel future developments in both the life sciences and biotechnology industries.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE240100063
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,900,000.00
Summary
Scanning Transmission Electron Microscope for Beam-Sensitive Materials. This project aims to establish a transmission electron microscopy facility for the high-throughput characterisation of delicate materials, at the atomic scale and a broad range of temperatures. Unique in Australia, this capability will enable the location and type of atoms critical to materials properties to be determined for materials as diverse as lithium-bearing minerals, next-generation solar cells and drug-delivery agen ....Scanning Transmission Electron Microscope for Beam-Sensitive Materials. This project aims to establish a transmission electron microscopy facility for the high-throughput characterisation of delicate materials, at the atomic scale and a broad range of temperatures. Unique in Australia, this capability will enable the location and type of atoms critical to materials properties to be determined for materials as diverse as lithium-bearing minerals, next-generation solar cells and drug-delivery agents. In this way it will foster the engineering of new materials for addressing current challenges in energy, environment, transport, health and manufacturing. This will be a national, open access facility for use by research institutions and industry, and for training the next generation of postgraduate students.Read moreRead less
Dual-ion electrochemical systems. The project aims to develop dual-ion electrochemical systems. In contrast to conventional single-ion rechargeable cells, the charge storage process in the cathodes of these devices is facilitated by a second, negative ion. Dual-ion systems represent robust alternatives to current lithium-ion batteries and lithium-ion capacitors, addressing their sustainability and energy density limitations. The project’s outcomes are in the form of new sustainable energy storag ....Dual-ion electrochemical systems. The project aims to develop dual-ion electrochemical systems. In contrast to conventional single-ion rechargeable cells, the charge storage process in the cathodes of these devices is facilitated by a second, negative ion. Dual-ion systems represent robust alternatives to current lithium-ion batteries and lithium-ion capacitors, addressing their sustainability and energy density limitations. The project’s outcomes are in the form of new sustainable energy storage technologies with attrative energy and power densities for a wide range of applications. This should provide a significant benefit to society, the economy and the environment in enabling an easier transition to clean energy and ensuring energy security in Australia.Read moreRead less