Dr Dayong Jin, Faculty of Science

SUPER Dot molecular probes: Finding a needle in a haystack

Diseases, like cancer, usually develop over years before symptoms appear. This is due to the fact that the altered biomarkers are generally present in low numbers, and are extremely difficult to detect, posing a “needle-in-a-haystack” problem. Current detection, quantification and localisation technologies use fluorescent probes that are limited by sensitivity and analysis time. The Advanced Cytometry Labs @ Macquarie has invented and demonstrated a library of hypersensitive molecular probes—SUPER Dots—able to pinpoint small numbers of abnormal cells in water, blood and urine. It improves the detectable limits by orders of magnitude, promising non-invasive early-stage diagnosis.

Dr Yann Tristant, Faculty of Arts

The earliest funerary boat ever found in Egypt (c. 2900 BC). Archaeological excavation of a 1st Dynasty elite cemetery at Abu Rawash

The funerary wooden boat discovered in July 2012 at Abu Rawash by the Macquarie University-IFAO joint expedition dates to the reign of King Den (c. 2950 BC). It is the oldest boat ever found in Egypt. Transported for conservation to the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) at Giza, the boat will soon be exhibited. Its study will greatly expand our knowledge of shipbuilding techniques in the early times of Egypt and its development over the 400 years before the famous boat of Khufu (c. 2550 BC).

Mr Yiqing Lu, Faculty of Science

High-speed OSAM scanning microscopy for early diagnosis

Practical methods capable of detecting traces of pathogens and/or disease biomarkers are increasingly in high demand. However, existing optical sensing approaches, usually based on colour discrimination, have either limited sensitivity or unacceptable processing speed. Yiqing’s PhD research has broken through the current bio-sensing constraints through his invention of a time-resolved approach called “OSAM”, an Orthogonal Scanning Automated Microscopy suitable for rapid detection of single cells. OSAM can also simultaneously detect thousands of species to decode the molecular signatures of individual patients, offering a powerful platform to detect diseases and contamination in early stages

Ms Heather Francis, Faculty of Human Sciences

The effects of high saturated fat and refined sugar diets on brain regions associated with appetite regulation: the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex

The typical Western diet, high in saturated fat and refined sugar (HFS) has been shown to adversely affect cognition, particularly cognitive functions associated with the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. This research examined mechanisms underlying such cognitive changes using proteomic analysis methods. We then showed, for the first time, that the cognitive deficits identified in rodent models are also present in a human population. Additionally, the impairments to hippocampal memory were accompanied by changes in hippocampal regulation of food intake, with broad implications for the prevention of prominent health issues: overweight and obese individuals.

Associate Professor Nickolai Titov, Faculty of Human Sciences

The eCentre Clinic and MindSpot Clinic

The eCentreClinic is a world class clinical research unit operating within the Centre for Emotional Health, Department of Psychology. The eCentreClinic develops and evaluates innovative psychological treatments for people with common mental disorders and chronic health conditions. Since May 2011, the eCentreClinic has attracted more than $1.4 million in competitive research funding. The reputation and outputs of the eCentreClinic directly contributed to Access Macquarie’s success in securing a $16.4 million three-year contract with the Australian Government to develop and operate the MindSpot Clinic, an innovative national assessment and treatment service for Australians with anxiety and depression.

Dr Morten Thaysen-Andersen, Faculty of Science

Morten currently holds a three-year ARC Super Science Research Fellowship position at Macquarie University. His research is conducted in the area of structural glycobiology with a strong focus on understanding how human proteins and carbohydrates are involved in the genetic lung disease cystic fibrosis. He has established an international recognised profile through significant contributions to his research field including publications of 31 peer-reviewed papers in field leading journals, 10 oral presentations at international conferences, and actively reviewing manuscripts for eight high impact journals. He has been funded for more than $500,000 in Australia and overseas and has received nine career awards. He is currently supervising four HDR students and has a strong network of national and international collaborators.

Dr Viviana Wuthrich, Faculty of Human Sciences

Viviana is a clinical psychologist and NH&MRC Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Centre for Emotional Health, Department of Psychology. Her work focuses on understanding and treatment of anxiety in children and adolescents, and older adults. To date she has been awarded over 2 million dollars ($2,079,216) of total research funding, with almost $1 million dollars as the CIA ($931,943). She has presented her research at 45 conferences (national and international), has 13 peer-reviewed publications (that have been cited over 100 times), 2 book chapters, and is a co-author on 10 psychological treatment manuals.

Professor Catriona Mackenzie, Faculty of Arts

Catriona is professor of philosophy and Associate Dean Research in the Faculty of Arts at Macquarie University.  She is also Director of the Macquarie University Research Centre for Agency, Values and Ethics. She has been awarded numerous grants and prizes for research, teaching, and higher degree research supervision, including the 2007 Australian Museum Eureka Prize for Research in Ethics. Catriona currently serves as President of the Australasian Association of Philosophy (2013-14). From 2010-2012 she was a member of the Humanities and Creative Arts Panel of the ARC College, serving as Deputy Chair of the panel in 2011 and Chair in 2012. Catriona’s research expertise is in ethics (theoretical and applied), social and political philosophy, and feminist philosophy. Her current research includes projects on autonomy, on the moral and political obligations arising from vulnerability (funded by an ARC DP grant), and on conceptions of the self.  Catriona has supervised around 40 higher degree research and honours students.