Spoligotype patterns evolve through the deletion of spacer sequences that cannot be recovered and have provided Dr Mark Tanaka with a rich source of data with which to understand the transmission of disease.
Electron Shuttles for Degradation of Chlorinated Pollutants
The global pandemic of cancers and degenerative diseases is increasingly being linked to soil, water and air pollution. Sydney, like all major cities around the world, is home to sites polluted with chlorinated compounds (Botany Bay, Sydney Harbour, Homebush Bay). While many bacteria have been identified to break down several chlorinated compounds, many compounds remain for which there are no known bacteria able to degrade them. We have identified molecules, known as electron shuttles, that enable bacteria to degrade previously recalcitrant chlorinated compounds.
This project involves testing electron shuttles and bacteria for their ability to degrade key pollutants in the Sydney area.
BABS personnel that are responsible for this project