Team secures funding for new imaging equipment that supports the 3Rs
University of Newcastle researchers have secured funding from the Australian Research Council for specialist imaging equipment that will reduce the number of animals required in research projects.
University of Newcastle researchers have secured funding from the Australian Research Council for specialist imaging equipment that will reduce the number of animals required in research projects.
The new equipment will be based at the University's BioResearch Building and will complement existing instruments to establish a state-of-the-art imaging facility for animal-based studies - a first of its kind for the Hunter region.
The new funding will enable the purchase of a Micro Computed Tomography (microCT) Imaging System that captures high-resolution and high-speed 2D and 3D imaging of the anatomy of living animals in real-time. The non-invasive nature of this approach enables the repeated imaging of an individual animal at various time points, thus reducing the number of animals required for research projects and contributing to the 3Rs of animal-based research - reduce, replace, refine.
The microCT system will work in concert with the IVIS® Spectrum imaging system to create an animal in vivo imaging facility within the University's BioReserach Building.
According to Associate Professor Susan Hua (the lead Chief Investigator on the funding application), the closest facility of this kind is currently located in Sydney, more than 160 kilometres away.
“With this new imaging equipment, we can create a much needed and first-of-its-kind animal imaging facility for the Hunter region," Associate Professor Hua said.
"This will help us advance critical research, reduce the number of animals required for studies, and eliminate potential animal welfare issues associated with transporting live animals to unfamiliar spaces in Sydney.”
“With the new microCT system, imaging can be performed in real-time, meaning the same group of live animals can be assessed over time which will result in a major reduction in animals required.” said Associate Professor Hua
The microCT Imaging System will support interdisciplinary research in human biology, veterinary sciences, conservation biology and bioengineering.
Such work will help researchers uncover new knowledge and new treatment options for human fertility and pregnancy, explore ways to protect endangered species and eradicate pests, and create new bioengineering and technology platforms that advance human health.
Funding for the new microCT Imaging System is through the ARC's Linkage, Infrastructure and Equipment Funding (LIEF) scheme.
The following researchers also contributed to the successful LIEF application and will use the microCT Imaging System to further their biomedical and biological research studies, which aim to help people live better, healthier lives.
- Professor Robert Aitken
- Professor Pradeep Tanwar
- Associate Professor Nicole Verrills
- Dr Behnam Akhavan
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Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.