AIMS Principal Research Scientist Dr Mike Hall will be brushing up on his Danish in preparation for a research trip abroad later this year. Dr Hall received a competitive Australian Academy of Science travel grant to work with Danish scientists in the cutting-edge research area of quorum sensing. Quorum sensing (QS) is a mode of communication between bacterial cells. Using the QS communication system, the cells can control the expression of virulence (like a military commander telling his troops all to attack at once). Disrupting QS cell-to-cell communication offers a new anti-infective strategy which Dr Hall hopes to utilise in aquaculture hatcheries.

Construction of the new AIMS research vessel is progressing well with most of the major steelwork now cut and fabrication well underway. The next major milestone will be in March when the hull is turned over and the superstructure fitted and welded.

The ship's overall design including the multi chine hull will provide a modern research platform for the Institute.
Images: Tenex

Planet Earth was the main attraction at the Thuringowa Better Earth Expo where AIMS showcased marine science research in support of our local community’s environmental efforts. The AIMS presentation featured a close up look at core samples collected from corals, a talk on the health of barramundi caught from the weirs adjacent to the expo site, and a demonstration of the use of SCUBA and other underwater technologies in marine science. Sponge divers from the Coolgaree Sponge Farm on Palm Island (a project developed as a result of preliminary research by AIMS) assisted AIMS scientists in presenting research findings and information on sponge aquaculture.

Other highlights of the expo included presentations and performances by community groups, information on an array of earth-wise ideas such as solar power and low impact irrigation systems, and a giveaway of 10,000 native plants.