Forensic and Scientific Services
Annual research report 2018

Queensland Health
Annual research report Published by the State of Queensland (Queensland Health), January 2020
This document is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia licence.
To view a copy of this licence, visit creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/au
© State of Queensland (Queensland Health) 2019
You are free to copy, communicate and adapt the work, as long as you attribute the State of Queensland (Queensland Health).
For more information contact:
Forensic and Scientific Services
Research and Development Unit
Queensland Health
PO Box 594
Archerfield QLD 4108
Email FSS_Research@health.qld.gov.au
Phone +61 7 3096 2625
An electronic version of this document is available at www.health.qld.gov.au/healthsupport 
Disclaimer:
The content presented in this publication is distributed by the Queensland Government as an information source only. The State of Queensland makes no statements, representations or warranties about the accuracy, completeness or reliability of any information contained in this publication. The State of Queensland disclaims all responsibility and all liability (including without limitation for liability in negligence) for all expenses, losses, damages and costs you might incur as a result of the information being inaccurate or incomplete in any way, and for any reason reliance was placed on such information.

Contents

Welcome from the Executive Director
Quick facts
Welcome to Forensic and Scientific Services
Research at FSS
Vision
Objectives
Themes
Collaborate with us
Research and development
Highlights
Committee reports
Human Research Ethics Committee
Animal Ethics Committee
Public and Environmental Health
Inorganic Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Public Health Microbiology
Public Health Virology
Radiation and Nuclear Science
Police services
Forensic Chemistry
Forensic DNA Analysis
Coronial Services
Forensic Toxicology
Forensic Pathology
Clinical Forensic Medicine
Publications
Partners

Welcome from the Executive Director
Welcome to the 2018 Forensic and Scientific Services Annual research report.
Forensic and Scientific Services (FSS) is Australia’s most comprehensive forensic and public and environmental health facility. We provide specialist scientific and medical analysis, and independent expert advice to private and public-sector clients locally, nationally and internationally.
We are the only facility in Australia to have our range of scientific and medical expertise combined in one area. We are also the state reference laboratory for a number of diseases and organisms of public health significance and the World Health Organization (WHO) Leptospirosis international reference laboratory.
Each year Queensland Health and Health Support Queensland invest a significant amount in research to improve health outcomes. This is work that not only makes a difference to communities across Queensland but has the potential to travel the world. 
Our research and development program has been designed to strengthen and support our scientific capability across human health, environmental health, and safety and security for Queenslanders.
In 2018 our Scientific Review Panel continued to review and assess internal research proposals. This panel ensures that research funding is granted on scientific and technical merit. A total of 24 projects were approved and/or funded in 2018.
This report is a testament to the professionalism, integrity and dedication of staff undertaking research at FSS, and the Research and Development team.
John Doherty
Executive Director
Quick facts
In 2018 our scientists tested:
42,509 DNA samples tested for court cases
1500+ autopsies performed
200,000 samples analysed to protect Queenslanders
72,197 forensic samples tested

Welcome to Forensic and Scientific Services
Australia’s most comprehensive forensic and public and environmental health facility; providing specialist scientific and medical analysis and independent expert advice.
Our specialist staff can provide tailored method development, project testing programs, custom scoping and analysis, and consultancy services.
The unique co-location of public health and forensic sciences at our Coopers Plains facility ensures that our people have access to a wide range of analytical equipment and techniques.
World-standard management systems are central to our operations. We are accredited, certified or licensed with:
•	National Association of Testing Authorities, Australia—testing and medical laboratories
•	British Standards Institute (ISO 9001)
•	Therapeutic Goods Administration—analysis and testing
•	Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (Biosecurity) and Office of the Gene Technology Regulator
•	World Health Organization, Food and Agricultural Organization and Office of International Epizooties
•	Analytical Laboratories for the Measurement of Environmental Radioactivity (ALMERA) group under the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Research at FSS
The research priorities at FSS are diverse and encompass areas such as biology, chemistry, radiology, forensic sciences including trace evidence, and forensic medicine.
We play a key role in health research and innovation, delivering research solutions and outcomes that improve public safety and wellbeing. Supported by cutting-edge technology and diverse multidisciplinary teams, our staff conduct analytical, clinical and forensic research in collaboration with Hospital and Health Services, government agencies, universities, industry groups and specialist research organisations.
Vision
To translate good science into relevant public and environmental health outcomes, legislation and policy, and help improve the safety and security of Queenslanders.
Objectives
•	Attract and develop outstanding staff by supporting researchers at all stages of their careers.
•	Partner for impact, drive collaboration and innovation along the research pipeline and the healthcare system.
•	Advance research evidence to inform healthcare policy and practice improvement.
Themes
Public and Environmental Health – we research disease and their vectors, food and water safety, and environmental contaminants which are of public health importance.
Forensic sciences – our police and coronial services teams are at the forefront of forensic science research and emerging trends.
Collaborate with us
We actively participate in collaborative research and development initiatives with industry, government and academic partners locally, nationally and internationally.
We have developed strong links with hospitals, universities and research institutes, local councils, government agencies and commercial industries including biotechnology companies, mining companies and water corporations.
We offer our partners access to state-of-the-art infrastructure, resources and diverse multidisciplinary teams with individual expertise. Our people and technology provide access to a broad range of testing, specialist analysis, advice and research capability.
Examples of collaborations and opportunities include:
•	joint research appointments
•	joint supervision of research students
•	use of equipment or access to facilities
•	joint grant applications.
The unique co-location of public health and forensic sciences at our facility ensures that our people have access to a wide range of analytical equipment and techniques including:
•	high containment laboratories at levels two, three and four
•	whole genome sequencing
•	liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometers
•	CT scanning and imaging.
Contact the research office to discuss your requirements or collaborative opportunities.
Email FSS_Research@health.qld.gov.au
Phone +61 7 3096 2609

Research and development
Research and Development staff coordinate all administrative functions in relation to research conducted within or by staff across FSS, including administration of the FSS research and development funding program, and research governance and human ethics review processes.
The FSS Research and Development funding program supports and strengthens the organisation’s culture of research-led service delivery.
The Research and Development unit aims to:
•	support research excellence and initiatives within the organisation
•	support a culture of research and research ethics integrity
•	support research funding growth and diversity
•	promote research within the organisation.
In 2018 the program distributed $175,000 to 37 FSS researchers to undertake 24 projects, which had an estimated project value of nearly $1million.
National science week goes off with a ‘bang’
National Science Week has become one of Australia’s largest festivals. In 2018, around 1.2 million people participated in more than 2100 events and activities nationwide.
Our Research and Development office has been involved in National Science Week since 2013, undertaking activities that promote research and science at FSS.
In 2018 ten scientists, all leading professionals in their field, presented their research in a series of five-minute micro presentations called ‘lightning talks’.
From recreational drugs that can double as an elephant tranquiliser, to naturally occurring radioactivity that could be deadlier than polonium, the talks were an excellent showcase of the range of activities and investigations at FSS.
Highlights
Team takes expertise to South East Asia
Inorganic Chemist Dr Ujang Tinggi attended the Asia Pacific Food Analysis Network workshop in Indonesia. The workshop focussed on food analysis and quality management. As a subject matter expert Dr Tinggi was invited to be a keynote speaker on advanced food analysis and assessment techniques.
The workshop was a platform to enhance and promote the capability of public and environmental health analysis and testing at FSS, and has created opportunities for FSS to provide advanced education and training programs.
Dr Lee Smythe, Managing Scientist, Public and Environmental Health fully supported the workshop, as it was an opportunity to assess the food quality and safety analysis programs in the region compared to established technologies in Australia.
This is beneficial not only for communities across the Asia–Pacific but right here in Queensland.
New labs completed August 2018
After 30 years, the Organic and Inorganic Chemistry laboratories at FSS have undergone a makeover, making them one of the most up-to-date facilities in Australia.
Managing Scientist, Public and Environmental Health Dr Lee Smythe said the labs have been fully renovated and are built to the current quarantine containment requirements.
‘The improvements to the labs support and reflect the innovative methods and technology being used in inorganic and organic chemistry labs.
‘Our staff have taken full advantage of the opportunity to design the new lab, ensuring it is more efficient for testing workflows, as well as looking ahead at future technology advancements and how these can be included in the space.’
The state-of-the-art facilities now promote best practice and professionalism.
‘The new labs have increased our capability and allow us to take on more quarantine work. This work is typically testing items like soil, water or food that needs to be isolated to protect the health and economy of Australia, Lee said.
‘Quarantine work and having a state-of-the-art quarantine environment is an important part of our business. We need to ensure that foreign and exotic material or diseases do not make their way into Australia and jeopardise our environment.’
Leptospirosis Reference Laboratory successfully redesignated
The Leptospirosis Reference Laboratory at FSS was accredited by the WHO in 1958. Every four years the reference laboratory must seek redesignation with the WHO against agreed terms of reference.
The reference laboratory has successfully sought redesignation with WHO for the period of 21 June 2018 to 21 June 2022. The designation as a WHO reference laboratory recognises the expertise of the laboratory in diagnosis, holding of globally unique culture collection of the organism types, training and laboratory surveillance for the disease.
The reference laboratory is involved in many ongoing tertiary level aspects of leptospirosis research, surveillance and diagnosis of the disease in humans. Extensive collaborations by the reference laboratory with Universities and Government Departments throughout Australia and overseas have contributed to significant research into the epidemiology of the disease, disease transmission and test development. All diagnostic and public health related aspects of the disease in the community are considered important areas of attention by the laboratory. Computer databases for leptospirosis on national and state-wide basis are operated and held on site. These databases and surveillance reports support public health authorities in Australia, WHO and the International Leptospirosis Society.
FSS draws international crowd
Early July saw experts from the Netherlands, United States and Singapore arrive in Brisbane for The Australian Society of Microbiology national conference.
Dr Amy Jennison sat on the organising committee and said the event was a year in the making.
‘It was 12 months of hard work to deliver an event filled with exciting speakers from Australian and abroad showcasing advances in microbiology, Dr Jennison said.
‘FSS was well represented on the event program with many of the team presenting talks or workshops, including Dr Rikki Graham from Public Health Microbiology, Dr Gemma Robertson from Public and Environmental Health, and Assoc. Prof. Andrew van den Hurk and Jamie McMahon from Public Health
Virology.
‘Every session was well attended. It was great to see so much interest from attendees in learning from their peers about the advances in microbiology.
‘I know that networking and collaboration was high on the agenda for many attendees as well. And I was proud to be part of an event that could foster extensive networking and create opportunities for partnership and collaboration.’
Molecular reference laboratories
Public Health Microbiology reference laboratories fulfil a critical role in providing testing and surveillance for notifiable, emerging and important pathogens.
Our role as a reference laboratory requires the laboratory to possess an extensive repertoire of validated assays and to have the ability to rapidly respond to novel threats and outbreaks. For these reasons whole genome sequencing (WGS) has been embraced by microbiology reference laboratories.
The ability to replace multiple labour-intensive assays with a single technique of superior typeability and discrimination, though not without its challenges, has already begun to change the workflow of reference laboratories. The Public Health Microbiology laboratory performs in-house WGS in the Molecular Epidemiology team and is one of the only NATA accredited laboratories in Australia for microbial sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. The laboratory ran over 5000 samples through WGS in 2018 and was involved in many high-profile outbreak and disease responses including Salmonella food poisoning outbreaks, Shigella multi drug resistance investigations and responding to N. gonorrhoeae cases that were resistant to all front-line antibiotics. The laboratory also performs WGS for commercial clients and experienced their highest turnover of samples to date in 2018. 
The molecular team was invited to give seven symposium and conference presentations in 2018 including three talks and workshops at the national Australian Society of Microbiology conference. Genomics collaborations were particularly successful in 2018 for Public Health Microbiology with the molecular team being involved in over $1.6 million worth of research funding including Queensland Genomics Health Alliance and National Health and Medical Research Council projects. The molecular team published nine international publications based on their genomics work in 2018, including in Lancet Infectious Diseases and the Journal of Clinical Microbiology and supervised two PhD students and a masters student in collaboration with Queensland University of Technology and the University of Queensland.
The team has an interest in looking at metagenomic or deep sequencing directly on clinical specimens. We anticipate this approach will fill the gap in epidemiological data caused by the increase in culture independent diagnostic testing in pathology laboratories. Molecular diagnosis has many advantages for patient care, however the absence of isolates subsequently available for public health surveillance is concerning. Deep sequencing performed at PHM on clinical samples containing N. gonorrhoeae, S. pneumoniae and N. meningitidis demonstrate the utility of this technique for generating molecular epidemiological data including molecular resistance targets.
What happens when an orange turns purple out of the blue?
While the nation was gripped by the mystery surrounding the orange that turned purple, FSS worked behind the scenes to help crack the case.
FSS received the fruit sample after a member of the public contacted Queensland Health to investigate why the orange had turned purple, a day after it had been cut to consume.
Senior Food Chemist Jim Carter as part of the Organic Chemistry laboratory team was responsible for analysing the fruit through a series of tests that checked for traces of metals, natural and artificial colours and pigments, pesticides and other contaminants.
The findings indicated the orange had changed colour due to a reaction between naturally occurring anthocyanins (antioxidants) and iron particles found on a newly sharpened knife that was used to cut the fruit. 
Jim said it was one of the more interesting specimens he has analysed in his over 30 years as a chemist. ‘I work a lot with contaminants and foreign objects in food, so it was an exciting change to test an orange that didn’t quite look like it should,’ Jim said.
‘It was great to see FSS shed some light on a mystery that had fascinated the public.’
Honey
With ‘fake honey’ hitting the headlines, our research staff are investigating numerous samples from supermarkets and local producers, many of which showed evidence of adulteration. The reason for this high failure rate is believed to be the standard for authentication that is based on European and American honey.
Australia has unique flora which can directly affect feeding habits of bees e.g. feeding on nectar and pollen from different flowers might be interpreted as adulteration. Australian Manuka honey consistently fails the authentication test for this reason.
Our laboratories, in collaboration with our research partners, are developing a series of tests specifically for the authentication of Australian honey.
Zika mozzie seeker
A growing number of resident citizen scientists in part of South East Queensland have been on the hunt for urban mozzies. In particular, they’re after the eggs of the Aedes aegypti species. Zika Mozzie Seeker is a multi-award-winning project run by Metro South Hospital and Health Service in collaboration with FSS.
Zika Mozzie Seeker uses a world-first testing method to analyse the eggs. Previously, staff would spend hours laboriously analysing mozzie species under a microscope. Using the new method developed by FSS, up to 5,000 domestic mozzie eggs can be tested at once for Aedes aegypti DNA.
So far, the results have been as expected, with all eggs testing negative for Zika mozzies.
Blue dye – mozzie excreta
Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine (ATIHM)/James Cook Universtiy (JCU) and Public Health Virology have collaborated to significantly enhance surveillance of mosquito-borne diseases in northern Australia. Field traps containing special filter cards or polycarbonate sheets are used to collect the excreta and preserve the viral RNA it contains. The food source (honey) is coloured blue using food dye, making the excreta easier to detect.
The samples are then sent to the Public Health Virology laboratory at FSS, where co-supervised JCU PhD student Ana Ramirez, who developed key methods to analyse the excreta, conducts the testing. To date, analyses have detected Ross River fever, West Nile (Kunjin strain) and Murray Valley encephalitis viral RNA.
This research will significantly increase the surveillance capabilities of local governmentsfor control of mosquito-borne diseases.
FSS testing for radioactive jewellery
Radiation and Nuclear Sciences were recently asked whether or not a collection of gemstones was radioactive.
It is common practice to use radiation to change the colour of gemstones, so they look like their more expensive, natural counterparts.
The process is called irradiation and is commonly targeted at diamond, zircon, sapphire, topaz and quartz.
Early irradiation experiments and practices (1900-1950) involved packing gems in radium salts which resulted in long-term contamination and potential exposure to the wearer.
Gold rings and earrings have also been reported as radioactive. Jewellery made from recycled gold, which may have been used in radium treatment, can cause radiation burns to the skin, or radiodermatitis.
Elevated levels of naturally occurring radiation materials have been found in pendants marketed
as alternative medicine products.
Fortunately, the rings, earrings and necklaces tested were not radioactive. Modern irradiation treatments leave the gemstone slightly radioactive for a few days before they return to their non-active state and the practice of recycling gold from these sources no longer happens as radium treatment has been superseded by safer and more efficient methods for treating cancer.
FSS holds court with Queensland magistrate
In early April, FSS had the pleasure of hosting Magistrate Hennessy from the newly-established Queensland Drug and Alcohol Court.
Joining the magistrate were other court officials as well as representatives from Legal Aid and the Queensland Police Service.
There was a very productive discussion with our guests, and it was wonderful to hear first-hand their feedback. We received some very positive feedback from the court about the very high standards of results, opinion-based work and court testimony that is given by our labs.
A tour of the forensic chemistry and toxicology labs showcased the calibre of FSS work and workforce as well as exactly what’s involved to provide high quality results to the courts.
Both parties benefited from the visit and agreed to meet regularly to ensure that FSS continue to meet the needs of the court.
The Queensland Drug and Alcohol Court commenced on 29 January 2018 following the introduction of the Penalties and Sentences (Drug and Alcohol Treatment Orders) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2017.
It introduced a new sentencing option into the Penalties and Sentences Act 1992, allowing a drug court to respond to certain offenders whose criminal behaviour is lined to severe substance abuse.
The Forensic Chemistry and Forensic Toxicology lab at FSS are responsible for analysing the substances referred by the Drug and Alcohol Court.
Knowledge sharing all around
The Forensic Chemistry team hosted representatives from each Australian jurisdiction and New Zealand for the National Institute for Forensic Science Clandestine Laboratory course. The two-day course was the perfect opportunity for participants to network and share knowledge about illicit drug production processes to help the efforts to combat the emerging and unusual manufacturing processes that drug makers are using to subvert law enforcement.
Two Fellow’s in anatomical pathology
Dr Andrew Reid and Dr Li Ma (Mary) attained Fellowship in Anatomical Pathology after five years of rigorous training and assessment in anatomical pathology, as mandated by the Royal College.
Anatomical pathologists use their expertise in macroscopic pathology, histopathology (surgical pathology), cytopathology and autopsy pathology in diagnosis and management of patients.
They offer expert opinion to clinicians as to the choice of biopsy material and the limitations of biopsy and cytological preparations in the interpretation of results and formulating clinicopathological correlations. They have expertise in laboratory procedures for accessioning, management and processing of specimens, to ensure that accurate and high-quality material is available for the formulation of diagnostic opinions.
They are now embarking on further training in preparation for the Post-Fellowship Diploma in Forensic Pathology at FSS. Andrew’s background includes degrees in medicine and law in the UK and Mary’s in nursing and medicine here in Queensland. 

Committee reports
Human Research Ethics Committee
The Human Research Ethics Committee was established in 1995 and is responsible for the review of research applications involving the use of coronial materials, including data. An ethics review of coronial matters is both sensitive and technical and should be undertaken by a specialised committee with expert coronial knowledge.
The Committee is constituted and functions in accordance with the National Health and Medical Research Council’s (NHMRC) National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research. It is registered with the NHMRC; registration number EC00305. Members for the Committee are appointed as per section 5.1.30 of the National Statement.
The Committee is responsible for reviewing:
•	the use of human samples submitted to FSS for testing
•	the use of data about human subjects held at FSS
•	access to coronial autopsies, including retrieval of tissue, for purposes other than coronial investigation
•	non-research practices at FSS that raise ethical issues.
The Committee provides Queensland Health with independent advice on human ethical issues and ensures that all activities involving the non-diagnostic use of human tissue and other confidential data are conducted in a safe, ethical and scientifically robust manner.
Key objectives of the Committee are to:
•	safeguard the mental and physical welfare, rights, dignity and safety of all participants in forensic and health research
•	facilitate and promote a high standard of ethically conducted research through efficient and effective review processes 
•	ensure that all research is conducted responsibly and in the interests of the wider community.
Contact FSS Human Research Ethics Committee
Email FSS_HEC@health.qld.gov.au 
Animal Ethics Committee
The Animal Ethics Committee is responsible for FSS being compliant with the Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes (2013).
The code encompasses all aspects of the care and use of, or interaction with, animals for scientific purposes. It includes the use of animals in research.
Researchers must be trained in animal ethics and care before starting any research involving animals.
The Committee consists of a number of representatives of the community including a veterinarian, a researcher with animal handling experience, a lay person, and an animal welfare representative. These people represent the values of the community with respect to the use of animals for scientific purposes.
The use of animals at FSS is based on the 3R’s– replacement of animals with other methods, reduction in the number of animals used, and refinement of the techniques used during experimentation to minimise the impact on animals.
Contact FSS Animal Ethics Committee
Phone +61 7 3096 2702
Public and Environmental Health
Our Public and Environmental Health teams are highly skilled in researching diseases, vectors and environmental contaminants which are of public health importance.
We have a number of high containment laboratories and specialised equipment that facilitate research in exotic, highly pathogenic or unknown viruses, bacterial and insect vectors of disease.
We use cutting-edge technologies to undertake research in:
•	zoonoses, emerging viruses and arboviruses
•	epidemiological surveillance and analysis of bacterial pathogens
•	antimicrobial resistance
•	phylogenetics and evolution
•	disease reservoirs and source tracking
•	allergens in food
•	food forensics and security, including country-of-origin testing
•	air, water and food quality
•	radiation investigations.
Our scientists have expertise in:
•	new sequencing technologies applied to virus and bacterial diagnostics
•	metagenomic and deep sequencing of clinical, environmental and food samples
•	detection and characterisation of newly identified and emerging viruses
•	phenotypic, molecular and genomic technologies
•	detection and characterisation of food, algae and environmental and waterborne pathogens
•	environmental radioactivity baseline studies and exposure pathways
•	radiobiology and the impact of radioactivity on non-human-species
•	analysis of elements and metals in water, soil, food, biota and air
•	detection of organic pollutants, toxins, and contaminants in the environment.
Key services
•	Inorganic Chemistry
•	Organic Chemistry
•	Public Health Microbiology
•	Public Health Virology
•	Radiation and Nuclear Science
Inorganic Chemistry
Ensuring a safe environment and the enduring wellbeing of people.
The Inorganic Chemistry team provides an analytical and advisory service for water quality testing, monitoring of environmental contaminants, and trace elemental analysis to Queensland Health, government departments, local, interstate and international clients, private consultancies, research organisations, and the Queensland courts.
Our staff are experts in analysing metals and elements in environmental samples such as water, soil, sediment, food, blood, urine and other biological tissues.
The laboratory has a strong history of collaborative research and developing partnerships. Past collaborations have included preparing joint grant applications, establishing centres of excellence, participating in staff exchanges and providing access to our state-of-the-art equipment.
We are always looking for opportunities to collaborate on research and development initiatives.
Contact
Email FSS@health.qld.gov.au 
Phone +61 7 3096 2811 or 1800 000 377
Research projects
Development of new methodology for Total Phosphorus (TP) and Total Nitrogen (TN) by Segmented Flow Analysis (SFA)
To develop a methodology for TP/TN analysis on the new SFA instrumentation in the event of current Flow Injection Analysis instrument failure. The method is tested for its suitability to detect TP and TN within a range of water matrices. The project includes a comparison of the current method - assessing speed, efficiency and precision. A comparative review discussion of the chemical hazard risks between the two methods will be prepared. Project benefits include the minimisation of down time for nutrient analysis, ensuring business continuity of nutrients analysis at FSS, reducing cost and increasing analytical capacity.
Principal researcher: Tuyet Nguyen, Inorganic Chemistry, FSS
Research supervisor: Gary Prove, Inorganic Chemistry, FSS
Method development for selected anions analysis using Thermo Scientific ICS-3000 Ion Chromatography System
Adapting and embracing new technology allows FSS to continue to be a leader in water quality. The purchase of a new Thermo Fisher Scientific ICS-3000 Ion Chromatography system overwrites the current methods and procedures for the determination of various anions commonly found in domestic, saline, underground and recycled water. Our new methods will improve the mitigation of current methodology while maintaining NATA accreditation, amalgamating methods to improve analysis time and resources, analysis of additional anions and improving the reporting process.
Principal researcher: Dr Shu-huei Daphne Huang, Inorganic Chemistry, FSS
Research assistant: Eva Comino, Inorganic Chemistry, FSS
Application of ICP-MS for the analysis of nanoparticles in environmental and food samples
Engineered nanoparticles are being incorporated into a wide range of consumer and industrial products. They have unique properties which are determined by their composition, size, shape and surface identity. These properties determine the fate of the particles in the environment and the nature of their interaction with biological systems. Due to novel physical and chemical characteristics of the nanoparticles, there are aspects of their environmental fate and toxicological properties that are unknown.
There is a growing need for an accurate and sensitive technique for characterising and quantifying nanoparticles in a wide range of sample types to assess their potential risk for the environment and population. With the most recently purchased instrument, the Agilent Triple Quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-QQQ) and specialised software for nanoparticles, the work in this area will enhance the analytical capabilities within the laboratory. Principal researcher: Dr Tatiana Komarova, Inorganic Chemistry, FSS
Publications
•	Akter S, Netzel M, Fletcher MT, Tinggi U, Sultanbawa Y. Chemical and Nutritional Composition of Terminalia ferdinandiana (Kakadu Plum) Kernels: A Novel Nutrition Source. Foods. 2018; 7(4):60.
•	Fyfe S, Netzel M, Tinggi U, Biehl E, Sultanbawa Y. Buchanania obovata: An Australian Indigenous food for diet diversification. Nutrition and Dietetics: The Journal of the Dietitians Association of Australia. 2018; 75(5):527-532.
•	Karlenius TC, Shah F, Yu W-C, Hawkes H-JK, Tinggi U, Clarke FM, Tonissen KF. The selenium content of cell culture serum influences redox-regulated gene expression. BioTechniques, 2018; 50(5) [Letter to the Editor].
•	Tinggi U, Schoendorfer N. Analysis of lead and cadmium in cereal products and duplicate diets of a small group of selected Brisbane children for estimation of daily metal exposure. Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology. 2018; 50:671-675. 
•	Turull M, Komarova TV, Noller B, Fontas C, Diez S. Evaluation of mercury in a freshwater environment impacted by an organomercury fungicide using diffusive gradient in thin films. Science of the Total Environment. 2018; 621:1475-1484.
Lectures and presentations
•	Tinggi U. (2018) Elemental analysis of honey products sold in Queensland markets and assessment of nutritional significance.
In: 2nd International Conference on Food Analysis (ICFA 2018),
19-22 November 2018, Melbourne, Australia.
•	Tinggi U. (2018) Mineral and trace element analysis, and the benefits of essential trace elements in human health [Keynote].
In: Asia Pacific Food Analysis Network (APFAN)
Food Analysis Workshop, 25-27 July 2018, Jakarta, Indonesia.
•	Tinggi U. (2018) Selection and efficiency of digestion procedures.
In: Asia Pacific Food Analysis Network (APFAN) workshop: Trends in Quality Management – Improving Your Laboratory’s Proficiency,
25-27 July 2018, Jakarta, Indonesia.
Organic Chemistry
Improving the public health and safety of Queenslanders.
The Organic Chemistry laboratory provides expert and unbiased advice, testing and analysis to all levels of government, industry and the private sector on matters relating to organic pollutants, contaminants and toxins in public health samples and the environment.
Organic Chemistry has maintained close collaboration with QAAFI (University of Queensland) over many years with joint projects in emerging environmental pollutants, and access to state of the art instrumentation such as time of flight mass spectrometry, not currently available in FSS.
Organic Chemistry continues to work closely with the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) in a scientific on-call capability.
Organic Chemistry also provides analysis of samples from chemical emergencies and community air monitoring during fires to QFES, as well as ongoing projects on fire-fighter exposure during firefighting.
Contact
Email FSS@health.qld.gov.au 
Phone +61 7 3096 2847 or 1800 000 377
Research projects
Licit and illicit drugs in wastewater
As drugs and pharmaceuticals use within the general population increases, studies in drug consumption throughout local wastewater catchment areas and music festivals has become favourable. Law enforcement agencies and an increasing number of workplaces are demanding the analytical testing of licit and illicit drugs in humans and wastewater tributaries. This research project develops an analytical method for the determination of licit and illicit drugs in wastewater by liquid chromatography mass spectrophotometer (LCMSMS). The project will position the department for future collaborations with stakeholders such as Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission with further benefits by collaborating with law enforcements agencies, generate more revenue, longitudinal studies and possible use for publication.
Principal researchers:
Renu Patel, Organic Chemistry, FSS
Dr Shalona Anuj, Organic Chemistry, FSS
Researcher supervisor: 
Steve Carter, Organic Chemistry, FSS
Authentication of uniquely Australian food products with claimed health benefits – Kakadu plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana)
The market for functional foods and ingredients with enhanced nutritional, health and bioactive properties is growing rapidly. To satisfy this demand there has been a significant increase in the screening of uniquely Australian plant material for their health and nutritional value. Many Australian native plants have been used as a source of food and medicine by the Indigenous population and several of these food plants have been identified for their potent functional properties. One such food plant is Kakadu plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana) known for its high vitamin C and ellagic acid content. This study provides robust and validated methodology for the authentication of uniquely Australian food products with claimed health benefits. To be able to market as ‘uniquely Australian’, with the added commercial benefit and the surety of safety, it is important that authenticity/ provenance of such products can be verified. Validated authenticity testing will provide assurance to domestic and export markets for these high value commodities, benefiting production and sale, growers, processors, retailers and the wider Queensland economy.
Principal researcher: 
Sadia Chowdhury, Organic Chemistry, FSS
Research supervisor: Dr Jim Carter, Organic Chemistry, FSS
Collaborators: 
Prof Mary Fletcher, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, University of Queensland
Prof Yasmina Sultanabawa, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, University of Queensland
Characterisation of bloom forming marine cyanobacteria in South-East Queensland by whole genome sequencing and toxin profiling
Lyngbya majuscula is a benthic cyanobacterium (blue green algae) which blooms frequently in Moreton Bay during the summer months. This organism is found in both estuarine and marine waters in the relatively slow waters of the tropics and sub-tropics. L. majuscula is widespread in Moreton Bay, occurring at the southern end of the Bay. L. majuscula can produce the cyanotoxins, aplysiatoxin (AT), lyngbyatoxin-A (LTX-A) and debromoaplysiatoxin (DAT). These toxins have been demonstrated to cause ‘swimmer’s itch’ or ‘seaweed dermatitis’ in humans exposed when swimming or fishing. The organism occurs in large tufts or clumps which cover sand and submerged rocks including growing epiphytically on seaweed. Recent analysis of environmental samples collected from various locations around Moreton Bay has detected levels of DAT and/or LTX-A, indicating that contemporary blooms of L. majuscula continue to be a potential threat to human health. As a result of characterising putative strains of L. majuscula from southeast Queensland, researchers will be able to identify this problematic species in samples submitted for analysis and provide advice on potential impacts on public health. This will benefit public health with the identification and understanding the potential toxigenic marine cyanobacteria and implement risk management of marine and estuarine cyanobacterial blooms attributed to L. majuscula.
Principal researchers: 
Dr Barbara Sendall, Organic Chemistry, FSS
Dr Amy Jennison, Molecular Microbiology, FSS
Dr Rikki Graham, Molecular Microbiology, FSS
Collaborators: 
Prof Michele Burford, Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University
Dr Glenn McGregor, Dept. of Environment and Science
Dr Anusuya Willis, CSIRO – Australian National Algae Culture Collection
Publications
•	Atabila A, Sadler R, Phung DT, Hogarth JN, Carswell S, Patel R, Connell D, Chu C. Biomonitoring of chlorpyrifos exposure and health risk assessment among applicators on rice farms in Ghana. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. 2018; 25(21):20854-20867.
•	Dunn P, Carter JF, eds. Good practice guide for Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (2nd edition). FIRMS, Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, UK, 2018.
•	Fry B, Carter JF, Yamada K, Yoshida N, Juchelka D. Position-specific 13 C/12 C analysis of amino acid carboxyl
•	groups – automated flow-injection-analysis based on reaction with ninhydrin. Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry. 2018; 32(12):992-1000.
•	Koeberl M, Clarke D, Fleming F, Katzer L, Lee NA, Lopata AL, Said M, Scheelings P, Shepherd N, Sherlock R, Roberts J. Food allergen management in Australia. Journal of AOAC International. 2018; 101(1):60-69.
•	Lai FY, Gartner C, Hall W, Carter S, O’Brien JW, Tscharke BJ, Been F, Gerber C, White J, Thai PK, Bruno R, Prichard J, Kirkbride P, Mueller JF. Measuring spatial and temporal trends of nicotine and alcohol consumption in Australia using wastewater-based epidemiology. Addiction. 2018; 113(6):1127-1136.
•	Nienaber LM, Cresswell SL, Carter JF, Peter T. A comparison of plastic cable ties based on physical, chemical and stable isotopic measurements. Science & Justice. 2018; 58(1):67-75. Sendall BC, McGregor GB. Cryptic diversity within the Scytonema complex: characterization of the paralytic shellfish toxin producer Heteroscytonema crispum, and the establishment of the family Heteroscytonemataceae (Cyanobacteria/Nostocales). Harmful Algae. 2018; 80:158-170.
Lectures and presentations
•	Carter JF, Fry B. (2018) Position Specific Isotope Analysis (PSIA): The final frontier in stable isotope analysis. In: 3rd Queensland Mass Spectrometry Symposium, 6-7 December 2018, Brisbane, Australia. 
•	Chowdhury SA, Anuj S, Carter JF, Hungerford NL, Fletcher MT. (2018) Authentication of Australian honey (don’t believe the headlines). In: 3rd Queensland Annual Chemistry Symposium (QACS 2018), 23 November 2018, Brisbane, Australia.
•	Hungerford NL, Martin CL, Fletcher MT, Carter SJ, Anuj SR, Sharma E, Yin M, Nguyen T, Melksham KJ, Were ST. (2018) Pyrrolizidine alkaloids – natural toxins risk in Queensland Honey 10th International Symposium on Poisonous Plants, 16-20 September 2018, Utah, USA.
•	Melksham K, Hungerford NL, Martin CL, Carter S, Anuj S, Sharma E, Yin M, Nguyen T, Were ST, Zawawi N, Tiangi Z, Tan B, Fletcher MT. (2018) Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids in Honey. In: 2nd International Conference on Food Analysis, 19-22 November 2018, Melbourne, Australia.
Public Health Microbiology
The Public Health Microbiology team provides expert scientific knowledge and laboratory investigation for notifiable bacterial pathogens and bacterial or toxin-mediated outbreaks.
The lab is a one-stop shop for bacterial outbreak investigations. We have capabilities to provide analysis of all samples-food, water, environmental and clinical.
We use surveillance and epidemiological data to provide high quality reference and diagnostic services to a wide range of public health and clinical clients investigating bacterial outbreaks.
Our scope can include:
Food—investigating and surveying the microbiological quality of food including foodborne illnesses, analysing and identifying moulds and detecting foodborne pathogens and their toxins.
Water—investigating water quality and outbreaks from consuming, ingesting or inhaling contaminated water (e.g. drinking, dialysis, swimming and recycled water).
Molecular epidemiology—genotyping major bacterial pathogens and typing bacteria for identifying and characterising disease outbreaks.
Leptospirosis—providing expert analysis, advice, diagnostic support and epidemiological data as part of the reference and research laboratory which is part of an international collaborating group.
Bacterial pathogens—providing a reference and referral service for notifiable bacterial pathogens comprising several specialty areas including:
•	enteric pathogens
•	Group A Streptococci
•	Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Neisseria meningitidis
•	Streptococcus pneumoniae
•	Legionellae spp.
Contact
Email FSS@health.qld.gov.au 
Phone 1800 000 377
Research projects
Enhancing detection and management of Mycobacterium abscessus complex (MABSC)infection in children with cystic fibrosis 
Funding organisation: Children’s Hospital Foundation Queensland
Increasing our capacity to detect Mycobacterium abscessus complex (MABSC) and associated resistance genes by molecular techniques. Infections due to Mycobacterium species are noted to be a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Rapid and correct diagnosis is vital as some species are not pathogenic and antibiotics treatment requirements vary greatly between pathogenic species. Time for diagnosis and antibiotic sensitivity testing can take weeks by culture. This project aims to address this limitation through the development and implementation of novel molecular surveillance tools. This will improve the public health response to possible disease clusters and improve clinical management and outcomes for children.
Principal researcher for FSS: 
Dr Amy Jennison, Molecular Epidemiology, FSS
Collaborators: 
Prof. David Whiley, Centre for Clinical Research, University of Queensland
Dr Chris Coulter, Pathology Queensland
Dr Sushil Pandey, Pathology Queensland
Prof Graeme Nimmo, Pathology Queensland
Dr Julia Clark, Queensland Children’s Hospital
Prof Clair Wainwright, Queensland Children’s Hospital
Prof Scott Bell, The Prince Charles Hospital
Understanding the sources of Campylobacter in Australia
Funding organisation: NHMRC
Campylobacter causes 96 million foodborne illnesses globally each year and is the leading foodborne illness in children under five. This ongoing study aims to transform the understanding of Campylobacter infections through the use of whole genome sequencing. The success of this project is based on the strong inter-disciplinary collaboration between food safety authorities, public health departments and universities.
FSS researchers: 
Dr Amy Jennison, Molecular Epidemiology, FSS and Food Microbiology, Reference Microbiology and Molecular Epidemiology teams
Lead organisation: 
Assoc. Prof. Martyn Kirk, Australian National University
Collaborators: 
Dr Craig Shadbolt, NSW Food Authorities
Prof. Nigel French, Massey University, New Zealand
Mary Valcanis, University of Melbourne
Dr Russell Stafford, OzFoodNet, Queensland Health
Whole genome sequencing to track, treat and prevent nosocomial infections Funding organisation: Queensland Genomics Health Alliance
This ongoing project will use whole genome sequencing to rapidly characterise antibiotic resistant microbial pathogens causing serious infections in patients admitted to the three major Brisbane teaching hospitals in order to help optimise clinical management and enhance infection control interventions.
FSS researchers: 
Dr Amy Jennison, Molecular Epidemiology, FSS and Susan Moss, Molecular Epidemiology, FSS
Lead organisation: 
Prof. David Patterson, University of Queensland
Collaborators: 
Dr Patrick Harris, Pathology Queensland
Prof. Graeme Nimmo, Pathology Queensland
Assoc. Prof. Scott Beatson, University of Queensland
Publications
•	Dittrich S, Boutthasavong L, Keokhamhoung D, Phuklia W, Craig SB, Tulsiani SM, Burns M-A, Weier SL, Dance DAB, Davong V, Vongsouvath M, Mayxay M, Phetsouvanh R, Newton PN, Woods L. A prospective hospital study to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of rapid diagnostic tests for the early detection of Leptospirosis in Laos. American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. 2018; 98(7):1056-1060.
•	Fearnley EJ, Lal A, Bates JR, Stafford RJ, Kirk MD, Glass K. Salmonella source attribution in a subtropical state of Australia: capturing environmental reservoirs of infection. Epidemiology and Infection. 2018; 146(15):1903-1908. 
•	Ford L, Wang Q, Stafford RJ, Ressler K-A, Norton S,Shadbolt C, Hope K, Franklin N, Krsteski R, Carswell A, Carter GP, Seemann T, Howard P, Valcanis M, Fabiola Sotomayor Castillo C, Bates JR, Glass K, Williamson DA, Sintchenko V, Howden BP, Kirk M. Seven Salmonella Typhimurium outbreaks in Australia linked by trace-back and whole genome sequencing. Foodborne Pathogens and Disease. 2018; 15(5):285.
•	Graham RMA, Hiley LA, Rathnayake IU, Jennison AV. Comparative genomics identifies distinct lineages of S. Enteritidis from Queensland, Australia. PLoS One. 2018; 13(1):e0191042. 
•	Lahra MM, Martin I, Demczuk W, Jennison AV, Lee K-I, Nakayama S-I, Lefebvre B, Longtin J, Ward A, Mulvey MR, Wi T, Ohnishi M, Whiley DM. Cooperative recognition of internationally disseminated ceftriaxone-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae strain. Emerging Infectious Diseases. 2018; 24(4):735-740.
•	Lau CL, Townell N, Stephenson E, van den Berg D, Craig SB. Leptospirosis: an important zoonosis acquired through work, play and travel. Australian Journal of General Practice (AJGP). 2018; 47(3):105-110.
•	Malau E, Ford RM, Jennison AV, Mosse J, Bean D, Yoannes M, Pomat W, Horwood PF. Antimicrobial sensitivity trends and virulence genes in Shigella spp. from the Oceania region. Infection, Genetics and Evolution. 2018; 64:52-56.
•	McCarthy KL, Wailan AM, Jennison AV, Kidd T, Paterson DL. P. aeruginosa blood stream infection isolates: A ‘full house’ of virulence genes in isolates associated with rapid patient death and patient survival. Microbial Pathogenesis. 2018; 119:81-85. 
•	Pintara AP, Guglielmino CJ, Rathnayake IU, Huygens F, Jennison AV. Molecular prediction of the O157:H-phenotype prevalent in Australian STEC cases improves the concordance of in silico serotyping with phenotypic motility. Journal of Clinical Microbiology. 2018; 56(4):e01906. 
•	Shrestha R, McKenzie JS, Gautam M, Adhikary R, Pandey K, Koirala P, Bahadur BCG, Miller LC, Collins-Emerson J-M, Craig SB, Shrestha S, Heuer C. Determinants of clinical Leptospirosis in Nepal. Zoonoses and Public Health. 2018; 65(8):972-983.
•	Togami E, Kama M, Goarant C, Craig SB, Lau CL, Ritter JM, Imrie A, Ko AI, Nilles EJ. A large Leptospirosis outbreak following successive severe floods in Fiji, 2012. American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. 2018; 99(4):849-851.
•	Whiley DM, Jennison AV, Pearson J, Lahra MM. Genetic characterisation of Neisseria gonorrhoeae resistant to both ceftriaxone and azithromycin. The Lancet Infectious diseases. 2018; 18(7):717-718.
•	Whiley DM, Kundu R, Jennison AV, Buckley C, Limnios A, Hogan T, Enriquez R, El Nasser J, George CR, Lahra MM. Azithromycin-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae spreading amongst men who have sex with men (MSM) and heterosexuals in New South Wales, Australia, 2017. The Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. 2018; 73(5):1242-1246.
•	Whiley DM, Mhango LP, Jennison AV, Nimmo G, Lahra MM. Direct detection of penA gene associated with ceftriaoneresistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae FC428 strain by using PCR. Emerging Infectious Diseases. 2018; 24(8):1573-1575.
•	Woods KL, Nic-Fhogartaigh C, Arnold C, Boutthasavong L, Phuklia W, Lim C, Chanthongthip A, Tulsiani SM, Craig SB, Burns M-A, Weir SL, Davong V, Sihalath A, Limmathurotsakul D, Dance DAB Shetty N, Zambon M, Newton PN, Dittrich S. A comparison of two molecular methods for diagnosing leptospirosis from three different sample types in patients presenting with fever in Laos. Clinical Microbiology and Infection. 2018; 24(9):1017.
•	Zhang Y, Koehler AV, Wang T, Robertson GJ, Bradbury RS, Gasser RB. Enterocytozoon bieneusi genotypes in people with gastrointestinal disorders in Queensland and Western Australia. Infection, genetics and evolution. Journal of Molecular Epidemiology and Evolutionary Genetics in Infectious Diseases. 2018; 65:293-299.
Lectures and presentations
•	Craig SB, Weier SL, Robertson GJ. (2018) Leptospirosis QAP–laboratories need to do better! In: Pathology Update 2018, 2-4 March 2018, Sydney, Australia.
•	Graham RMA. (2018) Deep sequencing. In: Australian Society for Microbiology Annual Meeting, 4 July 2018, Brisbane, Australia.
•	Heading E, Burns M-A, Craig SB. (2018) Leptospirosis in Australia: Contemporary issues with the Microscopic
•	Agglutination Test. In: Australian Society for Microbiology Special Interest Group meeting, April 2018, Brisbane, Australia. 
•	Heron BA. (2018) Public and Environmental Health’s use of the MALDI Biotyper for surveillance and outbreak investigation in Queensland. In: 2nd International Conference on Food Analysis (ICFA), 19-22 November 2018, Melbourne, Australia.
•	Hurst T, Doidge M, Hajkowicz K, Harris P, Forde B, Bergh H, Jennison AV, Roberts L, Allworth T, Nimmo G, Beatson S, Paterson DL. (2018) Mastering resistant bacteria using whole genome sequencing. In: Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control 2018 Conference, 29 November 2018, Brisbane, Australia.
•	Jennison AV. (2018) Genomics in outbreaks. In: Pathology Update 2018, 2-4 March 2018, Sydney, Australia. 
•	Jennison AV. (2018) Transition from conventional molecular testing to whole genome sequencing in a public health microbiology laboratory. In: Australian Society for Microbiology Annual Meeting, 4 July 2018, Brisbane, Australia.
•	Jennison AV. (2018) Changes to molecular biology testing: the role of whole genome sequencing in C. diphtheriae and N. gonorrhoeae testing and surveillance [workshop]. In: Australian Society for Microbiology Annual Meeting, 4 July 2018, Brisbane, Australia.
•	Jennison AV. (2018) Whole genome sequencing for disease tracking. In: Hort Connections, 20 June 2018, Brisbane, Australia.
•	Jennison AV. (2018) Metagenomics in the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory. In: Australian Society for Antimicrobials Society’s 19th Annual Scientific Meeting ‘Antimicrobials 2018’, 24 February 2018, Brisbane, Australia.
•	Jennison AV, Graham RMA. (2018) Deep sequencing for detection of pathogens in culture/PCR negative infections. In: Pathology Update 2018, 2-4 March 2018, Sydney, Australia.
•	Staples M, Hicks V, Ariotti L, Smith HV. (2018) A snapshot of invasive pneumococcal disease in Queensland, Australia: The effect of PCV13 and emerging serotypes. In: 11th International Symposium on Pneumococci & Pneumococcal Diseases, 15-19 April 2018, Melbourne, Australia.
Public Health Virology
The Public Health Virology laboratory provides statewide specialist diagnostic services and surveillance for viruses and mosquito- and tick-borne pathogens of medical importance.
We investigate outbreaks of disease caused by infection with viruses such as measles, norovirus, gastroenteritis, dengue and Zika, which are of public health significance to Queensland. We perform surveillance of viruses and mosquitoes for local, state and federal authorities who can undertake targeted public health responses.
We conduct research into zoonoses, emerging viruses and arboviruses, including studies into the potential for local and exotic vector mosquitoes to transmit arboviruses.
We regularly publish novel findings of interest to public health as well as diagnostic methods.
Our teams:
•	investigate virus outbreaks of public health significance such as those caused by noroviruses
•	detect, conduct surveillance and report on medically important arbovirus such as dengue, West Nile, yellow fever, Zika and chikungunya viruses
•	perform influenza virus-typing and culture • conduct research on viral diseases of public health importance 
•	perform genotyping to identify and track virus outbreaks
•	investigate mosquitoes and other arthropods to determine their capacity to become infected with, and transmit viruses
•	identify medically important mosquito species using morphological and molecular methods.
We have high level containment laboratories certified by the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources and Office of the Gene Technology Regulator. This enables us to work with, and research, viruses that are exotic to Australia or that cannot be handled using lower levels of biological containment.
Contact
Email FSS@health.qld.gov.au
Phone 1800 000 377
Research projects
Application of Next Generation Sequencing of mosquito excreta to identify arboviruses, microorganisms and mosquito species
Funding organisation: Menzies School of Health Research
Northern Australia is at risk from both endemic and exotic arboviruses. Traditional testing for arboviruses in mosquitoes requires knowing exactly what to look for and targeting assays appropriately. However, mosquitoes can provide a lot of information, including other viruses that they carry and their species status. Moreover, mosquitoes can act as flying syringes, taking blood samples from humans and animals they feed upon. These blood samples could potentially be infected with other pathogens (that are not necessarily transmitted by the mosquito). Next Generation Sequencing is a rapidly advancing technology that allows us to obtain information from a sample without any prior knowledge on what is present. We are proposing to use Next Generation Sequencing of mosquito excreta to identify pathogens in mosquitoes collected from locations where different vertebrate groups inhabit including human habitation, bat colonies, grazing cattle herds, kangaroo herds and bird roosts.
Principal researcher: 
Assoc. Prof. Andrew van den Hurk, Public Health Virology, FSS
Collaborators: 
Dr David Warrilow, Public Health Virology, FSS
Dr Alyssa Pyke, Public Health Virology, FSS
Prof. Scott Ritchie, James Cook University
Dr Dagmar Meyer Steiger, James Cook University
Student placement: Ms Ana Ramirez, James Cook University
The role of the domestic mosquito, Aedes notoscriptus, in urban transmission of Ross River virus Funding organisation: Mosquito and Arbovirus Research Committee (MARC)
Human infection with Ross River Virus (RRV) causes a disease syndrome called epidemic polyarthritis. The virus is maintained in a transmission cycle between vertebrate hosts, such as marsupials and mosquitoes. Humans are incidentally infected from this ‘zoonotic’ cycle but can serve as amplifying hosts during outbreaks. As the leading mosquito-borne disease in Australia and repeatedly having the greatest number of notifications, RRV disease causes between 4000-5000 cases annually. The project investigates the role of Ae. notoscriptus in the transmission of RRV in urban areas of southeast Queensland. The research will provide crucial information on whether Ae. notoscriptus should be considered a key vector of RRV in southeast Queensland. This will allow government authorities to make informed decisions on the control of this species to help mitigate future outbreaks.
Principal researcher: 
Assoc. Prof. Andrew van den Hurk, Public Health Virology, FSS
Collaborators: 
Dr Sonja Hall-Mendelin, Public Health Virology, FSS
Jamie McMahon, Public Health Virology, FSS
Dr Cassie Jansen, Communicable Diseases Branch, Queensland Health
Dr Martin Shivas, Brisbane City Council
Assessment of chimeric flaviviruses as diagnostic antigens 
Flaviviruses such as dengue are a major source of arbovirus infection in Queensland. Serological tests to detect infection with flaviviruses are a frequent request for the Public Health Virology (PHV) Laboratory. The PHV Laboratory has both nucleic acid and serological assays for flavivirus diagnostics. In general, antigen for virus serological assays has most often been produced from concentrated preparations of isolates grown in tissue culture. This project assesses whether recombinant chimeric flaviviruses can be used as antigens in a microsphere immunoassay (MIA). A recombinant source of antigen should provide a more reliable source of antigen for the MIA test. Other advantages to using recombinant antigen technology are improved virus production, authentic post-translational modifications and protein folding, and reduced risk to laboratory staff.
Principal researcher: 
Carmel Taylor, Public Health Virology, FSS
Research supervisor: 
Dr David Warrilow, Public Health Virology, FSS
Collaborators: 
Prof Roy Hall, University of Queensland
Dr Jody Hobson-Peters, University of Queensland
Australia’s most wanted: assessment and characterisation of Australia’s leading arthritogenic arboviruses, Ross River virus and Barmah forest virus.
The arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) Ross River virus (RRV) and Barmah Forest virus (BFV) are the leading cause of arbovirus-induced epidemic polyarthiritis in Australia. Among the pathogenic arboviruses causing illness in Australia, RRV causes the highest incidence of disease, resulting in approximately 4000-5000 cases annually. In 2015, Queensland experienced one of the largest RRV outbreaks in history and reported >5300 cases. There is limited knowledge of the genetic diversity and evolution of both RRV and BFV, and very few whole genome sequences exist. In this project, whole genome sequencing (WGS) will first be performed on historical and contemporary isolates of RRV and BFV, which have been recovered from patient samples and mosquitoes collected around Australia. The novel genome sequences generated will then enable in-depth characterisation and molecular evolutionary analysis of RRV and BFV, significantly advancing our knowledge of their diversity and evolution within Australia. The collection of new viral isolates and extraction of viral RNA from a large number of strains will provide essential material for validating diagnostic molecular assays, thereby substantially improving our ability to detect and limit RRV and BFV disease in Queensland.
Principal researcher: 
Dr Alyssa Pyke, Public Health Virology, FSS
Collaborators: 
Assoc. Prof. Andrew van den Hurk, Public Health Virology, FSS
Dr Julian Druce, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity
Dr Leon Caly, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity
Dr Lara Herrero, Griffith University
Mr Eugene Madzokere, Griffith University
Mr Stephen Dogget, NSW Health Pathology
Mr John Hanioitis, NSW Health Pathology
Prof. Roy Hall, University of Queensland
Dr Cheryl Johansen, PathWest Microbiology
Dr Allison Imrie, PathWest Microbiology
Dr Stacey Lynch, La Trobe University
Dr Jenny Robson, Sullivan and Nicolaides Pathology
Dr Robert Gibb, Pathology Queensland
Quantification of Phasi Charoen-like virus (PCLV) in the life span of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.
Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are a major vector of pathogenic arboviruses around the world. Dengue infections alone cause over 90 million symptomatic cases yearly. This vector also occurs in northern Queensland and is responsible for local transmissions of imported dengue viruses. Recently, insect-specific viruses (ISV) have been discovered in mosquitoes and one such ISV is Phasi Charoen-like virus (PCLV) detected in Ae. aegypti mosquitoes. It was found that these non-pathogenic ISVs have various modulating effects on co-infecting pathogenic arboviruses. Hypotheses are that changing density of PCLV throughout mosquito’s life could modulate Dengue virus (DENV) co-infection and/or that varying PCLV loads are carried by different Ae. Aegypti populations. The project seeks to determine the density of PCLV at different life stages of the Ae. aegypti mosquito life cycle including larvae, pupae and adults of varying ages in two different mosquito populations. In the northern Queensland region, Ae. aegypti transmit DENV every summer. It is vital to determine if PCLV plays a role in this transmission cycle where this may also provide a new quantifiable parameter to assess the risk of dengue transmission by different Ae. aegypti populations and potential strategy to manipulate the growth rate to control DENV transmission.
Principal researchers: 
Dr Sonja Hall-Mendelin, Public Health Virology, FSS
Jamie McMahon, Public Health Virology, FSS
Glen Hewitson, Public Health Virology, FSS
Collaborators: 
Prof. Roy A. Hall, University of Queensland
Dr Jody Hobson-Peters, University of Queensland
Establishment of baseline genomic data for long-term surveillance of the efficacy of the Wolbachia-based mosquito control strategy in north Queensland
Release of mosquitos infected with the bacterium Wolbachia offers one of the most promising control strategies for disease caused by dengue, Zika, chikungunya and yellow fever viruses. A critical factor in the success of this strategy is ongoing virus blocking within these mosquitoes. We are in a unique position in Queensland, whereby Wolbachia has been present in the Aedes aegypti populations since release commenced in early 2011. The intention is to sample these mosquito populations and undertake expanded genome sequencing of both Wolbachia and transinfected mosquitoes to identify changes in the Wolbachia and Ae. aegypti genomes through time. Mosquitoes will be sampled from the original release site and including subsequent release locations. This will provide a baseline for comparison with future surveillance and vector competence assessment should resistance to virus suppression occur. As the length of the mosquito life-cycle is an estimate of three weeks, mosquitoes would potentially have undergone up to 50 generations since 2011. The project will enable the development of methods for whole genome sequencing of Wolbachia pipientis obtained from mosquito tissue and develop methods to perform transcriptome sequencing of Wolbachia pipientis and its host mosquito.
Principal researchers: 
Dr David Warrilow, Public Health Virology, FSS
Collaborators: 
Assoc. Prof. Andrew van den Hurk, Public Health Virology, FSS
Dr Bixing Huang, Public Health Virology, FSS
Prof. Scott Ritchie, James Cook University
Prof. Ary Hoffmann, Melbourne University
Rapid generation of synthetic control sera for immunoassays
The Public Health Virology laboratory at FSS provides virus diagnostic services mainly to state public health units. A large proportion of these tests are for serological assays to detect immunological responses to viral infections such as arboviruses. The nature of the work is such that the laboratory performs a large number of low volume tests for unusual and exotic agents. There is often little positive control material available to conduct serological assays, and this presents a quality control and quality assurance issue. We will develop an inexpensive source of synthetic control that can be generated rapidly against emerging viral
infections of public health importance.
Principal researcher: 
Carmel Taylor, Public Health Virology, FSS
Research supervisor: 
Dr David Warrilow, Public Health Virology, FSS
Collaborators: 
Prof. Roy Hall, University of Queensland
Dr Jody Hobson-Peters, University of Queensland
Loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay for invasive mosquito detection
Aedes aegypti is the primary vector of dengue, Zika, yellow fever and chikungunya viruses. Ae. aegypti is currently distributed in northern Queensland where it was responsible for annual dengue outbreaks between 1996 and 2016. The replacement of north Queensland populations with Wolbachia infected Ae. Aegypti appears to have dramatically altered the dynamics of arbovirus transmission leading to a reduction in cases of local transmission. This project will develop isothermal amplification assays (LAMP assays) which can be easily used in the field for the surveillance and control of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitos. These assays will be assessed for sensitivity and specificity in the laboratory, prior to a field evaluation later.
Principal researcher: 
Dr David Warrilow, Public Health Virology, FSS
Collaborators: 
Assoc. Prof. Andrew van den Hurk, Public Health Virology, FSS
Dr Bixing Huang, Public Health Virology, FSS
Publications
•	Bruggink L, Witlox K, Huang B, Warrilow D, Marshall JA. GII.4 Norovirus Recombinant Causes Gastroenteritis Epidemic in Eastern Australia, Winter 2017. Journal of Medical Virology. 2018; 90(6):1168-1171.
•	Colemant AMG, Hall-Mendelin S, Ritchie SA, Bielefeldt-Ohmann H, Harrison JJ, Newton ND, O’Brien CM,
•	Johansen CA, Hobson-Peters J, Hall RA, van den Hurk AF. The recently identified flavivirus Bamaga virus is transmitted horizontally by Culex mosquitoes and interferes with West Nile
•	virus replication in vitro and transmission in vivo. PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases. 2018; 12(10):e0006886.
•	Gubala A, Warrilow D. Many encephalitis cases still a medical mystery. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health. 2018; 42(1):106-107.
•	Hall-Mendelin S, Pyke AT, Moore PR, Ritchie SA, Moore F, van den Hurk AF. Characterization of a western pacific zika virus strain in Australian Aedes aegypti. Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases. 2018; 18(6):317-322.
•	Lun JH, Hewitt J, Sitabkhan A, Eden J-B, Enosi Tuipulotu D, Netzler NE, Morrell L, Merif J, Jones R, Huang B, Warrilow D, Ressler K-A, Ferson MJ, Dwyer DE, Kok J, Rawlinson WD, Deere D, Crosbie ND, White PA. Emerging recombinant noroviruses identified by clinical and waste water screening. Emerging microbes & infections. 2018; 7(1):1-14.
•	Mackenzie JS, van den Hurk AF. The risks to Australia from emerging and exotic arboviruses. Microbiology Australia. 2018; 39(2):84-87.
•	McMahon J, Northill JA, Finger M, Lyon MJ, Lambert SB, Mackay IM. Laboratory methods supporting measles surveillance in Queensland, Australia, 2010-2017. bioRxiv. Published 19 November 2018.
•	McNeale D, Wang CYT, Arden KE, Mackay IM. HPeV-3 predominated among Parechovirus A positive infants during an outbreak in 2013-2014 in Queensland, Australia. Journal of Clinical Virology. 2018; 98:28-32.
•	O’Brien CA, Hall-Mendelin S, Hobson-Peters J, Deliyannis G, Allen A, Lew-Tabor A, Rodriguez-Valle M, Barker D, Barker S, Hall RA. Discovery of a novel iflavirus sequence in the eastern paralysis tick Ixodes holocyclus. Archives of Virology. 2018; 163(9):2451-2457.
•	Prow NA, Mah M, Deerain J, Warrilow D, Colmant AMG, O’Brien CA, Harrison JJ, McLean BJ, Hewlett EK, Piyasena TBH, Hall-Mendelin S, van den Hurk AF, Watterson D, Huang B, Schulz BL, Webb CE, Johansen CA, Chow WK, Hobson-Peters J, Cazier C, Coffey LL, Faddy HM, Suhrbier A, Bielefeldt-Ohmann H, Hall RA. New genotypes of Liao ning virus (LNV) in Australia exhibit an insect-specific phenotype. Journal of General Virology. 2018; 99:596-609.
•	Pyke AT. The origins of dengue outbreaks in northern Queensland, Australia, 1990-2017. Microbiology Australia. 2018; 39(2):93-95.
•	Pyke AT, Gunn W, Taylor CT, Mackay IM, McMahon J, Jelley L, Waite B, May F. On the home front: specialised reference testing for Dengue in the Australasian region. Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease. 2018; 3(3):75.
•	Pyke AT, Moore PR, Hewitson GR, Burtonclay P. First reported complete genome sequence of a Dengue virus serotype 4 strain from Papua New Guinea. Microbiology Resource Announcements. 2018; 7(12):e01082-18.
•	Pyke AT, Cameron J, McMahon J, De Jong A, Burtonclay P. First complete genome sequences of dengue virus serotype 2 strains from the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. Microbiology Resource Announcements. 2018; 8(2):e01360-18.
•	Pyke AT, Moore PR, McMahon J. New insights into chikungunya virus emergence and spread from Southeast Asia. Emerging microbes & infections. 2018; 7(1):26.
•	Ramírez AL, Hall-Mendelin S, Doggett SL, Hewitson GR, McMahon J, Ritchie SA, van den Hurk A. Mosquito excreta: A sample type with many potential applications for the investigation of Ross River virus and West Nile virus ecology. PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases. 2018; 12(8):e0006771.
•	Ramirez AL, van den Hurk AF, Meyer DB, Ritchie SA. Searching for the proverbial needle in a haystack: advances in mosquito-borne arbovirus surveillance. Parasites & Vectors. 2018; 11:320.
•	Ritchie SA, van den Hurk AF, Smout MJ, Staunton KM, Hoffmann A. Mission accomplished? We need a guide to the ‘post release’ world of Wolbachia for Aedes-borne disease control. Trends in Parasitology. 2018; 34(3):217-226.
•	Smith-Vaughan H, Binks M, Beissbarth J, Chang AB, McCallum G, Mackay IM, Morris PS, Marsh R, Torzillo PJ, Wurzel DF, Grimwood K, Nosworthy E, Gaydon JE, Leach AJ,
•	MacHunter B, Chatfield MD, Sloots TP, Cheng AC. Bacteria and viruses in the nasopharynx immediately prior to onset of acute lower respiratory infections in Indigenous Australian children. European journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases. 2018; 37(9):1785-1794.
•	Taylor CT, Mackay IM, McMahon J, Wheatley SL, Moore PR, Finger M, Hewitson GR, Moore F. Detection of specific ZIKV IgM in travelers using a Multiplexed Flavivirus Microsphere Immunoassay. Viruses. 2018; 10(5):253.
•	van den Hurk AF. From incriminating Stegomyia fasciata to releasing Wolbachia pipientis: Australian research on the Dengue virus vector, Aedes aegypti, and development of novel strategies for its surveillance and control. Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease. 2018; 3(3):71.
•	Warrilow D, Huang B, Newton ND, Harrison JJ, Johnson KN, Chow WK, Hall RA, Hobson-Peters J. The taxonomy of an Australian nodavirus isolated from mosquitos. PLoS One. 2018; 13(12):e0210029. 
•	Webb CE, van den Hurk AF. What is Japanese encephalitis virus and how can I avoid it when I travel? The Conversation. 13 November 2018 https://theconversation.com/what-isjapanese- encephalitis-virus-and-how-can-i-avoid-it-when-itravel-
•	106775
•	Zhang Y, Koehler AV, Wang T, Robertson GJ, Bradbury RS, Gasser RB. Enterocytozoon bieneusi genotypes in people with gastrointestinal disorders in Queensland and Western Australia. Infection, genetics and evolution: Journal of Molecular Epidemiology and Evolutionary Genetics in Infectious Diseases. 2018; 65:293-299.
Lectures and presentations
•	Hobson-Peters J, Harrison JJ, Piyasena TBH, Watterson D, Newton ND, Chow WK, Bielefeldt-Ohmann H, McLean BJ, Colmant AMG, Johansen CA, Hall-Mendelin S, van den Hurk AF, Kurucz N, Setoh YX, Taylor C, Webb CE, O’Brien CA, Warrilow D, Khromykh AA, Hall RA. (2018) Commensal flaviviruses of mosquitoes – biodiversity, host restriction and their potential as new tools in research biotechnology. In: 13th Mosquito Control Association of Australia Conference, 2-5 September 2018. Kingscliff, Australia.
•	Ramirez AL, Hall-Mendelin S, Erickson SM, Doggett SL, Hewitson GR, McMahon GL, Meyer DB, Ritchie SA, van den Hurk AF. (2018) Beyond the bathroom: looking for mosquito-borne pathogens in mosquito poo. In: 13th Mosquito Control Association of Australia Conference, 2-5 September 2018. Kingscliff, Australia.
•	van den Hurk AF, Montgomery BL, Ritchie SA. (2018) Past, present and future strategies for control of arbovirus transmission by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. In: Australian Society for Microbiology Annual Scientific Meeting, 1-4 July 2018. Brisbane, Australia.
•	van den Hurk AF, Pyke AT, Ritchie SA, Hall-Mendelin S. (2018) From the front page to yesterday’s news: the status of Australian mosquitoes as Zika virus vectors. In: 13th Mosquito Control Association of Australia Conference, 2-5 September 2018. Kingscliff, Australia.
•	Warrilow D. (2018) The evolution of West Nile virus in Australia. In: Australian Society of Microbiology Clinical Microbiology Special Interest Group, 21 March 2018, Brisbane, Australia. 
•	Warrilow D. (2018) Protecting Australia from future emerging arboviral threats. In: Viruses 17-19 May 2018, Katoomba, Australia.
Radiation and Nuclear Science
The Radiation and Nuclear Sciences team provide science-based solutions to Queensland Government, public and private sector clients.
Our solutions include:
•	Radiation regulatory surveillance monitoring—developing and implementing regulatory programs
•	Radiation incidents—investigating and reporting on radiation incidents
•	Scientific advice—providing advice for intra- and intergovernment agencies, to the private sector and the public
•	Radiation emergency preparedness—participating in and developing plans and programs in the event of radiological incidents
•	Radiation safety and awareness training—developing and delivering training programs
•	Research and development—human and environmental radiation health-focussed research.
Radiation and Nuclear Science is a systems certified public health and research group providing specialised radiation advisory, consultancy and measurement services to support public, occupational and environmental health programs, and research and development activities.
Our qualified health physicists and support staff provide radiation advice, surveys, sample collection and measurement surveys.
Collaborative research and development initiatives are encouraged and promoted. We value research partnerships and aim to work together in research and education to strengthen radiation science and safety outcomes.
Our collaborations include joint research appointments, joint supervision of research students, staff exchange, use of equipment and negotiated arrangements specific to each partner, including joint grant applications, establishments of centres of excellence, and participation in private sector research and development programs.
We are also a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s ALMERA laboratory network, providing our staff access to a global network of radiation experts and peers.
Contact
Email FSS-RadiationScience@health.qld.gov.au
Phone +61 7 3096 2900
Research projects
Radon (NORM) in historical buildings scoping project
Radioactive radon gas and decay progeny inhalation is considered to be the second most important cause of lung cancer by the World Health Organisation. There is no known threshold below which radon exposure carries no risk. Radon is a natural radioactive material that is present in the outside environment, houses, buildings, underground mines and tunnels. It may be also present in groundwater. Radon progeny inhalation is the highest dose delivery vector, and inhalation is related to the radon/thoron concentration in air. Published content recommends that a monitoring program for radon be implemented for public buildings and infrastructure to establish mitigation practices. If elevated radon and thoron gas concentrations in targeted historical buildings in Brisbane are present, or above established concentration guidelines values, then there are potential health exposure implications. Overall, location specific measurements provide an understanding of local radon concentrations that may be experienced in workplaces and can be incorporated into an overarching state-wide program, to minimise health and financial risks.
Research supervisor: 
Dr Ross Kleinschmidt, Radiation and Nuclear Sciences, FSS
Research team: 
Kathy Coles, Radiation and Nuclear Sciences, FSS
Pushpendra Chauhan, Radiation and Nuclear Sciences, FSS
Polonium-210 in Queensland crustaceans, ingestion and environmental doses
Polonium-210 has been shown to be one of the highest contributors to radiological dose in marine organisms, both for human health monitoring from ingestion and to the organism itself. Crustaceans are known as bio-accumulators and have historically been studied for radionuclide accumulation in the worlds’ oceans. Due to bioaccumulation, prawns will be a good indicator of the levels of Polonium-210 in marine food chains off the Queensland coast. Standard techniques for measuring Polonium-210 in prawns may not give a clear picture of potential doses from all modes of consumption nor give an accurate picture of doses to the organism. We seek to determine the distribution and uptake of Polonium-210 in crustaceans using prawns as a reference organism and to provide baseline data for determination of radiological doses to humans from ingestion of seafood and to the environment through bioaccumulation in reference organisms. A database will be collated of the baseline levels of radioactivity in prawns along the Queensland coast, allowing a more complete dose assessment for ingestion of seafood.
Principal researcher: 
Peter Medley, Radiation and Nuclear Sciences, FSS
Research supervisor: 
Dr Ross Kleinschmidt, Radiation and Nuclear Sciences, FSS
Research team: 
Sian Patterson, Radiation and Nuclear Sciences, FSS
Dimitri Nikolakopoulas, Radiation and Nuclear Sciences, FSS
Radiological baseline reconstruction - standard method guideline development
The process and practices in rehabilitation and remediation of legacy sites relies on having baseline readings and/or background radiological conditions prior to commencement of the operation. In many cases, especially for legacy sites this information is not available. Without reliable and accepted baseline/ background information there is no way of gauging the success of rehabilitation or remedial actions. Reconstruction of baseline/ background conditions is a process where various historical radiation exposure pathways are assessed using modern techniques, including examination of records, site history, examination of similar areas and scientific analysis of data gathered from soil and sediment records. There is no generally accepted standard methodology to undertake a reconstruction program, and therefore the opportunity for a wide range of quality issues associated with a safety approach to the process is possible. Developing a standardised methodology for reconstruction of radiological baseline conditions at locations impacted by anthropogenic activities will assist stakeholders and regulators in gaining access to critical rehabilitation and remediation information required to ensure that land is ultimately safe for both human and non-human occupation and environmental sustainability.
Principal researcher: 
Dr Ross Kleinschmidt, Radiation and Nuclear Sciences, FSS
Research team: 
Drew Watson, Radiation and Nuclear Sciences, FSS
Peter Medley, Radiation and Nuclear Sciences, FSS
Pushpendra Chauhan, Radiation and Nuclear Sciences, FSS
Kathy Coles, Radiation and Nuclear Sciences, FSS
Separation of Po-210 and Pb-210 with SR resin
The current method used for radiochemical separation of Pb-210 and Po-210 using SR-90 resin is a time-consuming method requiring very high volumes of strong acids to facilitate separation. This method is based on an International Atomic Energy Agency method and was implemented due to the ease of use and relative safety of the SR-90 resin compared to more traditional organic solvent-based extraction methods for isotopes. Our laboratory has highlighted a method that is less time-consuming and limiting use of chemical reagents. Higher chemical recoveries for both isotopes has also been reported. Validation and verification of the method for application within FSS would require assessing the performance of the methods with an alternative sample pre-concentration technique. The method complements many of Radiation and Nuclear Sciences research projects that involve the measurement of these isotopes for baseline radiological dose assessment from foods in Queensland.
Principal researcher: 
Peter Medley, Radiation and Nuclear Sciences, FSS
Research supervisor: 
Dr Ross Kleinschmidt, Radiation and Nuclear Sciences, FSS
Research team: 
Sian Patterson, Radiation and Nuclear Sciences, FSS
Dimitri Nikolakopoulos, Radiation and Nuclear Sciences, FSS
Deposition of actinides via lanthanide hydroxide deposition
Recent developments in micro-precipitation techniques for the preparation of sources for alpha spectrometry show the potential for significant improvements in the speed and reliability of these techniques over current, more traditional, electrodeposition techniques. We seek to develop rapid methods for the preparation of sources for alpha spectrometry using lanthanide hydroxide precipitation techniques. Application of the micro-precipitation techniques in Radiation and Nuclear Sciences will expand it capabilities in techniques for analysing a majority of the most relevant naturally-occurring radionuclides from a radiological dose perspective. This includes actinium-227 (227Ac) which is currently understudied globally. 
Principal researcher: 
Peter Medley, Radiation and Nuclear Sciences, FSS
Research supervisor: 
Dr Ross Kleinschmidt, Radiation and Nuclear Sciences, FSS
Research team: 
Sian Patterson, Radiation and Nuclear Sciences, FSS
Dimitri Nikolakopoulas, Radiation and Nuclear Sciences, FSS
Publications
•	Doering C, Medley P, Orr B, Urban D. Tissue to whole organism conversion factors derived from an Australian tropical dataset. Journal of Environmental Radioactivity. 2018; 189:31-39.
•	Kleinschmidt R, Watson DM, Janik M, Gillmore G. The presence and dosimetry of radon and thoron in a historical, underground metalliferous mine. Journal of Sustainable Mining. 2018; 17(3):120-130. Medley P, Tims S, Froehlich MB, Fifield LK, Bollhöfer A,
•	Wallner A, Pavetich S. Development of 231Pa AMS measurements to improve radiological dose assessment from uranium mining and milling. Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research, Section B: Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms [in press].
Lectures and presentations
•	Medley P, Patterson S. (2018) Naturally occurring radionuclide analysis of prawns in Queensland and assessment of radiation dose [Poster]. In: 15th South Pacific Environmental Radioactivity Association Conference, November 2018, Perth, Australia.
•	Medley P, Tims SG, Froehlich MB, Bollhoefer AF. (2018) Separation of Ac using DGA resin and source preparation for alpha spectrometry via micro-precipitation without hydrofluoric acid. In: SPERA Conference 2018 : Bringing environmental radioactivity research to Western Australia, 6-9 November 2018, Perth, Australia 
•	Medley P, Tims SG, Froehlich MB, Fifield LK, Bollhofer A, Wallner A, Pavetich S. (2018) Filling the gaps in radiological dose assessment from natural radioactivity: Development of 231Pa AMS measurements with the 14UD at ANU. In: Heavy Ion Accelerator Symposium on Fundamental and Applied Science 2018, 19-21 November 2018, Canberra, Australia.
•	Patterson S, Medley P. (2018) Naturally occurring radionuclide analysis of prawns in Queensland, and assessment of radiation dose. In: SPERA Conference 2018 : Bringing environmental radioactivity research to Western Australia, 6-9 November 2018, Perth, Australia. 
•	Watson D, Kleinschmidt R. (2018) Passive Radon, Thoron and Thoron Progeny Measurements throughout a Historical Mine. In: 15th South Pacific Environmental Radioactivity Association Conference, November 2018, Perth, Australia.
•	Watson D, Coles K. (2018) Portable XRF dosimetry In: Australasian Radiation Protection Society (Queensland Branch Meeting), Brisbane, Australia

Police services
Our teams provide services to justice and police, and we are at the forefront of forensic science research and emerging trends.
We identify trends and market influences which support the development of analytical methods, prevention strategies, policies and legislation that inform training and professional practices.
Our research supports the medico-legal, justice and police, coronial and health industries and ensures the continued safety of Queenslanders.
We have access to a wide range of analytical techniques not readily available to other forensic facilities due to our co-location with public health sciences including isotope ratio mass spectrometry, ICPMS, Ion chromatography and x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy.
Key research priorities include:
•	forensic DNA analysis
•	chemical criminalistics, including physical materials and evidence analysis using IRMS
•	illicit drugs production, identification and detection
•	novel psychoactive substances.
Police Services is comprised of two work units – Forensic DNA Analysis and Forensic Chemistry. The work units provide forensic analysis of items received from across the state, impartial expert evidence in all levels of the judicial system, assistance with missing persons and victims of disasters, training and advice to the Queensland Police Service, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Office of the State Coroner. The work units are accredited under the National Association of Testing Authorities.
Examinations and laboratory testing is performed under strict, quality-controlled conditions by qualified and professional personnel.
Forensic Chemistry
We provide forensic chemistry testing, evidence examination and reporting, oil spill comparisons and illicit drug analysis.
We also perform commercial testing for councils, commercial cleaning companies, landlords and real estate agents.
We provide services to a variety of government agencies including the Queensland Police Service, the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, Australia Border Force, Maritime Safety Queensland, the Australian Federal Police, and Queensland Health (environmental health officers).
Our highly skilled scientists are frequently engaged as expert witnesses, providing expert advice in all levels of court across Queensland.
Contact
Email FSS@health.qld.gov.au 
Phone 1800 000 377
Forensic DNA Analysis
Forensic DNA profiling and examinations are performed under strict, quality-controlled conditions by qualified and professional personnel.
Our services to the Queensland Police Service include:
•	assisting with missing persons cases and victims of disaster incidents
•	analysing and profiling 30,000 forensic DNA samples annually from alleged criminal investigations
•	examining and testing biological items from alleged crime scenes to generate a DNA profile
•	maintaining the reference sample database of persons associated with alleged offences.
We also provide training and advice to the Queensland Police Service, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Coroners Court of Queensland, as well as impartial expert evidence in all levels of the judicial system.
Contact
Email FSS@health.qld.gov.au
Phone 1800 000 377
Research projects
The modified Neber rearrangement in the synthesis of cathinones and amphetamines 
Clandestine manufacture of illicit drugs is an ongoing problem in Australia. As more and more precursor chemicals are becoming restricted so-called ‘drug cooks’ are constantly on the lookout for new synthetic procedures to exploit to avoid detection.
The compounds synthesised during this project will be analysed initially by Gas Chromatography and Infrared Spectroscopy. This will enhance the compound libraries of these instruments. The information obtained from this project will serve to educate Queensland legislative and law enforcement agencies on this illicit drug manufacturing route and its capabilities.
Principal researcher: 
Dr Urs Wermuth, Forensic Chemistry, FSS
Collaborators: 
Cohan Huxley, Griffith University
Assoc. Prof. Sarah Cresswell, Griffith University
Dr Sue Boyd, Griffith University
Assoc. Prof. Mark Coster, Griffith University
Identification and instrumental analysis of non-schedule Nootropics and GABAergic supplements 
Nootropics and GABAergic supplements are now available online. These products claim to promote better cognitive ability but are often failed clinical trial candidates or existing overseas medications. That they are not scheduled under Australian legislation gives an impression to the Australian consumer that they are safe, however there have been several examples of serious adverse outcomes after consumption. The project seeks to expand the analytical capability of the Forensic Chemistry laboratory at FSS to detect new, Nootropics and GABAergic materials. An improved understanding of the types of products available, their purity and consistency of labelling, and the ability to rapidly identify them in a laboratory screen would be very beneficial.
Principal researcher: 
Vicky Cusack, Forensic Chemistry, FSS
Research supervisor: 
Jenny McGowan, Forensic Chemistry, FSS
Collaborators: 
Sue Boyd, Griffith University
Student placement: Caitlin Keller, Griffith University
Investigation of I-methylamphetamine (I-MA) detections
It has been assumed that nearly all l-methylamphetamine (l-MA) present on the Queensland drug market was the potent d-isomer produced mainly from the conversion of pseudoephedrine as this has become a popular predominant production method encountered by Clandestine Laboratories group. With reports of increased importations of I-MA, the Illicit Drug group has intermittently tested for the presence of the less potent l-MA in large exhibits and covert drug buys conducted by the Queensland Police Service. A previous research project was conducted by FSS using Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS) to assess the similarities and differences between l-MA seizures from around Queensland. The data will be compared with data collected from federal border seizures and international studies to determine probable starting materials and production methods. Characterising and gaining knowledge on the production and possible source of newly encountered l-MA provides information to governing authorities such as QPS, Crime and Corruption Commission and Australian Federal Police investigators directing resources towards new production and importation methods. Identifying new manufacturing techniques allows QPS to recognise clandestine drug laboratories and efficiently manage exhibits at the scene.
Principal researcher: 
Simon Collett, Forensic Chemistry, FSS
Research team: 
Dr Jim Carter, Organic Chemistry, FSS
Helen Eldridge, Forensic Chemistry, FSS
Publications
•	Been F, O’Brien JW, Lai FY, Morelato M, Vallely P, McGowan J, van Nuijs ALN, Covaci A, Mueller JF. Analysis of N,N-Dimethylamphetamine in Wastewater – A Pyrolysis Marker and Synthesis Impurity of Methamphetamine. Drug Testing and Analysis. 2018; 10(10):1590-1598.
•	Bruno R, Edirisinghe M, Hall W, Mueller JF, Lai FY, O’Brien JW, Thai PK. Association between purity of drug seizures and illicit drug loads measured in wastewater in a South-East Queensland catchment over a six-year period. Science of the Total Environment. 2018; 635:779-783.
•	Gao J, Xu Z, Li X, O’Brien JW, Culshaw PN, Thomas KV, Tscharke BJ, Mueller JF, Thai PK. Enantiomeric profiling of amphetamine and methamphetamine in wastewater: A 7-year study in regional and urban Queensland, Australia. Science of the Total Environment. 2018; 653:827-834.
•	Hood S, Peter T, Blanksby SJ, Marshall DL. Forensic analysis of water-based lubricants using liquid extraction surface analysis high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry. Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry. 2018; 32(18):1629-1636.
•	Nienaber LM, Cresswell SL, Carter JF, Peter T. A comparison of plastic cable ties based on physical, chemical and stable isotopic measurements. Science & Justice. 2018; 58(1):67-75. 
Lectures and presentations
•	Allen C. (2018) Insight into the evolution of forensic practice in Queensland. In: ANZFSS 24th International Symposium: Forensic Science Without Borders, 9-13 September 2018, Perth, Australia.
•	Cotton M. (2018) Evolving methods for the manufacture of 3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) from Helonial. In: NSW Clandestine Laboratory Interagency Workshop.
•	Croft S, Peter T, Blanksby S, Marshall D. (2018) Forensic analysis of water-based lubricants using liquid extraction surface analysis (LESA) high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry [Poster]. In: ANZFSS 24th International Symposium: Forensic Science Without Borders, 9-13 September 2018, Perth, Australia.
•	Currie T, Cotton M. (2018) Novel method for the manufacture of 3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) from Helional. In: CLIC 27th Annual Technical Training Seminar, Louisville, USA. 
•	Currie T, Cotton M. (2018) 3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) synthesis: ‘Twodogs’ method [workshop]. In: CLIC 27th Annual Technical Training Seminar, Louisville, USA.
•	Davis S. (2018) A novel synthesis of MDP2P from Helional. In: CLIC 27th Annual Technical Training Seminar, Louisville, USA.
•	Davis S. (2018) Manufacture of MDA from Helonial. In: ANZPAA-NIFS National Clandestine Laboratory Training Course.
•	Eldridge H. (2018) Management of the ‘one-pot’ method. In: ANZPAA-NIFS National Clandestine Laboratory Training Course.
•	Williams IR, Schulze A, Atkinson S. (2018) Emerging High Potency Compounds in Queensland. In: ANZFSS 24th International Symposium: Forensic Science Without Borders, 9-13 September 2018, Perth, Australia.
•	Schulze A, Boyd SE, Blakey K. (2018) Characterization of two novel synthetic cannabinoid type compounds CUMYL CYBCZCA and 5-FLUORO AB-P7AICA In: ANZFSS 24th International Symposium: Forensic Science Without Borders, 9-13 September 2018, Perth, Australia

Coronial Services
Our Forensic Pathology and Forensic Toxicology teams work closely with the State Coroner, coronial staff, other coroners and police officers to provide coronial services in Queensland.
We are supported by mortuary and administration teams, and other specialists who provide medical services such as histology, forensic dentistry, neuropathology, disaster victim identification and post-mortem CT-scanning services.
We can provide advice on mortuary practices and the operation of anatomy schools and propose amendments to medico-legal legislation.
Contact
Email FSS@health.qld.gov.au
Phone 1800 000 377
Forensic Toxicology
Our laboratory provides analysis, detection, identification, measurement and interpretation of drug, alcohol, poisons and other substances in human samples.
The laboratory analyses blood, urine and other biological specimens to confirm or eliminate the possibility that these substances may have contributed to an accident or death, impairment of behaviour or a criminal offence.
Our services include:
•	performing expedited analysis in coronial cases where an obvious drug overdose is indicated
•	analysing blood samples provided by the Queensland Police Service (QPS) under the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995
•	analysing blood and urine samples of alleged perpetrators and victims of crime
•	performing workplace drug testing 
•	preparing certified reference materials for the QPS breath analysis unit
•	providing expert opinion and advice on issues relating to forensic toxicology
•	supporting clients throughout Queensland including the Coroners Court of Queensland and the Queensland Police Service.
Lectures and presentations
Griffiths A, Edser A, Scuderi G, Hadley LM. (2018) A Cautionary Tale : Synthetic Cannabinoid Metabolites Can Potentially Cause Misidentifications During Targeted LC/MS/MS Analysis. In: TIAFT2018, 26-30 August 2018, Ghent, Belgium.
Forensic Pathology
We provide specialist forensic services and expert advice to the Queensland Police Service and the Coroner’s Court of Queensland.
We also provide services such as disaster victim identification, anthropology and forensic dentistry. We provide advice on mortuary practices, posthumous sperm donation, proposed amendment to medico-legal legislation and inspections of anatomy schools.
Our services include:
•	conducting autopsies and examinations ordered by coroners
•	providing specialist forensic medical services such as histology, neuropathology and post-mortem CT scanning
•	facilitating the issue of cause of death certificates in non-suspicious natural deaths
•	providing expert opinions about causes and circumstances of death
•	interpreting autopsy test results, including alcohol, drugs and poisons
•	providing court evidence in inquests and trials and advice to prosecuting and defence counsel
•	advising and supporting families bereaved by deaths reported to coroners
•	training of medical specialists in forensic pathology accredited by the Royal College of Pathologists Australasia.
Publications
•	Phillips B, Ong BB. ‘Was the infant born alive?’ A review of postmortem techniques used to determine live birth in cases of suspected neonaticide. Academic forensic pathology. 2018; 8(4):874-893.
•	Reynolds MS, MacGregor DM, Alston-Knox CL, Meredith M, Barry MD, Schmutz B, Gregory LS. Bayesian modeling predicts age and sex are not required for accurate stature estimation from femoral length. Forensic Science International. 2018; 289:451-452.
•	Rutty G, Alminyah A, Apostol M, Boel LWT, Brough A, Bouwer H, O’Donnell C, Fujimoto H, Iino M, Kroll J, Lee CT, Levey DS, Makino Y, Oesterhelweg L, Ong BB, Ranson D, Robinson C, Singh MKC, Villa C, Viner M, Woodford N, Watkins T, Wozniak K. Positional statement: radiology disaster victim identification reporting forms positional statement of the members of the Disaster Victim Identification working group of the International Society of Forensic Radiology and Imaging. Journal of Forensic Radiology and Imaging. 2018; 15:4-7.
•	Pretorius NE, Power A, Tennant M, Forrest A, Cozzolino D. (2018). The use of vibrational spectroscopy in the geographic characterization of human teeth: a systematic review. Applied Spectroscopy Reviews.
Lectures and presentations
•	Pretorius NE, Power A, Forrest A, Tennant M. (2018) Can vibrational spectroscopy potentially facilitate the generation of geographically specific dental ‘fingerprints’? Poster presented at the Australian and New Zealand In: Association of Clinical Anatomists (ANZACA), 2-5 December 2018, Townsville, Australia. 

Clinical Forensic Medicine
The Clinical Forensic Medicine unit provides medico-legal services for Queensland.
Our service operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Our medical staff are utilised by the Queensland Police Service, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Coroners Court of Queensland.
Our scope includes:
•	examining victims and alleged perpetrators in criminal investigations at the request of the Queensland Police Service
•	medicolegal reporting and statement writing for criminal matters including:
o	documenting and interpreting injuries of victims of crime and alleged offenders
o	interpreting toxicology reports
o	assessing clinical effects and toxicology of alcohol and drugs
o	performing traffic medicine assessments (fitness to drive, drugs and driving, medical conditions and driving)
o	assessing medical fitness to appear in court or at an interview
•	medicolegal reporting and statement writing for the Coroners Court of Queensland including:
o	reviewing healthcare-related deaths
o	preparing reports for complex death investigations
o	interpreting post-mortem toxicology results
o	providing expert evidence to the courts
o	providing healthcare advice to Queensland Police Service watch houses.
Publications
Lincoln CA. Sexual assault: forensic examination in the living and deceased. Academic forensic pathology. 2018; 8(4):912-923.
MacCormick NA. To mandate or not to mandate: a review of mandatory reporting of suspected child abuse and neglect. Journal of Law and Medicine. 2018; 26(2).
Contact
Email CFMU@health.qld.gov.au 
Phone +61 7 3405 5755

Partners
In 2018 FSS has collaborated on research with the following organisations and groups:
Asia Pacific Food Analysis Network (APFAN)
Australia New Zealand Policing Advisory Agency
Australia Society of Microbiology
Australian Border Force
Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission
Australian Federal Police (AFP)
Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University
Australian National University
Australian National Algae Culture collection, CSIRO
Australian Rivers Institute Griffith University
Biosecurity Queensland, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Queensland (DAF)
Brisbane City Council
Centre for Clinical Research, University of Queensland
Children’s Hospital Foundation Queensland
Crime and Corruption Commission
Department of Environment and Science
Doherty Institute (University of Melbourne and The Royal Melbourne Hospital)
Griffith University
International Atomic Energy Agency
International Leptospirosis Society
La Trobe University
Legal Aid
Maritime Safety Queensland
Massey University New Zealand
Melbourne University
Menzies school of health research
Metro South Public Health unit
Mosquito and Arbovirus Research Committee (MARC)
National Health and Medical Research Council
National Institute of Forensic Sciences
New South Wales Food Authority
New South Wales Health Pathology
Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions
Office of the State Coroner
Pathology Queensland
PathWest Microbiology
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, University of Queensland
Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, University of Queensland
Queensland Courts
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES)
Queensland Health
Queensland Health, Communicable Disease Unit
Queensland Police Service (QPS)
Queensland University of Technology
Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia
South Pacific Environmental Radioactivity Association
Sullivan and Nicolaides Pathology
The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity
The Prince Charles Hospital
University of Melbourne
University of Queensland
World Health Organization

Published by the State of Queensland (Queensland Health), January 2020
This document is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia licence.
To view a copy of this licence, visit creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/au
© State of Queensland (Queensland Health) 2019
You are free to copy, communicate and adapt the work, as long as you attribute
the State of Queensland (Queensland Health).
For more information contact:
Forensic and Scientific Services
Research and Development Unit
Queensland Health
PO Box 594
Archerfield QLD 4108
Email FSS_Research@health.qld.gov.au
Phone +61 7 3096 2625
An electronic version of this document is available at www.health.qld.gov.au/healthsupport
Disclaimer:
The content presented in this publication is distributed by the Queensland Government as an information source only. The State of Queensland makes no statements, representations or warranties about the accuracy, completeness or reliability of any information contained in this publication. The State of Queensland disclaims all responsibility and all liability (including without limitation for liability in negligence) for all expenses, losses, damages and costs you might incur as a result of the information being inaccurate or incomplete in any way, and for any reason reliance was placed on such information. 
Forensic and Scientific Services Annual research report 2018