Projets novateurs réalisés

Functional and structural characterization of clinically relevant amyloid fibrils

Irreversible, progressive, and incurable neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) or Parkinson’s disease (PD), constitute severe challenges for the modern and, in particular, for the healthcare system. Recent reports suggest that worldwide >50 Mio. people and >10 Mio. people are living with AD or PD, respectively. Both diseases are related to protein misfolding and aggregation towards elongated and helical amyloid fibrils. However, although amyloid fibrils are considered pathological hallmarks for AD and PD, the mechanisms of how such fibrils hamper normal cellular function are largely unknown.

The long-term objective is to shed light on the molecular basis of neurodegenerative diseases, in particular AD and PD. Therefore, we integratively combine high-resolution structure determination of clinically relevant amyloid fibrils with modern biochemical in vitro and in vivo characterization. Our approach may elevate the understanding of the pathologic mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases, which is essential to promote the rational search for novel, innovative drugs.

Cross-frequency coupling in organoids

By growing stem cells in the right conditions, we are able to create miniature brain tissue structures called organoids. These organoids have many properties that make them similar to adult brains, which makes them a valuable tool to study how brain tissues might be affected by drugs, or how brain diseases like epilepsy can occur. One method that doctors currently use to choose which drugs to give to an epileptic patient is to examine the electrical activity of an epileptic brain for the kinds of rhythms that are present and to test different anticonvulsants over time to find one that works. Our project aims to measure the electrical activity of organoids for the same kinds of rhythms that might be present in an epileptic brain, to see if these same rhythms can exist in organoids. In order to make sure we mimic what happens in epilepsy, we can add a chemical convulsant to stimulate epilepsy-like behavior from the organoids.

In vitro effects of high irradiance delivered by laser and polywave light-curing units on the simulated pulp temperature rise and mechanical properties of bulk-fill resin composites

Dental light-curing units (LCUs) are used every day in most dental offices. If this LCU is misused, this dental work can fail prematurely causing pain, post-operative sensitivity, pulpal death, and economic hardship. In Canada, dental curing lights are Class 1 medical devices, and Health Canada does not test dental curing lights before they are used on patients. However, LCUs can easily cause soft tissue burns or retinal damage if used incorrectly. In the past 15 years, dental LCUs have become more and more powerful and offer shorter and shorter curing times (previous curing times were 60 s, now they are as short as 1 s), but the success of such short exposure times is questionable.
There is no information published on this recently introduced Monet laser LCU, only manufacturer’s claims. This project will evaluate if the light emitted from the Monet laser-based LCU can effectively cure plastic-like restorative materials (resin composites) without causing any risk due to the heat. Extracted molars with deep cavities will be connected to a device that simulates pulpal fluid flow inside the tooth.

IC prototype for decorative fingernail-attachable flexible e-ink display communicating using NFC

AIM Colours is looking to revolutionize self-expression by combining cosmetics with technology through the creation of eCosmetics. We envision eCosmetic applications as devices that can be continuously colour-manipulated from any mobile device, creating a world where anyone can be empowered by make-up instantaneously. This project requires the seamless integration of engineering and science to ensure the development of the decorative wearable electronics field. The purpose of this project is to develop the physical prototype for the ePolish. ePolish are technology-enabled press-on nails that allow users to interact with the appearance of their nails directly from their smartphones. This revolutionary version of nail polish will allow users to save time and avoid chronic exposure to chemical solvents.

Multiscale Bat Habitat Selection and population trends at Maternity Colonies and Hibernacula in Southwestern Quebec

Bats are fascinating animals that provide many ecological services by regulating insect populations. They can eat about 600 insect per hour! Since the introduction of white-nose syndrome in 2006, bat populations in North America have become increasingly threatened. This fungal disease has caused dramatic decreases in many bat populations. Without a cure for white-nose syndrome, the protection of bats and their habitat might be the best way we can help them. However, since bats are small and nocturnal, their preferred habitats are understudied. In partnership with the Kenauk Institute, we will create a portrait of bats habitat selection at summer roosts and at winter hibernacula in Quebec. We will use citizen science data to collate information on bat population trends and map known maternity roosts and hibernacula to study the landscape surrounding them. The result will help us understand where and which species of bats live on the Kenauk Reserve and what habitat we should protect to help them. It will help land managers like the Kenauk Institute to take informed decision when managing land with known bat presence.

Neuroinflammation in Huntington’s Disease

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a genetic neurodegenerative disease characterized by cognitive, motor, and psychiatric disturbance ending in death 15 to 20 years after the onset of the first symptoms. The genetic predictability of HD makes it potentially the most tractable of the neurodegenerative diseases for early intervention, with the optimum time for the introduction of disease-modifying therapies being before the onset of symptoms. Despite discovering the underlying genetic mutation more than 20 years ago, treatment remains focused on symptomatic management. Given the devastating emotional costs of this disorder and the significant financial burden, these individuals impose upon society, developing a treatment regime for HD is a recognized priority. To treat a disease, it is necessary to understand the mechanisms behind the symptoms. So, in this project, we will investigate the role of inflammation in HD neuropathology.

Financial Analysis of Digital Assets: Inter-relationship with traditional assets and improving digit asset modeling over traditional financial assets

In May 2021, the total market capitalization of digital assets such as cryptocurrencies and Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) exceeded $2.4 Trillion (USD), tripling in the past 3 years. Yet, digital assets are widely misunderstood even by experienced investors, primarily because the technologies empowering digital assets are new and are rapidly evolving. Hence, scientific approach to understanding digital assets is necessary, given their increasingly significant role in financial markets. The primary goals of this project are (a) to help bridge the gap between the analysis of traditional financial market and the rapidly evolving world of digital assets; (b) to create tangible and intangible measures of value for digital tokens; and (c) to examine and analyze the data transparency provided by blockchain-ledgers that can improve digital asset modeling over traditional order-books.

Utilisation d’un système d’aide à la décision pour soutenir les politiques décisionnelles de pilotes experts

Le développement de modèles sur le comportement humain est extrêmement complexe en raison, entre autres, de la difficulté à exprimer certaines connaissances acquises par l’expérience. Cognitive Shadow est un outil capable de capturer ces connaissances pour élaborer des modèles à travers de l’observation de la prise de décision des experts sans avoir à exprimer leurs connaissances. Cet outil peut ensuite être utilisé pour prévenir les utilisateurs d’écarts par rapport aux modèles et leur suggérer une alternative en leur donnant la possibilité de réévaluer la décision. Dans la recherche d’une augmentation de la sécurité du transport aérien et de l’adaptation de l’industrie aux défis de l’avenir, cette étude vise à développer des modèles du processus de prise de décisions des pilotes et des facteurs qui les influencent et à évaluer l’impact de l’introduction de cet outil dans la cabine.

Regulating Geothermal Energy in Alberta

In Alberta geothermal resources exist that companies want to exploit for power and direct heat. Currently, there is no licensing and permitting process that allows these companies to exploit the existing geothermal resources. The aim of this project is to explore means through which legislative amendments or new legislation could facilitate and enable a licensing/permitting the process (Thus, allowing the industry to develop). Prior to making any conclusions about suggested legislative changes the aim is to first look at the overall context existing in Alberta i.e. where the resource is, the quality of the resource and the technology that can be used to make use of the resource

Analysis of proteome dynamics in single cell reprogramming proceeds – Year two

The ability to revert human cells back into a stem cell state, and then reprogram them into new cell fates has unlocked promise for future regenerative therapies. However, we still do not fully understand this reprogramming process and the interaction of proteins that make this happen. Mass spectrometry (or MS; a common technique to study molecules using a mass-to-charge ratio) may allow us to identify these unknowns but would require the collection of a large number of cells undergoing identical stages of reprogramming – a feat that is not experimentally practical or feasible. Additionally, these analyses can only be performed on the collection of cells as a whole, thereby identifying average characteristics, rather than studying each cell individually. To address these challenges, we have developed a cutting-edge platform called DISCO (Digital microfluidic Isolation of Single Cells for -Omics) that permits us to perform single-cell analysis on the proteins within a cell. In this project, we will partner with SCIEX, an Ontario-based leader in MS technology solutions, to further develop the technological capabilities of single-cell analysis.

Analysis of proteome dynamics in single cell reprogramming proceeds

The ability to revert human cells back into a stem cell state, and then reprogram them into new cell fates has unlocked promise for future regenerative therapies. However, we still do not fully understand this reprogramming process and the interaction of proteins that make this happen. Mass spectrometry (or MS; a common technique to study molecules using a mass-to-charge ratio) may allow us to identify these unknowns but would require the collection of a large number of cells undergoing identical stages of reprogramming – a feat that is not experimentally practical or feasible. Additionally, these analyses can only be performed on the collection of cells as a whole, thereby identifying average characteristics, rather than studying each cell individually. To address these challenges, we have developed a cutting-edge platform called DISCO (Digital microfluidic Isolation of Single Cells for -Omics) that permits us to perform single-cell analysis on the proteins within a cell. In this project, we will partner with SCIEX, an Ontario-based leader in MS technology solutions, to further develop the technological capabilities of single-cell analysis.

AI Shading – An energy efficient Smart Blind technology

Increased energy consumption across the world for heating and cooling indoor living spaces has been a major contributor to global greenhouse gas production. As per 2015 statistics, buildings account for 76% of global electricity consumption and approx. 35% of that energy consumption is for air conditioning, heating, and ventilation. To combat climate change it is imperative to reduce our power consumption. To address this problem we are collaborating with 26 Celsius to build an automatic smart blind technology trademarked “AI Shading” capable of autonomously deciding when to open and close the blinds to promote maximum energy efficiency. AI Shading has the potential to cut down energy consumption for ventilation and air conditioning significantly during the peak energy demand times using the position of the sun, outside temperature, elevation of the window from the ground to decide when to open and close the blinds to keep the house warm or cool.