Projets novateurs réalisés

Investigating the effects of ?-adrenergic stimulation on IKs channel trafficking in cardiac myocytes using total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy

Cardiac arrhythmia is an electrical disturbance in the heart which can cause a variety of potentially life threatening conditions. Arrhythmias are due to malfunctions in the protein channels, which in turn alter the bioelectric currents signaling each heartbeat. A key channel responsible for terminating the electrical signal is the voltage gated potassium channel, IKs. During an adrenaline spike associated with the fight or flight response, there is an increase in IKs activity although the mechanism is not well understood. The aim of this project is to examine how IKs channels are redistributed at the cell surface during stimulation. This will be achieved using a combination of electrophysiology and advanced microscopy techniques. These findings will give new insight into the mechanisms that regulate the channel and ultimately cardiac function. This information will aid in designing better pharmaceuticals to restore and maintain healthy electrical activity in the heart.

Comparative Analysis of Unregulated Drug Supply Trends and Drug Checking Strategies in British Columbia and France

The ongoing illicit drug poisoning crisis in Canada has resulted in over 40,000 deaths since 2016, with British Columbia being the province hardest hit. The crisis is largely driven by the presence of potent fentanyl analogues in unregulated drugs, leading to this significant rise in overdose deaths. In contrast, Europe, including France, has not experienced a similar increase in fentanyl-related deaths, though concerns are growing due to recent cases involving synthetic opioids and other new substances. To address this crisis, harm reduction services like drug checking, which allows people to identify the chemical composition of their drugs, have been implemented in both regions. This proposal aims to explore the effectiveness of drug checking services in BC and France, focusing on the factors influencing their use, emerging trends in unregulated drug supplies, and their impact on reducing drug-related harms.

L2M – Innovative Brain Implantable Device for the Treatment of Brain Aneurysms

Brain aneurysms are blisters on brain arteries caused by high blood pressure and smoking. Every 18 minutes, a brain aneurysm ruptures, leading to 1,370 deaths a day worldwide. This project seeks to develop an innovative brain implantable device to treat brain aneurysms through prototyping, lab validation, and customer discovery and feedback. The partner organization supports this project by advancing inclusive innovation and helping to address global public health challenges. The investment enables the development of transformative healthcare solutions that align with its mission of fostering innovation while contributing to broader societal benefits and advancing medical technology in Alberta.

Examining the influence of PAS-induced LTP delivered over the visual cortex and cerebellum on motor performance and functional connectivity post stroke.

Learning a motor task is dependent on many cortical regions. As a skill is learned, changes take place within the circuitry of the brain to optimize efficiency of the movement execution. Following stroke, motor deficits in the upper extremity are common, emphasizing the need for intact skill learning to reacquire motor function. Advancements in rehabilitation techniques are needed to optimize recovery; cortical stimulation may serve to augment recovery when combined with behavioural intervention. The cerebellum, which stores and adapts motor programs, and the visual cortex, which transfers visual information to guide movement are potential target regions for such stimulation. Stimulation, in concert with motor cortex stimulation, provides a novel technique to potentially improve the integration of sensory information to improve motor performance. The current project will investigate whether, as we hypothesize, the influence of stimulation in individuals with stroke will positively change the brain and lead to functional improvement.

L2M – Reusable immunoassays for biomolecule detection and diagnostics

ELISAs are one of the most utilized immunoassays for rapid disease diagnostics, disease surveillance, biomarker quantification, food inspection, and food analysis. Since the invention of ELISAs over 50 years ago, they have been restricted to single-use disposable test kits. Invention of reusable ELISAs is a potentially market-disrupting advancement that requires market validation. The Lab2Market Validate program will allow for challenges to product commercialization to be addressed by speaking to users and manufacturers of ELISAs. Insights from the Lab2Market Validate program will guide the strategic direction of how to move novel reusable ELISA technologies to market.

L2M – Solar-Driven Hydrogen Production and Value-Added Products from Glycerol Using Photocatalysis

This work focuses on solar-driven hydrogen production and the valorization of glycerol into value-added chemicals using advanced photocatalysis techniques. By combining renewable energy with glycerol waste management, this research addresses two critical challenges: reducing greenhouse gas emissions through clean hydrogen production and creating a sustainable, circular economy by converting biodiesel byproducts into useful chemicals.

There are several key areas of focus:

Photocatalyst development to enhance the efficiency of solar-driven reactions, boosting hydrogen yields.
The application of solar energy to power chemical transformations, which is a crucial step toward green, sustainable energy solutions.
Hydrogen production and storage as a clean energy carrier, helping to decarbonize energy systems.
Glycerol valorization, where waste glycerol from biodiesel production is repurposed into valuable chemicals, thus reducing waste and generating new economic opportunities.
This work contributes to Canada’s green energy goals, including reducing reliance on fossil fuels, promoting net-zero initiatives, and advancing the circular economy by transforming industrial waste into high-value products.

L2M-Regulated Multi-stage Air-pressurized Chambers Helmet (R-MACH)

This project is focused on the design and optimization of a helmet, the Regulated Multi-stage Air-pressurized Chambers Helmet (R-MACH), that incorporates a unique idea aimed at effectively mitigating rotational forces without compromising on weight or performance at high impact velocities. Our novel design leverages interconnected air-pressurized chambers and elastic materials, instead of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) foam in conventional helmet liners, to optimize shear and axial stiffness. Initial prototypes have been developed, and preliminary testing indicates promising results in reducing rotational forces.

L2M – Street2School

Street2School is a youth-led initiative that addresses the growing issue of educational inequity in Nigeria, particularly among out-of-school children in underserved communities like Zamani. With over 10.5 million children currently out of school in Nigeria, according to UNICEF, our mission is to provide these children with access to quality education, breaking the cycle of poverty and creating long-term opportunities for socio-economic growth.
Our innovative approach focuses on mobile learning spaces equipped with digital tools, internet connectivity, and educational software that deliver interactive and engaging content. These mobile classrooms are designed to be flexible and easily set up in various community locations, making education accessible to children who are unable to attend formal schools due to socio-economic barriers.
Street2School’s model goes beyond traditional academic learning by incorporating life skills and vocational training into the curriculum, ensuring a well-rounded education for each child. With over 70 children already enrolled in the program, we provide personalized mentorship and support through trained volunteer teachers, fostering both academic success and personal development.
Our vision is to scale this initiative across similar underserved communities in Nigeria, working towards creating a future where every child has the opportunity to learn and thrive. By leveraging technology and community engagement, we are committed to transforming education in Nigeria, one mobile classroom at a time.
Street2School strives to create measurable impacts, such as improved literacy rates, increased school enrollment, and better academic performance, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and educated society.

L2M – Sharefric

A platform focused on making high-quality products more affordable and accessible to consumers by promoting a sense of community. The platform’s goal is to support smart buying decisions and empower users to achieve greater value in their shopping experiences. Our platform is committed to transforming the way people shop by making affordability a reality for more consumers.

L2M – ForYourResearch

ForYourResearch is a AI powered software system which makes it faster and easier to conduct literature reviews.

L2M – An AI-Based Cycling Device for Lower Limb Rehabilitation

Pedaling exercises using stationary cycling ergometers are a widely used rehabilitation method for lower limb injury recovery. However, current cycling devices do not allow for individualized training of each leg based on its specific load-carrying capacity. APAD is novel cycling ergometer that will address this gap by designing and developing a smart cycling ergometer capable of delivering tailored rehabilitation programs for individual legs. The device will reduce rehabilitation program duration, save associated healthcare costs, and improve patient outcomes. However, there is a dilemma about the market readiness and also the adoption rate of the technology. The outcome of the proposed project will help the partner organization to identify the market need and end-users’ expectation for better adoption of the technology.

L2M – Revolutionizing Cycling Performance and Preventing Injuries with Real-Time AI Biomechanical Feedback through CycloNova

There is a lack of technology to optimize performance and prevent injuries in cyclists. This is a potential reason leading to an injury rate of 3-50 per 1000 persons. Our solution leverages AI to deliver real-time, accurate biomechanical feedback to riders. By providing actionable insights, it has the potential to reduce injury rates and significantly enhance overall cycling efficiency. This innovation could significantly enhance the cycling experience of millions of riders worldwide.