Projets novateurs réalisés

Hydrogen Production and Storage from Recycled Aluminum

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Advanced FLIM-Hyperspectral confocal microscopy

This project aims to develop a high-resolution and high-speed microscope for capturing fast cellular biological interactions and processes. CoVision, a custom microscope instrumentation company, will directly work with the research fellow to develop and build this custom system. This includes designing the commercial grade packaging, sourcing components, and development of the user interface to be compatible with existing commercial microscope systems. The system will be tested by biology and biotechnology users studying biological interactions in live cells. Collaboration on this project will provide CoVision with valuable access to transformative cellular and molecular research, and to understand the imaging needs of the biology and biotechnology community for the custom microscopy market. The success of this research will lead to technology that has broad applications for understanding disease and precision medicine. The project will deliver a fully functioning microscope, which will be housed in and managed by the McMaster Centre for Advanced Light Microscopy (CALM) as an open access instrument to both internal and external (national and international) users who are interested in using the technology for dynamic imaging research.

Elucidating the Environmental Triggers and of Localized Scleroderma (LS) in Quebec, Canada

This research project aims to understand how factors like where people live and their social and economic situations influence the development and outcomes of localized scleroderma, a rare but serious disease. By using advanced tools like machine learning and maps that track changes over time, the project will identify patterns and risk factors that may contribute to the disease. The findings will help pinpoint areas or groups of people who might need more support or targeted interventions. For Sclérodermie Québec, this work will provide valuable insights to guide their efforts in supporting patients and raising awareness. It will also help the organization advocate for better health policies and care strategies, ensuring that resources are directed where they are needed most. By contributing to cutting-edge research, Sclérodermie Québec strengthens its position as a leader in the fight against this disease, benefiting patients and their families across Quebec.

Improving Haptic Comfort of Fabrics

Biomimicking involves drawing inspiration from nature to design materials and structures that replicate their unique properties, including optical, chemical, physical, and thermal characteristics. With this study, the objective is to determine the characteristics of fabrics that can give the same tactile properties, i.e., when touching with the hand, as natural materials, for example rose petals. More specifically, we will investigate the similarities and differences in hand feel or haptic properties between various fabrics and natural materials. This information will guide the development of fabrics that replicate the hand feel of natural materials. We will test a variety of samples, including natural materials (such as rose petals, feathers, and wood) along with diverse fabrics. The research will involve quantifying physical properties and evaluating perceptual similarities using standard textile testing devices, a thermo-haptic testing instrument, and human trials. By mimicking these haptic properties, the research aims to benefit the textile industry, leading to new fabrics that enhance comfort and user satisfaction. The findings will also contribute to material science and haptic technology by providing insights into the relationship between material characteristics and sensory perception.

Development of triploid hemp for enhanced cannabinoid production and pollination resistance

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is a globally significant natural source of cannabinoids used in health and pharmaceutical products. However, a major challenge in hemp cultivation is the risk of cross-pollination. Hemp is wind-pollinated species that produces male and female flowers on separate plants. Primarily cultivated outdoors, hemp pollen from male crops grown for fiber or grain can travel long distances and pollinate female cannabinoid producing crops. This pollination results in unwanted seed production and reduced cannabinoid yields. To address this issue, our team has developed innovative polyploidization and hybridization methods to produce triploid hemp plants. Similar to other triploid crops, these plants are expected to be infertile due to an uneven number of chromosomes, thereby minimizing the risk of cross-pollination and maximizing cannabinoid production. In this project, we will evaluate two triploid seed varieties developed by our team, testing their genetic stability, resistance to pollination, and cannabinoid yield compared to diploid and tetraploid parent varieties. Furthermore, we aim to optimize the breeding process by applying rapid cycle breeding techniques to shorten generation times. This research will deliver reliable methods for producing stable triploid hemp seeds, benefitting product quality and cannabinoid yield. These advancements will improve the quality and yield of hemp crops, benefitting cannabinoid producers both locally and worldwide.

S’attaquer aux racines : Les programmes de promotion du respect comme remèdes potentiels aux mauvais traitements interpersonnels en contexte académique.

Le milieu universitaire, axé sur la haute performance, engendre une compétition intense entre les professeurs,
exacerbée par des ressources limitées et une hiérarchie rigide basée sur l’ancienneté, créant des dynamiques de
pouvoir complexes. Les professeurs, bien que jouissant d’une grande liberté, sont à la fois indépendants et
interdépendants, rendant l’environnement académique vulnérable aux dysfonctionnements et mauvais traitements
interpersonnels.
Malgré les lois et règlements en place, certains comportements comme l’incivilité et le harcèlement de genre
restent banalisés. Les femmes et les minorités sont particulièrement vulnérables à ces mauvais traitements, qui
incluent des remarques inappropriées et des comportements hostiles.
Les interventions actuelles échouent souvent à traiter les causes profondes de ces problèmes, telles que l’hostilité
et les dynamiques de pouvoir. Des chercheurs suggèrent la promotion de la civilité au travail comme solution
potentielle. La civilité, définie comme des comportements respectueux et empathiques, peut améliorer la
satisfaction au travail, les performances et réduire les comportements incivils. Cependant, des recherches plus
rigoureuses sont nécessaires pour évaluer l’efficacité de ces programmes dans le contexte académique et leur
impact sur différents groupes.
En s’appuyant sur un devis de recherche mixte, l’équipe développera un modèle d’intervention basé sur la civilité
au travail, tenant compte des réalités universitaires.

Looking at the real-world impact of the Agilik lower-limb orthosis on user quality of life and mobility.

This project aims to improve the uptake and provide further efficacy evidence of Bionic Power Incorporated’s Agilik lower-limb orthosis in Canada. To fulfill this goal, baseline predictors of long-term health-related quality of
life associated with the Agilik’s treatment of knee flexion-extension impairment will be identified through an observational prospective cohort study, looking at real-world impacts of the device on new users. The study
outcomes will guide user recruitment and showcase the relationship between functional mobility and overall well-being in the context of the Agilik’suse. The second phase of the project involves analyzing and improving
the process of obtaining and using BPI’s Agilik through an implementation science approach. Analysis of the device’s procural process and use on clinical, regulatory, and patient levels, as well as future recommendations
for accessibility and uptake into common practice will be documented. Thisinformation will be used to advise BPI’s regulatory and developmental work.

Overdose-Induced Hypoxic Brain Injury: Identifying and Mobilizing Evidence- Based Strategies

In collaboration with the BC Brain Injury Association (BCBIA), this research project aims to identify evidencebased
strategies for recognizing and responding to overdose-induced brain injuries. By conducting a scoping
review of existing literature, the project will identify best practices for screening, diagnosing, and treating hypoxic
brain injuries resulting from non-fatal overdoses. The findings will help the BCBIA better support individuals
affected by overdose-induced brain injuries amidst the ongoing toxic drug crisis. Key deliverables include a
scoping review, an evidence brief, an infographic, website content for BCBIA, and community presentations to
raise awareness and promote uptake of evidence-based strategies. The anticipated outcomes for BCBIA include
improved support services, evidence for program development, resources to reduce stigma, and partnerships with
researchers and healthcare providers. Ultimately, this project will fill a critical gap in the knowledge base and
empower communities across BC and abroad to better address this under-recognized type of brain injury.

In silico design of tumor selective binder for immunotherapy

Precision medicine is showing great promise in the fight against cancer. One of the major hurdles is how to best target cancer cells for destruction while sparing normal ones because both share many of the same attributes or “targets”. However, when cancer grows, tumors create a microenvironment around them, the TME or tumor microenvironment. The chemical conditions inside the TME are markedly different than outside the tumor.
At Modulari-T we have developed a way to program the immune system to recognize and kill cancer cells which we call MARC cells. If these cells are not properly targeted towards cancer, they can cause toxic side effects by attacking normal tissue.
This project proposes to develop a new way to target MARC cells so that they become triggered by the chemical conditions inside the TME and thus spare healthy tissue.

Sustaining a Creative Non-Profit in a Challenging Economy: On Cue Performance Hub Productions

In continuation of the last Mitacs project, Boosting Performing Artists’ Careers for Recovery Post COVID, this proposal looks further at strategies of sustaining creative work long term for emerging performing artists in Regina in challenging economic times. Expected benefits to the non-profit partner organization include the ability to build administrative infrastructure to support creatives in Regina thereby leveraging government, foundational and private financial support. This support activity is aimed at emerging performing artists as they exit post-secondary education and seek work that will sustain them in the professional world of theatre, music, dance, and film. Our strategies include: supplying meaningful professional development opportunities for local artist (also archived on our website for provincial and national dispersal); performance opportunities through partnership with local cultural institutions and networks; technical, dramaturgical, design and grant writing assistance; help in seeking touring opportunities; and broad-based accessibility support for artists and audiences.

Wildfire Chemicals, Surface Water Sources and Fish Habitats: Impacts and Research Gaps

The increasing wildfires threaten, indirectly, water quality by altering physicochemical properties and introducing contaminants to water bodies. This research aims to address how wildfire pollutants impact water systems, identify research gaps, and analyze data from Canada and worldwide to understand trends and mitigate impacts on water resources.

The Aunte Indigenous Residency

The Aunte Indigenous Residency supports artists and writers whose practices embody contemporary and traditional
forms of artistic expression located in Interior BC. The program will offer not only artists-in-residence programming,
but also mentorship, skills and development training, entrepreneurship and mental health supports. The Aunte is
committed to strengthening the Indigenous art sector by supporting artists in capacity building and expanding their
skills and knowledge within their practices to build strong authenticity, integrity and community.

The residency program is currently in its infancy and is working to develop programming delivery, policies and
procedures, develop partnerships, bylaws and complete organizational development. The goal is to approach this work
through a decolonial lens and will require extensive research and drafting to complete.