Projets novateurs réalisés

Precision Hydrogen Spectroscopy

Precision measurements of the Hydrogen 1s-2s energy transition are key to verifying theoretical predictions and fundamental physics. The project at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) in Brazil is to perform the highest precision measurement of hydrogen using a new cold hydrogen beam, built at UFRJ, and a high power UV 243-nm laser system, built at the University of British Columbia (UBC). Measurements of this nature have been performed for decades, but with our hydrogen and laser improvements we will contribute to the highest precision measurement of its kind. These efforts will also contribute to the anti-hydrogen experiment,# ALPHA, in finding important violations of scientific theories

Improving Diagnosis of Canine Leptospirosis: Development of a Machine Learning Tool using UK and Canadian Data

Canine leptospirosis is a climate-sensitive, bacterial, infectious disease of global importance. Despite being vaccine-preventable, leptospirosis is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in dogs. Across North America and the United Kingdom (UK), the prevalence of canine leptospirosis ranges between 4.8-14%, with evidence for increasing prevalence over time. Leptospirosis can be difficult or slow to diagnose due to non-specific clinical signs and need to test blood or urine using laboratory-based diagnostics. Early diagnosis is important for initiation of treatment and improvement of outcomes. Thus, there is a need for clinical tools that can be used to assist with early detection of leptospirosis. Machine learning methods have been shown to aid in early and accurate diagnosis for a variety of diseases. We propose to develop a validated machine learning model trained on canine clinicopathologic, signalment, and environmental information using a large, geographically and clinically representative canine population using data from the United Kingdom and Canada. This model will extend prior research by including environmental data, such as season, temperature, or precipitation, which may improve its predictive ability. This model can be applied by veterinarians to improve their ability to diagnose leptospirosis and implement earlier treatment in Canada and the UK.

L2M – Validating Perioperative Solutions with PrehabRx

Surgery places significant stress on the body, much like running a marathon does. However, while marathon runners rigorously train before their race, most Canadians are not preparing for surgeries. Not only does a wealth of data exist supporting the notion of “better in, better out”, when it comes to surgery outcomes, but being in a poor condition before surgery can also lead to problems, longer hospital stays, or even death. PrehabRx is a digital health company that aims to end this norm. A growing body of evidence suggests improving functional capacity and physiological reserves before surgery through prehabilitation (prehab), can significantly improve recovery and reduce adverse events. However, the forms of access and implementation that have long served to empirically establish prehab safety, feasibility, and efficacy require reinforcement to advance prehab access and availability. Through the support of Lab2Market (L2M), we will systematically conduct market research, identify perceptions around product value, and pinpoint areas for development. Moreover, since our team is predominantly composed of clinical and academic backgrounds, L2M will help provide resources, training, and tailored guidance immediately relevant to upskill our team for success at the intersection of academic research and commercialization. Ultimately, this endeavour will propel us forward on our mission to disseminate prehab for all.

L2M – Small Molecule Targeting TDP-43 aggregation as new therapeutics for ALS

In this project, the team will build a strong business foundation for a startup vehicle ‘Neuropeutics Inc’ to conduct further R&D and commercialize a new effective treatment for neurodegenerative diseases, namely ALS and FTD. That is, the team will develop a sustainable business model, a financial budget, a funds raising plan and marketing material. The expected benefit to the partner organization is helping fulfill their mission of fostering entrepreneurship to provide societal benefit by creating jobs, providing effective treatments to improve Canadian’s quality of life and relief the burden of neurodegenerative diseases on the health care system, and ultimately contributing to the growth of the Canadian economy. 

Design and Life Cycle Analysis of Electric Aircraft Propulsion Systems

In collaboration with CAE, the project’s primary goal is to identify an appropriate material to isolate a battery pack in a hybrid electric aircraft. The chosen material must be as light as possible, while meeting appropriate safety standards. This battery module will be integrated into an aircraft for testing by the industry partner. With a focus on sustainable development, a framework for the life cycle analysis (LCA) will be developed to aid in evaluating the overall impact of a given design and identifying optimization opportunities to create a more sustainable and cost-efficient product. The project has 3 primary milestones. An extensive literature review will be completed to review existing aircraft battery module design and investigate battery LCA in other industries. This will help identify what materials are best suited to encapsulate the battery system and the optimal configuration for the battery pack. Safety measures, such as fire containment and safe cell-venting in case of gaseous release. This is particularly important given the low-pressure conditions onboard the aircraft[4]. Following this, an LCA will be developed using open-source tools, such as openLCA, to account for the full life cycle impact of the battery pack…

‘MindVitality Pro’ App

Our project, MindVitality Pro, is all about creating a special app to help older folks keep their brains active and stay socially connected. As people age, they might have trouble with memory and thinking, which can be tough. Our app will be like a friendly guide, offering fun brain exercises and games, tailored to each person, to keep their minds sharp. It will also help them make new friends and chat online. We aim to make a positive impact on the lives of older individuals and their caregivers while tapping into a growing market.

Quantum Error Correction for Photonic Quantum Computers

We appear to be at the beginning of a revolution in the development of new technologies based on quantum science. Over the past several years, Canada has become a world leader in quantum information research and in the development of these emerging quantum technologies. Quantum computers that are based on optical architectures include some of the most promising scalable quantum technologies. Over the past few years, Xanadu Quantum Technologies, based in Toronto, has made significant leaps in the development of its photonic quantum computers. One of the hurdles that remains for Xanadu to overcome, is to identify specific error correction approaches that are tailored to their needs. The research in this proposal, to be carried out by a PhD student intern in collaboration with scientists at Xanadu and the University of Guelph, will focus on key mathematical aspects of these problems.

Genome Tracer: Microbial Genomic Network Analysis to Understand, Monitor, and Mitigate Pathogen Transmission in Animals

Infectious diseases in animals can cause many problems such as impacting the economy, harming
wildlife and the environment, food security, and even making people sick (zoonoses). Because of issues like
pollution, climate change, and agricultural intensification, we expect these diseases to happen more often and to
be worse over time. So, it is very important to understand how these diseases get into and spread within our
food systems in Canada. This will help us determine how to reduce the risk of these diseases spreading. One
way we can do this is by studying the genetic code of the pathogens (germs) that cause these diseases – by
looking at their DNA to see how they’re related to each other. However, the way we usually do this, using
something called phylogenetic trees, has some problems. It can’t tell us which pathogen came from where, and
it assumes all pathogens came from one common ancestor pathogen, which makes it hard to understand large
disease outbreaks. To address this issue, we made a new tool called GenomeTracer – a detective tool for
diseases.

L2M – UTI Diagnostics Market Research

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common bacterial infections globally, affecting millions of people each year. The inappropriate use of antibiotics for UTIs is a significant driver of antibiotic resistance, posing a grave threat to public health. Complicated UTIs, characterized by treatment failure, recurrent infections, and increased mortality, disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including older adults and individuals with neurogenic bladder conditions.

This project seeks to address these critical issues by conducting comprehensive research and developing innovative solutions. The project’s key objectives are to uncover the challenges experienced by healthcare providers, patients, and laboratory professionals in the UTI diagnostic process and to analyze the healthcare infrastructure, regulatory framework, and access disparities in North America concerning UTI diagnosis and treatment.

Évaluation statistique et prévision de la performance de gestionnaires d’actif

Ce projet porte sur l’évaluation de la performance de gestionnaires de fonds de placement. Plus spécifiquement, dans ce projet on cherche à développer des outils qui permettront à la compagnie de déterminer, à partir de données sur ses rendements passés et sur le rendement d’indices de marché appropriés, si un gestionnaire d’actif a été significativement plus performant dans ses placements que l’indice de marché en question. L’objectif principal de ce projet est qu’à la fin du stage, l’entreprise ait à sa disposition un outil simple (par exemple un fascicule composé de tableaux) qui lui permettra de déterminer le rendement moyen requis sur une période visée pour que l’on puisse déclarer qu’un gestionnaire est significativement meilleur qu’un indice de marché visé. Cet outil sera utile à la compagnie, car elle pourra l’utiliser pour mesurer de façon objective la performance des gestionnaires qui offrent leurs services pour gérer ses actifs.

L2M – A handheld bioprinting platform for treating severe skin wounds

Our project focuses on developing a bioprinting technology for treating severe burns. We aim to reduce scarring and enhance skin regeneration, which can significantly improve the lives of burn victims. This technology has the potential to make a big difference in the medical field, but it’s a challenging journey, especially due to the strict regulations and financial requirements. We’re partnering with L2M to gather feedback from experts, refine our business strategy, and make the right industry connections. In return, L2M will benefit from our progress in the medical field and our engagement with various experts, potentially creating opportunities for knowledge exchange and collaboration.

The influence of the wood morphology on the stability of a plasma process at atmospheric pressure for fire-resistance

Wood is an eco-friendly material but is very susceptible to fire, therefore, treatments using organosilicon products can be carried out to make the wood more resistant to fire. The way Laroche’s group has carried out these treatments is through the application of plasma to the wood surface and subsequent application of the organosilicon product. In this context, understanding the surface changes in wood morphology is an essential step to understanding the effectiveness of the treatment and promoting its industrial application. This project aims to address the need for new advanced solutions to reduce the risk of flame spread in wooden buildings and modern timber-framed structures. Additionally, this project will facilitate the establishment of a research, education, and industry initiative at the intersection of plasma technology and wood science. The combination of engineering and scientific expertise employed in this project will offer a fresh perspective on addressing this global challenge. This work will empower students from both centers to create value, innovate, and become the leaders of tomorrow. The consolidation of this long-term partnership will also offer the possibility to continue this strategic research and will provide new solutions for the Canadian and Brazilian economy.