Due to climate change and associated increases in water temperatures, species distribution ranges are shifting. Fallfish (Semotilus corporalis), Eastern North America’s largest minnow species, are expanding northwards and are now found in new watersheds such as the Jacques-Cartier River located on the north shore of the St. Lawrence, Québec, Canada. The impacts of this species […]

This proposal focuses on enhancing the automation of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) culture by integrating Machine Learning (ML) models which will lead to more consistent and higher quality cultures. Recently, STEMCELL Technologies has introduced an automated system customized to assist scientists at BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute in culturing high-quality iPSCs. The current method […]

The design and fit of sporting equipment play a significant role in an athlete’s comfort, performance, and injury risk. The case is similar for hockey skates, where inter-individual variations in foot shape and sensitivity can influence skate comfort and fit, and subsequent performance. Hockey skate design is further challenged as skates need to function in […]

Encycle Therapeutics is a Toronto-based company that develops new therapeutics for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Our competitive edge derives from a platform technology that allows for the more efficient synthesis of macrocycle- (ringlike peptides) based therapeutics. This platform involves a proprietary reagent called aziridine aldehyde. This new technique has demonstrated significant potential for the […]

The research project will focus on the development of assisted reproductive technologies for Canadian snakes at risk of extinction. Assisted reproductive research include studies focused on increasing the fecundity or reproductive success of a species; many technologies such as artificial insemination are well developed for mammals. In contrast, studies on augmenting snake reproductive success are […]

Yeast will be used as a model to investigate inherited mitochondrial diseases in this research project, with a particular emphasis on the functional role of the Pic2 protein. Although initially identified as a mitochondrial phosphate transporter, recent studies have proposed its involvement in copper transport. To gain insight into Pic2 and its function, a combination […]

Most neurotraumas affecting the control of movements are partial, allowing some recovery of movement with time and rehabilitation. Motivation and persistence through this difficult process are crucial in mediating rehabilitation-dependent recovery, but are negatively affected by the physical and psychological challenges that accompany neurotrauma. We know that the reward network of the brain is involved […]

Viruses can jump hosts and develop resistance due to genetic changes caused by mutations. Currently we have a limited understanding of viral mutations as traditional genetic sequencing technology can only extract certain mutations (those that occur at high frequency). Duplex seq is a sequencing technology able to detect rare mutations due to its very low […]

This research project will advance the development of a possible treatment for Dravet Syndrome, a rare form of childhood epilepsy caused by a genetic mutation. In Dravet syndrome, an important protein responsible for sending signals along the nerve fibers of the brain does not function, which results in overactivity and triggers debilitating and recurring seizures. […]

Although brain resilience has long been thought to be important, only recently have methods been developed to measure it directly. In the proposed research, we will use one such method–known as the cortical challenge and recovery test (CCaRT)–to see if we can identify signs of concussion at the level of brain resilience. We will have […]

This project aims to evaluate the effect of mowing on the insect community living in meadow plant stems. Mowing is a necessary practice in meadow restoration in cities due to the need to control invasive plant species. However, past studies have shown that mowing can also contribute to increased mortality rates in a wide variety […]

Gene therapies are revolutionizing medicine, providing new therapeutics for diseases that previously were untreatable. In the central nervous system in particular, gene therapies hold great promise for saving lives and improving the quality of life of children and aged patients. The most common form of gene therapy that is used to treat patients involves the […]