The project aims to understand the molecular mechanisms by which the Ankle2 protein functions to allow nuclear reformation after mitosis. This process is frequently disrupted in cancer cells, which induces an innate immune response that could be exploited in therapies. A multidisciplinary approach in the Drosophila model will be used.

One major challenge in studying holdfast bioadhesive properties is that cells synthesize only a very small quantity of holdfast at one pole of the cell. Therefore, all studies of holdfast bioadhesive properties have been conducted by atomic force microscopy (AFM). While AFM is a powerful technique, any development of holdfast for practical applications will require […]

Embedded in the surface of a virus, are different types of proteins that the virus uses to enter a host cell. These so-called viral glycoproteins are pivotal targets of the host antibody response to fight a viral infection. In recent decades, it has become clear that certain viral glycoproteins have evolved clever ways to suppress […]

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease impacting the nervous system and resulting in a wide range of symptoms including characteristic motor impairments such as tremor, slowed movement and muscle rigidity. It is an age-related disease affecting 1% of the population over the age of 60. Although symptomatic treatments are available, there are no […]

Polyurethanes are an important class of synthetic polymers with widespread applications in consumer products. The origins of most of these products are derived from petrochemicals, and these traditional polymers are non-degradable and have limited recyclable potential. There is a need in this industry to endorses the practice of conserving resources, minimizing the environmental, health impacts […]

The Probiotics and Mental Health Research Lab in the Psychology Department at Acadia University is currently involved in exciting and innovative research examining the benefits that probiotics (a type of beneficial bacteria found in the human digestive tract as well as in certain foods) may provide to individuals living with psychological conditions such as anxiety, […]

Decomposition is the dynamic process whereby a compound is disintegrated into its elementary constituents through physical, chemical and biological mechanisms. Matrices associated with decomposing human remains, such as soil, are an omnipresent source of physical evidence in forensic casework. Previous research has already emphazied the use of these matrices to evaluate their potential to capture […]

Probiotics could help prevent or treat metabolic-related conditions such as dyslipidemia or Type 2 Diabetes. Combination of probiotics with prebiotic fibers could potentiate the positive effect of these treatments. Our hypothesis is that probiotic strains, coupled with brown algae prebiotic fibers, may hold potential for modulating lipid metabolism, which might represent an interesting avenue for […]

This proposed project will investigate potential modes of action of novel plant biostimulants on tomato plants. This will include changes in the plant growth rates and potential plant gene activation as it relates to the biostimulant treatment. It will also investigate changes in the microorganism profile in the root zone of biostimulant treated plants. In […]

The project will examine of population genomics, application of genomic selection, and identification of genes underlying economically important traits which are vital steps for the development of selection program. Consequently, this will have an impact on the economic viability of mink producers due to targeted genomic breeding strategies and the use of biomarker-assisted selection. Such […]

The proposed research project seeks to explore the application of foam-like inserts to improve the shelf life of commonly used proteins. Many commercial proteins are used in a variety of applications such as food production, pharmaceuticals, and scientific research. These proteins must be stored at sub-zero temperatures as they are prone to degradation at higher […]

In an effort to reach zero waste in Canada by 2030, this work is dedicated to the discovery of microbes with enzymatic capabilities to biodegrade plastic. A library of microbes (bacteria and fungi) isolated from a range of marine environments will be screened for unique and novel plastic biodegrading activities. Preferred microbes will be selected […]