Development, implementation and validation of new anti-E6 therapeutics for the treatment of HPV-associated cancer – Year two

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are responsible for almost all cervical cancers. Current treatment available relies on chemo- or radiation-therapy or surgery. These methods have several side-effects with high morbidity and survival of just ~ 70%. Our lab, therefore, develops a more patient-centered approach based on targeting the viral E6 protein, the main culprit of carcinogenesis in […]

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Application of MagLev-based isolation technology for rapid and sensitive detection of Influenza virus

Influenza is a viral pathogen responsible for annually claiming thousands of lives (~650 000 per year) and posing a significant threat to all human life. In Canada, Influenza pandemics lead to direct economic losses including medical costs (estimated mean cost per treatment: $14,612.00), and indirect losses such as substantial workplace absence (Avg 10.8 days). Additionally, […]

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Root associated microbiome of trees growing in a fractured bedrock toluene phytoremediation site

Phytoremediation (plant-based environmental cleanup) is a green, cost-effective alternative to conventional methods for contaminated site cleanup, which often involve extensive, community-disruptive, industrial efforts. Deep-rooted trees, such as hybrid Canadian poplars, can effectively be used to contain and clean up petroleum-derived contaminants in soil and groundwater resources. The proposed research project is aimed at verifying the […]

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Interdisciplinary Comparative Regional Assessment of Opportunities and Challenges of Alternative Energy Technologies and Their Environmental Impacts In Relation To Energy Transition

The purpose of this study is to explore the opportunities and challenges of alternative/renewable energy technologies in different regions, particularly Alberta and Bavaria (Germany), and their environmental impacts for proper policy decision making in relation to the interface of energy transition, climate change and environmental impact. The project is significant because it will contribute to […]

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Targeting platelet-neutrophil axis: a novel therapeutic approach for Scleroderma

Scleroderma or Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by progressive fibrosis of skin and multiple internal organs and prominent and often severe alterations in the microvasculature. Although SSc is the third most common systemic inflammatory autoimmune disease, there is currently no effective disease-modifying therapy for SSc. The overall objective of this project is […]

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Fibre in IBD: Feeding Our Microbes vs. Fuelling Inflammation

While studies show that dietary fibres are beneficial in many diseases, they are not digested or absorbed directly by the host, but rather fermented by gut microbes. Fermentation byproducts (mostly short-chain fatty-acids; SCFAs) are responsible for health benefits. Only select inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) patients benefit from fibres; many patients report sensitivity to high fibre […]

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Fibre in IBD: Feeding Our Microbes vs. Fuelling Inflammation – Year two

While studies show that dietary fibres are beneficial in many diseases, they are not digested or absorbed directly by the host, but rather fermented by gut microbes. Fermentation byproducts (mostly short-chain fatty-acids; SCFAs) are responsible for health benefits. Only select inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) patients benefit from fibres; many patients report sensitivity to high fibre […]

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Complementary and competitive interactions between wild and managed bees

A diversity of native bee species inhabit agricultural and urban landscapes and can be more effective pollinators than the widely employed European honey bee. However, honey and wild bee communities often overlap, which means these bees compete for the same floral resources. Studies of competition between wild and managed pollinators are limited due to methodological […]

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Complementary and competitive interactions between wild and managed bees – Year two

A diversity of native bee species inhabit agricultural and urban landscapes and can be more effective pollinators than the widely employed European honey bee. However, honey and wild bee communities often overlap, which means these bees compete for the same floral resources. Studies of competition between wild and managed pollinators are limited due to methodological […]

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Development of a wireless mini-microscope for the study of brain function

In the last years imaging using miniature microscopes (mini-microscopes also called mini-endoscopes) has become a method of choice for the understanding of activity at the cellular and network levels in different brain regions, in freely behaving animals. However, mini-microscopes are connected with wires to other devices, which largely alleviate the use of these imaging systems […]

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