Understanding the contribution of ??-tetrahydrocanabinol and cannabidiol isomers and related compounds to the therapeutic effects and safety of cannabinoids using zebrafish larvae

Most of the medicines available today are either purified from plants or derived from compounds produced by plants. The Cannabis (marijuana) plant in particular produces an enormous variety of molecules that have valuable pharmaceutical potential – in addition to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the primary psychoactive molecule in the pant, the cannabis plant produces dozens […]

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Development of nanoparticle in vivo labeling contrast probes for tissue clearing 3D microscopy compatible with multi-modal imaging in fluorescence, dark field, MRI, CT and electron microscopy modalities.

High resolution 3D microscopy in combination with tissue clearing techniques such as CLARITY, iDISCO, CUBIC is a rapidly growing area of biomedical research. It also has high potential to replace traditional 2D histology to become a method of choice for the analysis of tissue biopsy samples used in diagnosis of cancer and other diseases. However, […]

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Identification of beneficial probiotics for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and elucidation of mechanism

Non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD) is cause by accumulation of lipid droplets in liver. NAFLD is the starting point of liver disease and later develop into nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, cirrhosis and finally hepatocellular carcinoma. Since there is no specific therapeutics for NAFLD-related liver diseases, development of new drug for NAFLD/NASH is actively on-going. Recently, application of […]

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Retrospective molecular subtyping of pediatric medulloblastomas and the evaluation of BTIC gene signature in tumors with poor prognosis

Medulloblastoma is the most common brain tumor in children. It is treated with a combination of surgical resection, chemotherapy and radiation. Radiation to a child’s brain can have harmful side effects that may have implications in later development. We intend to use molecular gene expression to classify archived tumors into 4 subgroups with associated low […]

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Investigating the effect of novel nutritional compounds on skeletal muscle protein synthesis and growth in vivo

Resistance exercise training combined with adequate post-exercise protein ingestion is known to increase muscle mass when completed repeatedly over a prolonged period of time (>6 weeks). Due to this knowledge much research has been conducted to identify the best protein supplements which allow for the greatest muscle growth with training. This project will test if […]

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Enhancing exercise adherence in people with persistent musculoskeletal pain using a behaviour change approach

Persistent pain is pain that is prolonged beyond normal healing time, usually defined as three months. Approximately one in five Canadians suffer from persistent pain conditions such as low back pain, osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia. These conditions account for $43-60 billion in healthcare costs. Prescribed exercise has been shown to decrease pain while increasing function and […]

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Defining epigenetic drivers of primary and metastatic medulloblastoma

Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common childhood brain cancer. Current treatment for these tumors is invasive involving irradiation of the entire brain and spine. Although some types of MB respond well, others have an abysmal prognosis, and the lack of less invasive therapies means that children undergoing treatment suffer from severe developmental defects and reduced […]

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Defining epigenetic drivers of primary and metastatic medulloblastoma – Year two

Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common childhood brain cancer. Current treatment for these tumors is invasive involving irradiation of the entire brain and spine. Although some types of MB respond well, others have an abysmal prognosis, and the lack of less invasive therapies means that children undergoing treatment suffer from severe developmental defects and reduced […]

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Renewable polymer based edible packaging materials for improving microbial food safety

Food packaging is a key component in microbial food safety which helps to protect the food from external factors such as temperature, light, humidity and microorganisms. Active food packaging materials interact with food to extend the shelf life mainly by controlling the environment around food and releasing active ingredients such as antimicrobial compounds. Soybean and […]

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Targeting the RSK Axis to Eliminate Medulloblastoma

Brain cancer is the second most prevalent cancer in children. Current treatment options are chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, which either prolongs the child’s life for only two years or leaves them with negative side effects such as slowed development. Thus, there is a pressing need for new therapeutics. Mitacs Proposal Pambid, Mary One of the […]

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