Cytochromes P450 are enzymes that add oxygen to organic molecules, to convert them to water-soluble products that can be further metabolized. These oxidative enzymes are ubiquitous (found in animals, plants and microorganisms). We are working on cytochrome P450cam, isolated from a wild soil bacterium. This enzyme catalyzes the oxidation of camphor (an organic molecule that […]

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common, sustained form of irregular heartbeat. AF results in complications including heart attacks, stroke, and heart failure. Treatment approaches such as drugs and surgery do exist, but these are limited in effectiveness. The endocannabinoid system is of interest as a therapeutic target for a variety of disorders. We will […]

Many people with physical disabilities depend on forearm crutches to help them walk. Although crutches are helpful, many people experience overuse injuries. Injuries to the wrists, elbows and shoulders are commonly experienced with long-term use. The research project will examine differences between a traditional forearm crutch and two models of a newly designed forearm crutch […]

Predation on smolts as they out-migrate down natal rivers may significantly contribute to the decline and lack of recovery of Chinook salmon in British Columbia. A prior study of mortality of Chinook smolts released by the Cowichan Hatchery suggests only a small portion of the fish reached the ocean due to predation by raccoons, river […]

Atlantic salmon and its associated fisheries have a rich and complicated history in Nova Scotia. Commercial and recreational overfishing, as well as habitat damage and environmental pollution have all contributed to the species’ decline. For a century, work on rebuilding populations has met with varied successes. This history, and relative successes of different measures, will […]

Roads threaten wildlife throughout the world when animals experience increased collisions with vehicles and decreased access to important habitat and resources. This research will investigate where animals are crossing roads in the Chignecto Isthmus of Nova Scotia, a region highly impacted by human development. The results will provide evidence for hotspots of negative wildlife-road interactions, […]

Echinacea purpurea is a popular herbal medicine with a global market of ?$1 billion but there is tremendous variability yet limited distinction between the products on the market. Amway Canada is a leader in the production and distribution of Echinacea products, and now aims to leverage the company`s unique Echinacea resources by sequencing the plant`s […]

Le camerisier pousse naturellement dans les forêts boréales du nord de l’Europe et d’Asie. Importé récemment en Amérique du Nord il est relativement nouveau au Canada. Son fruit, la camerise est utilisée, au Japon en médecine traditionnelle pour ses propriétés anti-âge ou son rôle dans la prévention des maladies cardiaques et intestinales. Les études sur […]

Plant-based diets have been introduced to the companion animal nutrition market, though little evidence exists to support or refute the nutritional sufficiency of plant-based diets for cats and dogs, or the impacts these diets may have on the health and wellbeing of the animals they are fed to. The proposed study aims to question pet […]

This research intends to work towards establishing essential baselines of health status and trends in the Northern Mountain Population (NMP) of woodland caribou in the Skeena region of northwestern British Columbia. We will use scientific data from a guide and outfitter-led sampling program in combination with local ecological knowledge from practicing guides and outfitters in […]

Shift work is an increasingly prevalent work pattern worldwide. It’s estimated that anywhere from 10-25% of workers are shift workers in European and North American countries. Within the past few decades, night shift work has been linked to an increased risk for numerous types of cancer, including breast, prostate, and ovarian cancer. However, due to […]

This proposed research builds on my current PhD thesis research, where I have characterized and validated a micro-tissue engineering platform that can be used to efficiently generate pancreatic islet-cell clusters (“pseudoislets”) that have significantly increased insulin secretion capacity, and superior capacity to reverse diabetes in animal studies. These findings have suggested a strong therapeutic prospect […]