The development of techniques that allow the culture and differentiation of stemcells has opened new research venues and the potential for novel therapies. It has been shown that transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells from bone marrow improved heart function after myocardial infarction. Also mesenchymal stem cells regulate cardiac electrophysiological functions of cardiomyocytes, and protect the […]

Although it is known that the human gut is colonized by a wide variety of microbial populations, many effects of the complex interactions between the human host and microbial symbionts are still not completely understood. The dysbiosis or microbial imbalance of the gastrointestinal tract microbiota is considered to be one of the most important contributing […]

Fasting blood samples from persons with Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) and healthy individuals were previously collected during a prior Mitacs project. A comparative analysis of the blood samples by metabolomics will be performed to identify potential biomarkers. The intern will assist with the necessary correlation analysis for selecting compounds capable of serving as blood biomarkers […]

A higher incidence of colon cancer is reported in populations consuming high amounts of red meat, as well as in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, where gut bacteria participate in the development of inflammation. We found that dietary supplementation with heme, an element found at high levels in blood, is detrimental to gut health and […]

The transfusion of red blood cells (RBCs) is a lifesaving procedure for many patients. While the Canadian blood supply is safe and consistently meets demand, the primary method for the storage of RBCs prior to transfusion is refrigeration at 4°C for a maximum of 42 days, a process which can lead to inefficiencies and discards. […]

Root rots caused by Fusarium species pose a significant challenge to soybean and pulse growers in Manitoba and Canada, and so does Fusarium head blight caused by F. graminearum. The potential for certain pathogen species to infect more than one crop, or crops in more than one plant family, represent a great challenge for producers […]

For this project the intern will place a predator owl deterrent at the base of a wind turbine and hang nest boxes at a distance of at least 200 m from a wind turbine. The expected result of implementing the predator owl and the nest boxes will be a decline in bird mortalities occurring at […]

Along the coast of British Columbia, eelgrass habitats (Zostera marina) have been declining due to impacts both on land and water. These areas are important for many fisheries and aquaculture in BC. Restoration work in degraded subtidal conditions, especially in log storage areas, is slow. Increased levels of organic material left in the sediments by […]

The bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) and eastern meadowlark (Sturnella magna) are listed as a species at risk in several Canadian provinces. Both songbird species are most abundant in Ontario and breed in hayfields, pastures, and other grassland-like environments. Ontario’s Endangered Species Act (ESA) seeks to protect these species by regulating activities that negatively affect their habitat. […]

In white wines, the wine aroma plays a major role in determining wine quality and economic value. In many grape varieties cultivated in BC, the aroma makeup is built in the vineyard where key aromatics accumulate in the grapes. Irrigation and crop size adjustments are two main strategies that growers have adopted to manage fruit […]

The use of mobile technology is on the rise including access to mental health-related applications and websites. There is a wealth of information available and numerous intervention strategies focused on treatment and support for mental health concerns. However, inpatient psychiatry often discourages patients’ use of electronic technologies and web-accessible mobile phones. The proposed study involves […]

Provision of fibre and timber is an essential ecosystem service. The importance of these natural products in reducing our carbon imprint will only increase the pressure on the forest resource in the future. An important element in ensuring sustainable forest management planning is the assumption of the regeneration of an equally productive forest stand on […]