Infectious diseases remain the major cause of death and economic losses in animals/humans. One way to reduce this is by vaccination. Unique and sophisticated biotechnology-based approaches are needed to produce safe, cost-effective, and highly efficacious vaccines. Potential benefits of these vaccines could include the induction of long lived immunity, ability to immunize newborns and induction […]

The Xenotropic Murine Leukemia Related-Virus retrovirus (XMRV) is a gammaretrovirus of mouse origin that can infect humans and a broad range of animals. The virus was first identified in a subset and prostate cancer tumors and more recently in patients suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Studies estimate that between 3% and 10% of the […]

Our project consists of a combination of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and numerical simulations to model the blood flow dynamics in major cerebral arteries. In doing so, we hope to determine the shear stresses that are inflicted on the vessel walls of the brain, which should correlate with the vessel’s ability to dilate in response […]

This project consists of two parts: the synthesis of a variety of nanoparticles using a technique we have developed recently, and the study of individual nanoparticles to examine their properties and polydispersity. Both parts carry major challenges and present unique opportunities for research. The eventual goal of our program is to be able to design […]

Providence Health Care has established a reputation as one of the leading centres for cardiology research and treatment in Canada. Medtronic of Canada is a major supplier of therapeutic cardiac equipment, technology and implantable devices, and works closely with Providence Healthcare to advance the science of cardiac treatment. Providence Health Care and Medtronic of Canada […]

  Spinal Cord Stimulation utilizes a pacemaker like device, to deliver electrical impulses to the dorsal column of the spinal cord via an electrical lead placed in the epidural space.The electrical stimulation saturates the large nerve fibers with electrical noise masking the sensation of pain by creating a gentle tingling sensation in the area of pain. […]

  Septic shock is the most common cause of death in critically ill patients in Intensive Care Units.  The development of septic shock is an extremely complex process involving many different cellular pathways of interacting proteins. One of the main proteins involved in these pathways is called nuclear factor kappa beta (NFκB). This protein controls […]

Workplace trauma has significant adverse effects on the individual and the employers. The majority of people exposed to a traumatic event will recover and not suffer from further difficulties, but 8 – 12% will go on to develop post-traumatic stress disorder. In this study, two groups of Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) employees will be compared: […]

  Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-ionizing modality; therefore, there is no known damage on human tissue as opposed to ionizing imaging modalities, such as X-ray. Interventional procedures take long time and in order to prevent ionization, interventional MRI is very promising. On the other hand, there are safety concerns because of the possible temperature rise on current […]

  Advances in computed tomography (CT) have facilitated wider utilization and introduction of new clinical applications associated with high patient radiation dose. Subsequently, there is increasing concern for the potential long term cancer induction risks associated with increasing CT utilization bparticularly in younger women. Therefore, there is an urgent requirement to establish diagnostic CT protocols […]

  Numerous evidences have shown cardiovascular risk factors, such as high blood pressure, obesity or physical inactivity, etc, to be related to heart disease. However, some risk factors remain unclear because of technical challenges from current diagnostic tools. Hardening of the arteries, one of the potential risk factors, has been regarded as the primary indicator […]

Listeria monocytogenes is a common food-borne pathogen that is the causative agent of listeriosis, a severe and potentially fatal condition. Current methods for detection of L. monocytogenes in food samples require multiple days due to lengthy amplification steps to aid in microbe detection. Due to the recent emergence of nanoparticle technology, however, new options are […]