We have observed that chemotherapy agents can induce RNA degradation in tumour cells, a phenomenon called “RNA disruption”. Interestingly, we also found that high tumour RNA disruption after 2-3 cycles of chemotherapy predicts for complete tumour destruction after treatment and improved cancer patient survival. We and Rna Diagnostics, Inc. are using this knowledge to identify […]

Cryogenic engines, such as the Dearman engine, produce work and substantial cooling with zero emissions at the point of use, due to their liquid nitrogen ‘fuel’ supply. Background work has shown that technically, (power, turn down ratio, responsiveness, torque), there are few identifiable factors that would prevent this type of engine from being very effective […]

The main purpose of this research project is to integrate wind power with cryogen production, which could be one of the most low-carbon and economic methods to generate and store energy. As it can be transported and stored relatively easily, the cryogen becomes an energy vector, like a fuel, that can be used to transport […]

This project involves three streams, all focusing on the effects of low-dose ionizing radiation. The first stream examines the effects of single ion irradiation using the Microbeam at McMaster University. Preliminary biological research will be conducted on human cell lines using standard radiobiological endpoints including DNA double strand break foci and micronuclei formation. The second […]

While chemotherapy drugs are effective in combating tumour growth in cancer patients, many such drugs permit the development of drug-resistant tumours and progression of the disease. We have observed that several chemotherapy agents induce the degradation of tumour cell ribonucleic acid (RNA) in the laboratory and in cancer patients. We have further shown that this […]

It is not well known that the majority of breast cancer patients do not receive a survival benefit from chemotherapy. Yet, they experience many negative short- and long-term side effects from chemotherapy. This is also the case for other cancers. There is thus a clear, unmet need for a diagnostic tool that can reliably identify […]

The mining industry is looking for technologies that improve sustainability through reducing environmental and energy burdens. In line with this, a program was created between Sudbury Integrated Nickel Operations, a Glencore Company and Laurentian University to prospect for opportunities for making better use of existing non-mineral resources. Interns on the Mitacs program will bioprosepect mine […]

Improving mining efficiency through sustainable recovery of energyA significant step towards sustainable mining would be non-traditional, but productive uses for the mine. In particular, uses that would allow them to provide value and jobs to the community both during mining and afteroperations cease. To help in achieving this goal there is potential positive use of […]

Wildlife populations are frequently affected by human influences on the landscape. Freshwater turtles have been heavily affected, with 7 of 8 Ontario turtles now listed as species at risk. Individual animals may be stressed by human disturbance, causing reduced fitness. Chronic stress hormones in turtles can be measured analyzing claw clippings in a lab. This […]

The Open Ice Project, initiated by the Future of Hockey Lab, addresses the growing issue of limited access to ice time across Canada. Rising costs and outdated management practices are shutting Canadians out of hockey, figure skating, ringette, and other ice sports. Without a system to allocate ice time equitably, many communities, especially underrepresented and […]

Develop and deploy a new set of initiatives to improve PandoPartner’s customer adoption and satisfaction – including research (surveys to measure satisfaction + analysis of user activity data), and recommendations on how we can add sponsorship valuation abilities to our app for our clients.

This project is an undertaking in coordination with Minerva Canada, some of its industry partners and seven Canadian universities which aims to address a gap between industry and the graduates of engineering programs in terms of attitudes, knowledge and applied skills pertaining to health & safety in engineering practice. Upon completion, the project’s end product […]