The current pandemic is caused by a nasty virus that infects mostly the lungs via a receptor critical for the virus to bind to lung cells. Knowing how the virus binds to its lung receptor will enable us to synthesize small experimental drugs that will be investigated further for interesting therapeutic properties. This proposal focuses […]

Cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) are attractive eco-friendly and renewable materials for replacing the petroleum-based synthetic fibers in high-performance composites applications. Performance Biofilaments has developed a proprietary processing technology for producing CNFs from sustainably harvested Canadian wood fiber, using mechanical means without the need for additional chemical or enzymatic pre-treatment. The process thus allows for large volume […]

Early-life adversity (ELA) is one of the most consistent and robust predictors of poor mental health outcomes across the lifespan. These are developmental periods characterized by high neural plasticity, in which the brain is shaped by experience. Thus, ELA can provoke detrimental, long-lasting changes in the brain and it is critical to understand the mechanisms […]

This project aims to use artificial intelligence to study how people interact with nature in cities and natural areas around the world. By analyzing millions of social media photos and captions, the research will identify different types of human activities, emotions, and cultural values connected to nature. The project combines computer vision, natural language processing, […]

This project aims to develop a new clinical scoring system to help veterinarians and cat owners identify early signs of age-related cognitive decline in domestic cats. The study combines a questionnaire-based measure of behaviour and cognitive function with a full veterinary health check and experimental cognitive assessment tasks to accurately identify subtle changes in behaviour, […]

This project will develop color-changing films made from plant-based cellulose that can show visible signs when packaging is damaged. These smart films are designed to respond to pressure or impact by changing color, making it easier to detect if a product has been dropped or crushed during transport. The focus is on using sustainable materials […]

Although zooplankton monitoring is crucial for informed conservation, data on nearshore zooplankton ecology, despite its importance for forage fish, is lacking. This study will use ZooScan image analysis to process samples collected by the Pacific Salmon Foundation Citizen Science Oceanography program in Malaspina Strait (2015 – ongoing) and assess the seasonal dynamics of the nearshore […]

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive, debilitating, chronic respiratory disease that affects 600 million people worldwide and is responsible for 3 million deaths worldwide each year. Given the recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and the availability of large datasets from both the public and private sectors, our project applies AI to analyze […]

Providing three-dimensional (3D) coordinates and more importantly drone navigation in GPS-denied environments has been always challenging. Limiting factors such as signal reflection from walls (multipath), lack of Global Positioning System (GPS) signals in confined spaces and non-line of sight (NLoS) communication with orbiting satellites, build a barrier to navigate indoor drones. In this work, we […]

Using simplified language understandable to a layperson, provide a general, one-paragraph description of the proposed research project to be undertaken by the intern(s) as well as the expected benefit to the partner organization. (100-150 words) In more than 75% of all Sudden Cardiac Arrests, no one is there to witness the event and call 9-1-1, […]

Recent findings expose the concerning sensitivity of hydrologic and geomorphic function to clearcut logging. Water quality, fish habitat, downstream infrastructure, and human lives are all suffering due to clearcut practices and climate change. This study will explore for the first time the differences between the effect of clearcut logging and more ecosystem friendly logging practices […]

We will validate TATOM (Tumor-on-a-chip assembly to observe metastasis), a miniature human-on-a-chip platform mimicking cancer metastasis for drug testing. Through customer discovery and market analysis by initially interviewing critical parties in the sector. Through these interviews, we will assess commercial viability, identify user needs, and finally refine the business model to accelerate translation to clinic […]