The loss of photosynthesis in green algae: a case study for ecological transitions

We propose to investigate the physiological and ecological factors driving the loss of photosynthesis in green algae and their transition to a permanent heterotrophic lifestyle. Autotrophs produce organic molecules (such as carbohydrates) from inorganic compounds (CO2), and photoautotrophs are reliant on sunlight to do this. Photoautotrophs are the primary producers of most ecosystems. Most of […]

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“But…I don’t feel recovered”: Enhancing concussion care in partnership with youth who have experienced ‘prolonged recovery’

Youth concussion rates are rising nationally. Accordingly, efforts are being made to enable the recovery of injured youth. However, little is known about what recovery ‘is’ from the perspective of youth (eg, the care youth need to support recovery). This represents a major gap in knowledge of youth concussion. This research project will partner with […]

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Identifying Markers of Developmental Competence Using Pluripotent Stem Cell- Derived Blastoids

Currently, embryo implantation success rates in in vitro fertilization (IVF) are low, partly due to subjective and invasive tests. An assay that can quantify embryo potential while preserving its integrity is necessary. Small RNA sequences, microRNAs (miRNAs), are promising, quantifiable, and non-intrusive markers of developmental potential in embryos. Due to ethical concerns with human embryos […]

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Developing a prognostic model of freezing of gait in Parkinson’s disease

As you’re walking, suddenly, your feet become glued to the floor, unable to move. This is what people with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) often experience, a symptom called Freezing of Gait (FOG). Despite how common it is and its impact on daily life, finding effective treatments has been challenging because we don’t fully understand why it […]

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Investigating Parkin Oxidation and its Impact on Parkinson’s Neurodegeneration

Parkinson’s disease (PD), a devastating neurodegenerative condition, is becoming increasingly prevalent in our aging population, yet the events leading to neuron death remain unclear. Current treatments aim to alleviate symptoms, but none address the cause of neurodegeneration, leaving a cure for PD elusive. Disease progression is marked by significant neuron loss in the brain region […]

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Oxidative stress-induced Nrf2 misfolding in Parkinson’s disease

Oxidative stress and aging are the primary risk factors for Parkinson’s disease (PD). The protein Nrf2 is particularly important in fighting oxidation and the associated damage in the brain as it activates antioxidant enzymes. Nrf2 is regulated by another protein called Keap1. These two proteins can get damaged under excessive oxidative stress conditions and thus […]

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Numerical Simulations for Plowing Soil Process

The industrial drainage plow is a mechanized tool used for the installation of agricultural drainage and land reclamation. This research aims to optimize the plow’s shape for various soil conditions to increase the tile installation speed and the service life, and to reduce the drag force, which will reduce the fuel consumption. Numerical methods will […]

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Algorithmic and Software Innovation in Parametric System Solving, Polyhedral Geometry and Symbolic Analysis

Computer Algebra Systems (CAS), with their unique ability to analyze and solve mathematical problems, are gathering new communities of users, who challenge those software systems with more and more complex tasks. It is necessary, therefore, that the core engines of CAS to implement state-of-the-art algorithms. This proposal capitalizes on the research conducted by academic partners […]

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Design and validation of pathology-specific heart valve models

Heart valve disease affects a large number of Canadians, especially the elderly. Surgery for repairing heart valves is quite complex and requires a great deal of expertise. This project will focus on creating a library of silicone valve models representing different heart valve diseases using mathematical descriptions. With these silicone models, new cardiac surgeons will […]

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