The tropical plant genus, Piper, is well-known from the common table spice, black pepper (Piper nigrum). However, this plant genus is host to over 2000 species worldwide, with the chemistry of different plant species varying widely. This dissimilarity in plant chemistry has important consequences for the organisms that interact with it. Insects that feed on […]

The Mottled Duskywing is an endangered butterfly species in Canada. In order to reverse the decline of this species, research is required to fill in knowledge gaps regarding the species biology and life history. There are currently no data available on population size, survival rates of adult or juvenile life stages, dispersal, or optimal habitat […]

Combating infectious disease pathogens is a pressing global health challenge. Due to limited treatment options, fungal pathogens pose a unique challenge, and are emerging as a leading cause of human mortality. Focusing on Candida albicans, the most common cause of fungal infections, our research project aims to understand how different genetic factors play a role […]

Information on the proportions of clay, silt and sand-sized mineral particles in soils and in soil products used for construction is critical for understanding their physical and chemical properties and for their proper use and management. However, these soil mineral particles are usually glued together with inorganic cements (calcium carbonate, iron and aluminum oxides/hydroxides) and […]

Rhodopsins are a family of light sensitive proteins which are photosensory in complex organisms (such as humans) but have other functions (ion pumps and channels) in microbial organisms. We have discovered a new and unique group of rhodopsins which were isolated from a microbe in a fresh water lake in Antarctica, called Lake Fryxell. Through […]

Due to increasing rates of childhood obesity, it is important to investigate the relationship between motor skill development, physical activity, body composition and sleep patterns. Previous research in this area has focused on school-aged children and adults, when daily habits have already formed and are difficult to modify. The purpose of this project is to […]

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) hold promise as cell-therapy candidates for numerous diseases such as Graft v. Host disease due to their ability to influence the immune system. MSCs have been shown to be capable of a broad range of immunomodulatory effects, including the production of factors that allow them to serve as Medicinal Signaling Cells […]

Non-profit organizations play an increasingly important role in rural regions. Yet, these organizations are chronically lacking in capacity, including being both understaffed and underfinanced, as well as having high turnover rates and loss of institutional memory as a result. This research project aims to explore how non-profit organizations and charities in rural communities deliver their […]

The North Coast Innovation Lab (NCIL) is a place-based initiative for people who are invested in the future of Prince Rupert to work together on tangible projects and initiatives that build a resilient economy as a tool for community well-being. Forthcoming student Project Coordinators provide capacity to the efforts of the NCIL through action-research, project […]

Western bean cutworm (WBC) is the most important corn pest in Ontario and lack of control can reduce grain yield and quality due to insect feeding and mycotoxin contamination. Unlike other primary corn pests, WBC are not controlled by most transgenic corn expressing Bt proteins. Monsanto has developed new insecticidal proteins to which WBC are […]

Western bean cutworm (WBC) is the most important corn pest in Ontario and lack of control can reduce grain yield and quality due to insect feeding and mycotoxin contamination. Unlike other primary corn pests, WBC are not controlled by most transgenic corn expressing Bt proteins. Monsanto has developed new insecticidal proteins to which WBC are […]

This project will create novel goat milk-based products and test their health effects in healthy adults. Interest in goat milk is increasing, mainly due to two market trends: consumers’ new taste trends for niche/ethnic products, and the perception of goat milk having added health properties. Goat milk is perceived as having intestinal anti-inflammatory effects and […]