Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is an established prognostic marker for the early detection of heart failure. Elevated blood BNP levels are directly correlated to the severity of HF and decompensation. Current FDA approved immunoassays for BNP detection can only be carried out in medical laboratories or emergency rooms. Outpatient-use BNP monitors are yet to be […]

Cancer is a devastating disease defined by genetic changes that result in the activation of proteins that encourage cell growth or prevent cell death. Modern oncology aims to specifically target these tumour-promoting proteins, which has the secondary benefit of leaving normal cells unharmed, unlike chemotherapy. Recently, a number of drugs that specifically block tumour-promoting proteins […]

The global demand for engineered wood products (EWP) is increasing and in the last two decades, timber has captured substantial market shares from the mineral-based solid construction materials, particularly in the construction of residential and non-residential buildings. Although, the production of glue laminated timber (Glulam) and cross laminated timber (CLT) engineered wood products has been […]

Biofilms, surface-adherent microbial populations with enhanced tolerance to antibiotics and disinfectants, are widely-known contamination sources in environmental, industrial and medical settings. Novel approaches for the prevention and remediation of biofilms using nontoxic materials are urgently required. Interestingly, natural polysaccharides and nanopowders have anti-biofilm properties. We will develop a sustainable anti-biofilm technology using PhytoSpherix™ (Mirexus), a […]

The purpose of this project is to support the development of wellness-focused interventions, including weight management, mental health and social well-being for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). To date, the focus of health promotion interventions have primarily focused on typically developing children and adolescents, rather than those with IDD. The partner organization, Special […]

Children born with an absent or ineffective right or left ventricle (single ventricle) have a low life expectancy and will undergo at least three surgical procedures ultimately leading to the Fontan Procedure (FP), which allows blood to travel directly to the lungs (bypassing the heart) to become oxygenated. Adolescent FP-patients indicate poor cardiovascular health which […]

“Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) is a costly problem faced by many industrial sectors. Currently practised MIC diagnostic methods recognise the presence of microbes, but are incapable of identifying exactly which microbes are present, and their potential role in possible corrosion events. This disconnect often leads to sub-optimal corrosion management strategies, and even wastage of treatment […]

The proposed project undertakes a comparative study of existing regional archaeological data management systems and practices. Deconstructive analysis of each of these systems will preface a comparison of their component parts and identify relative absences and deficiencies. When reassembled, a theorizing of why these systems might be “missing pieces” can be undertaken recognizing their jurisdictional […]

Production of bitumen in Canada has increased considerably in the last decade. Due to its heavy nature, bitumen needs upgrading in order to make it marketable. The first approach adopted was to fully upgrade it to high quality synthetic crude oil, but due to the enormous capital and operating costs, it has been proven that […]

The visualization/decision support work encompassed by this application addresses key elements of the upgrade path for that strategic part of IBM Canada’s smarter cities product and service portfolio– as urban transport systems evolve, their escalating complexity requires more advanced visualization tools and practices. The specific project proposed for development within the MITACS brief is:• development […]

Febrile syndromes are among the most common causes of global illness accounting for approximately two billion episodes annually. However, most infections are self-limited and only rarely do they progress to critical illness. Our current inability to rapidly identify the small proportion of individuals who will progress to life-threatening infections (LTIs) is a major barrier to […]

Brewing of premium coffee in single-serve capsule is challenging due to many design and machine constraints. Moreover, parameters that affect the brew quality are not fully understood. By collaborating with Mother Parkers Tea and Coffee Inc., this project will systematically evaluate the brewing parameters on the physical and sensorial properties of drip and espresso coffees. […]