A novel electrode was developed to measure pelvic  floor muscle activity in women. The novel design addresses several limitations of current technology, which uses large electrodes mounted on vaginal probes. These probes use inappropriate electrode configurations, have large electrodes susceptible to noise from nearby muscles (i.e. crosstalk), and noise from motion of the electrode relative […]

In this project, the research fellow will design and develop scale-up coating processes for the manufacturing of cost-effective nano-engineered functional coatings on industrial web-coating systems. Thin film coatings are often applied to manufactured components to enhance their functional characteristics, for example improving scratch resistance of architectural and automotive metals. Recent advances in nanotechnology have shown […]

The proposed research focuses on innovative exploration methods for high-grade uranium deposits in Guyana, where there are positive indications for uranium mineralization, but relatively little is known about the grade or extent of the mineralization. Specifically, the proposed research will integrate several geological disciplines that allow the evaluation of critical factors required to produce high-grade […]

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a common blood disorder characterized by low platelet counts and an increased risk of bleeding. Many patients with ITP can be maintained with conventional therapies, but when an invasive procedure or surgery is planned, a short course of treatment is needed to rapidly increase platelet counts preoperatively so that dangerous bleeds […]

A simple and facile route for the construction of highly sensitive electrochemical enzyme biosensors has been proposed using carbon nanotube (CNT) complexes with a conducting poly(thiophene) polymer. Glucose oxidase was used as a model enzyme for the construction of the advanced biosensors. Glucose biosensors, exhibiting sensitivity higher than any biosensor based on CNTs and other […]

The proposed research will explore how diverse recent immigrant populations in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) use the transportation system to meet their daily-life needs.  The objectives are to explore how these groups make use of surrounding urban environments, provide a description of the processes used to secure transportation and the barriers faced, and examine […]

Breast cancer (BC) accounts for 15% of all cancer cases in Ontario, affecting 8,700 women in 2009.  Thus, there is a great need for the development of new anti-cancer agents and the identification of patients who are best suited for tailored treatment.  The drug metformin has emerged as a potential therapy for BC.  Metformin is […]

Individuals with speech problems face difficulties such as anxiety, poor socialization and poor literacy. Key to effective intervention and therapy is a better understanding of the brain activity associated with speech. Magnetoencephalography (MEG) is a new brain-imaging technology that, for the first time, allows researchers to monitor the fast-changing brain activity involved with speech. The […]

The goal of this project is to develop a prototype microfluidic device to rapidly determine whether a target protein is present in a sample. Applications of this device include genomic and proteomic research, pharmaceutical testing, and quality control for various industries, including food preparation. The prototype will make use of electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) actuation, […]

In recent years 3D sketching has received considerable attention and a number of powerful tools (such as ILoveSketch) have been developed which can interpret strokes of a design artist as three-dimensional curves. Using these tools, the artist can create, in roughly the same time it takes him/her to draw a single 2D sketch, a loose […]

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS), which combine electronics with miniature-size mechanical devices, are essential components of the modern technology. In order to provide accurate, controlled, and stable locomotion for such microdevices, researchers have proposed a variety of models, based upon thermal, biological, or electrostatic forces. There are many industries and manufacturers in Ontario […]

Free Surface Electrospinning (FSE) is a novel process capable of producing non-woven webs of continuous nanofibres with controlled morphology and size from polymer solutions with the application of high electric fields. This novel scheme which was based on a rotating cylinder-solution feeding system is capable of producing nanofibres at a reasonable rate with compared to […]