Previous research has shown that most of the mammalian genome is transcribed, while most mammalian transcripts do not code for proteins and may instead be functional themselves. Non-coding RNAs play critical roles in some of the most fundamental processes in molecular biology. The vast majority of mammalian non-coding transcripts are constituted by long non-coding RNAs […]

A class of compounds the work will be done are tetrahydrofuran-incorporating polyketide macrolides. This class of compounds are natural products found in diverse marine and terrestrial environments, and it has been found to show potentially useful activity in a variety of biological assays. In order to explore and expand this family of macrolides, it is […]

We propose the development of tools that can help identify cognitively normal subjects at risk for developing Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). The tests will use small volumes of peripheral fluids (blood, saliva, urine). Our goal is to evaluate the potential of exosomes to be used as “carriers of AD biomarkers”. These markers will be essential for […]

In photoacoustic (PA) imaging, pulsed light irradiates a sample. Light-absorbing molecules experience a pressure rise and generate an ultrasound wave, from which, an image of the sample is obtained. If the image contrast is insufficient, contrast enhancement is applied by locally introducing stronger light absorbers. In ultrasound imaging (US), shelled gas bubbles are used to […]

In recent years there has been a growing focus on evaluating the reproducibility of scientific findings. In neuroimaging this has been explored with respect to the impact specific choices in analysis software have on the resulting claims and their ability to be replicated across datasets or other tools. The focus of my Ph.D. involves the […]

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 […]

Enzymes are important biological catalysts which span all domains of life. They play vital roles in the metabolism and production of biomolecules in different organs. Our interest lies in using enzymes to develop biosensors to be employed in studying neurochemical processes occurring in the brain. The purpose of this project is express and characterize three […]

Ovarian cancer (OVCA) causes more death than any female cancer in the world. Although patients respond to treatment initially, 70% of them relapse and do not succumb to treatment. Up-to-date, there is no established treatment for such patients. There is therefore the need to investigate the tumor microenvironment for novel targets to enhance treatment. Although […]

The Rett syndrome is a progressive neurodevelopmental disorder and one of the most common causes of mental retardation in females. Because males have a different chromosome combination from females, most males with Rett syndrome die before birth or in early infancy. It was not until 1999 that it was discovered that the Rett syndrome is […]

es dernières années, les objectifs imposés par la gouvernance environnementale internationale ont conduit au développement de matériaux plus durables. Au Canada, cela a permis l’essor de nouveaux produits technologiques issus de l’industrie agroforestière et en particulier la valorisation de la cellulose pour le développement de nouveaux matériaux ‘vert’ à faible impact environnemental. Parmi les différents […]

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is thought to be caused by accumulation of protein, called “beta-amyloid” in the brain. This protein has been shown to accumulate on the surfaces of brain cells, deforming and damaging their outer surface (called the lipid membrane). There is a major open question however: what factors make brain cells sensitive to beta-amyloid? […]

Cacao (Theobroma cacao) cultivation in Latin American countries contribute 16% to the global production, employing around 2 millions of people, generating profits of around $100 million/yr to chocolate manufacturers. Cacao production is challenged by several fungal diseases that lead to decreased crop yield causing farmers to abandon the cacao business and cultivate other crops that […]