Innovative Projects Realized

Development and Characterization of a Universal Dual Action Vaccine Against COVID-19 Variants and Influenza Virus

COVID-19 and Influenza virus disease (the flu) are both deadly respiratory diseases. Despite the availability of flu and COVID-19 vaccines, these diseases still pose a serious threat to human health, because different types of their strains are in circulation. In addition to the need of urgent production of both COVID-19 and influenza universal vaccine, development of a dual action vaccine is inevitable. To this end, we have developed a novel vaccine that can help to produce robust and broad immune responses needed to prevent flu and COVID-19 simultaneously by activating the virus-eating cells in the body known as the macrophages and dendritic cells (DC). In this study, we will investigate if the vaccine could neutralize all variants of SARS-CoV-2 and protect these variants and influenza strains from lethal infections. This study provides a novel technology for vaccine development to our partner organization for marketing plus opportunity to train intern entrepreneurship.

Cartographie écologique du paysage lotique parimagerie satellitaire

Dans une perspective de développement durable, une meilleure connaissance des milieux aquatiques du Nord du Canada est essentielle pour assurer la protection de l’environnement et la conservation de la biodiversité. Comme le territoire nordique est vaste et dépourvu de réseau de transport terrestre, l’imagerie satellitaire pourrait être un outil optimal pour décrire et inventorier la diversité des habitats des rivières nordiques. Le projet proposé vise à développer une modélisation et une cartographie automatisée des variables d’habitat de la rivière Koksoak au Nunavik à l’aide d’imagerie satellitaire, dans le but de construire une classification écologique. Les résultats de ce projet de recherche seront utiles aux partenaires gouvernementaux pour la gestion durable de la faune aquatique. Le partenaire privé bénéficiera quant à lui de sa collaboration en développant une technique d’analyse qui pourrait potentiellement être adoptée par le gouvernement et qui pourrait s’avérer utile dans la réalisation future d’études d’impact sur l’environnement.

Design of instrumentation for a prototype accelerator driven neutron source

Neutron beams are versatile and irreplaceable 21st century research tools. Following the closure of the National Universal Research (NRU) reaction in 2018, Canadian researchers and industry lost key neutron beam capabilities for industrial Research and Development and fundamental research alike. The proposed project is a effort to rebuild neutron beam capabilities in Canada.
The design study proposed in this project will enable research and innovation in materials for clean energy technology, for understanding and combating disease, and for information technology. The outcomes from this work will inform the design of a prototype neutron source to make neutron beams much more accessible for research and cancer therapy capabilities unavailable in Canada.

Using innovative techniques to understand how mountain pine beetle is shifting ecosystem composition and configuration in Jasper National Park.

The proposed research will evaluate changes to ecosystem composition and configuration from the recent unprecedented outbreak of mountain pine beetle (MPB) in JNP, and use new extended time-series data and innovative spatial assessments to consider how altered and novel disturbances have impacted the historical range of variability (HRV) in the park. The outcomes of this research will support decision-making by Parks Canada on restoration interventions that maintain ecological integrity in JNP (i.e., the persistence of ecological processes), whilst at the same time protect the town of Jasper and adjacent communities from increased fire risk and provide opportunities for diverse visitor experiences in the park.

Antimicrobial resistance and prevention of bacterial brood diseases in the beekeeping industry

The pollination performed by honey bees is estimated to contribute annually ~$4 billion to Canadian agriculture. Unfortunately, high colony death rates have been repeatedly reported by beekeepers. Infectious diseases (e.g. Varroa, Nosema, American foulbrood [AFB] and European foulbrood [EFB]) are important causes of honey bee mortality. AFB and EFB are the most important bacterial diseases of honey bee brood causing significant economic losses in beekeeping industry. Integrated pest management practices include inter alia use of certain antibiotics in Canada. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is documented in bacterial strains causing AFB and suspected in EFB. The ultimate goal of this multifaceted research program is to establish evidence-based feasible control measures for AFB and EFB that will result in a judicious use of the effective antibiotics and a reduced incidence of disease outbreaks; consequently, this will result in decreased use of antibiotics and reduced development and spread of AMR in western Canadian apiculture. Improved honey bee health will lead to better pollination services and increased agricultural crop yields, while at the same time, robust honey bee health will increase honey yields and decrease honey bee colony losses which will benefit Canadian beekeepers.

Evaluation of synthetic single domain antibodies against the HPV16 E6 protein and their potential for commercialization

Almost all cervical cancers are caused by a Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The current standard of care relies primarily on chemo- or radiation-therapy and surgery. These methods have several side effects leading to high morbidity of the affected patients. There is an urgent need to develop new therapeutic approaches that are more efficient, efficacious, and produce fewer side effects. To achieve these objectives, Dr. Zehbe’s lab is developing therapeutic strategies with a focus on targeting the HPV E6 protein, the main culprit in HPV carcinogenesis. It is anticipated that such molecules will induce the death of the HPV-containing/cancerous cells while causing limited to no side effects. Our lab has produced synthetic single domain antibodies (sdAbs), which enter tissues rapidly to target sites unaccessible to “traditional” 10 times larger antibodies making them ideal to treat infected cells efficiently. Apart from their therapeutic potential, synthetic sdAbs are also useful biotechnology tools for diagnostic purposes. The objective of the proposed project is to evaluate approximately 10 anti-E6 synthetic sdAbs in different applications to test their therapeutic and diagnostic potential. They will then be patented in partnership with the Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute (TBRHRI).

Designing an Augmented Reality Experience on the Great Northern Peninsula

The proposed project will carry out the initial steps of building an augmented reality experience for cultural tourism on the Great Northern Peninsula of Newfoundland and Labrador. The proposed interns will work closely with the partner
organization, which is a network of 13 cultural heritage sites in the region, including traveling to the region to collect information and meet with partners, compiling information in a database, creating an initial portfolio of animations, and designing a beta version of the app. One major goal of the GNPHN has always been a cohesiveness between the thirteen sites. We have found ways to link the sites together and to bring them full circle. This past year has had us refocusing our goals on developing new ways to attract and to reach new visitors. The network is now proposing to develop a new way forward for their heritage sites, their exhibits, experiences and products. We are proposing using Augmented Reality to attract and engage the next generation of visitors to our province.

Développement d’une approche de consommation responsable de vêtements

Afin de lutter contre le gaspillage de vêtements au Québec, Vestechpro mènera plusieurs projets en lien avec cet enjeu, dont la réduction à la source. Ce projet consistera à faire une analyse des défis environnementaux liés à la consommation de vêtements et une proposition de solutions pour prévenir et réduire la consommation.

Ce projet commencera avec une étude sur la consommation des citoyens qui sera faite afin de mieux cerner les habitudes des Québécois. Cette étude permettra également de comprendre les différents profils d’acheteurs selon les caractéristiques différentes (âge, sexe, niveau d’éducation, socioprofessionnel). Une étude de solutions potentielles devrait être faite aussi pour comprendre les alternatives à l’achat de vêtements neufs et comment influencer le comportement d’un consommateur.

Ensuite, une analyse quantitative des impacts environnementaux à travers le cycle de vie (production, utilisation, fin de vie, etc.) d’un vêtement. Cette étude aidera à comprendre l’empreinte carbone de ces activités.

En dernier, un guide de consommation responsable sera créé afin de mieux éduquer le citoyen et le diriger vers de meilleurs comportements de consommation. Ceci pourrait inclure des solutions étudiées qui sont jugées adéquates dans la réalité des citoyens Québécois.

Cyber Threat Detection via Machine Learning

Recent cyber-attacks have overwhelmed many high-profile businesses. These attacks often exploit multiple types of vulnerabilities to infiltrate into target systems in multiple stages. Cyber threat hunting in enterprises is the process of proactively and iteratively searching for malicious activities in various types of adversaries that have entered the defender’s network. This process is critical for early warning and detection. However, existing approaches require non-trivial efforts for extracting knowledge about threat behaviour from indicators of compromise, diverse type of logs and unstructured cyber threat intelligence reports. All this extracted knowledge is used to facilitate threat detection. Hence, the threat detection process is labor-intensive and error prone. In this project, our goal is to employ time series anomaly detection and machine learning to design and develop automated techniques for cyber threat detection. In doing so, we seek to explore batch and real time analytics and their generalizability over different types of data available for cyber threat detection.

The application and validation of predictive models to establish indices of protein quality in companion animal feed ingredients

This project will result in the generation of mathematical models that will predict the quality and sustainability of protein-based ingredients that are commonly used in dog diets. With the projected growth of human and pet populations, and increases in food production necessary to meet growing demands, providing Canadian pet food companies (such as our industry partner, Champion Petfoods) with the ability to rapidly identify ideal protein-based ingredients to select for dog diets based on environmental, financial, and biological sustainability is a top priority.
The primary objective is to develop a functional model of protein quality and sustainability to be used for the evaluation of common protein-containing ingredients found in dog diets. This model will be based on the equivalent model recommended by the Food and Agricultural Organization for use in the human food industry. The secondary objective is to validate this model for use in the pet food industry by way of a minimally invasive animal study using sophisticated techniques that allow for very few animals to be used.

Vein depth estimation with Christie VeinViewer

The proposed project is aimed at developing image and signal processing algorithms to enable the Christie VeinViewer® device to determine approximate depth of veins. This is a challenging research project due to the limited amount of information available and real-time fast processing required. The VeinViewer® uses a single infrared wavelength and a CMOS camera to detect superficial veins. It then rnaps the location of the veins onto the skin surface with visible light in real time, and is used as an aide to clinicians to allow more accurate placement of Peripheral Intravenous Catheters (PIVs). Knowledge of vein depth would assist phlebotomists, clinicians, and infusion nurses to adjust their technique and approach angle, and allow for better understanding of venous anatomy and selection of an optimal vein target, which should lead to higher venous access success rates. The proposed project will span 4 months and be carried out at McMaster University and Christie Digital Systems in Kitchener, Ontario.

Development of Advanced Lithium Rechargeable Batteries and Scalable Manufacturing Processes

Increasing demands for electric vehicles and more portable electronics have also increased the demand for rechargeable batteries with higher energy capacity. This project aims to develop novel manufacturing methods to produce advanced rechargeable batteries in a time and cost-efficient way. In this project, the interns perform hands-on experiments to investigate the application of the novel manufacturing methods, by fabricating sample battery cells, characterizing them and testing them. The result would be comparatively analyzed for the resulting capacity of the batteries and longevity of the batteries, also considering the efficiency of the applied manufacturing techniques. The project would result in a scalable manufacturing method for advanced rechargeable batteries, and the partnering organization would we at the forefront of providing society with the next-generation of batteries