Innovative Projects Realized

L2M QC 2024 – « Caractérisation des mycomatériaux en tant que technologie de gestion des matières résiduelles. »

Le circuit innovant de mycoremédiation que nous proposons permettra non seulement de décontaminer plusieurs gisements de résidus problématiques provenant des industries du textile, de l’alimentation et de la construction, mais aussi d’éco-concevoir une alternative au polystyrène pour la protection et l’isolation. Déjà au stade de la preuve de concept avancée, ces myco-matériaux, littéralement tissés par des micro-organismes à partir de déchets autrement mal gérés, offrent une opportunité unique de financer une dépollution nécessaire, et de séquestrer des gaz à effet de serre via la commercialisation d’objets alternatifs à un matériau hautement polluant sur l’ensemble de son cycle de vie.

Commercialiser une alternative biosourcée, écoresponsable et retro-déchêt (qui s’alimente de résidus) au styromousse de transport, c’est déployer un cercle vertueux de solution : 1) remplacer une offre écotoxique par une offre biodégradable semble souhaitable pour tous 2) produire cette offre alternative à partir de gisement de résidus problématiques, tel que le textile (présentement recyclé au Québec à seulement 3% des 400 000 tonnes annuelles mobilisées) permet de démultiplier les bienfaits puisque cette chaîne de production devient alors aussi une chaîne de dépollution des résidus textiles, financé à même les besoin du marché en “styromousse de transport” 3)Cette même chaÎne de production/dépollution génère des produits dérivés à hautes valeurs ajoutées, soit les principes bioactifs produits par l’organisme fongique , pour lesquels des marchés pharmacologiques existent déjà et croissent rapidement (B-glucane, Chitine, Ergostérol, Triterpène ect).

Targeting mitochondrial quality control to improve muscle stem cell function and tissue regeneration

Dysfunction of mitochondria, the cellular powerhouses, plays an important role in a plethora human disorders, including rare genetic myopathies such as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). Mitochondrial dysfunction also causes stem cell abnormalities in several tissues including skeletal muscle. For this reason, modulation of mitochondrial quality is increasingly proposed as a therapeutic strategy to prevent/restore cellular function. However, our ability to do so in muscle stem cells (MuSCs) is hampered by limited knowledge of pathways regulating mitochondrial quality.
The proposed work will contribute to define how mitophagy (a process degrading damaged mitochondria), is regulated in MuSCs, what pathways are involved, how it affects mitochondrial qualities and MuSC function, and whether mitophagy can be targeted to better maintain muscle regeneration capacity.

PAD4 signaling networks in plant-microbe interaction

Plants are always exposed to and attacked by pathogenic microbes in natural environment. Phytoalexin deficient 4 (PAD4) plays an important role in plant defense to pathogens. PAD4, EDS1 and SAG101 form a specific family containing lipase domain at N-termini. PAD4 interacts with EDS1, but not SAG101 to form heterologous complex. Recently, we demonstrated tha PAD4 interacts with SAG101 via EDS1 and that the PAD4-EDS1-SAG101 ternary complex is present in the nucleus. Our results suggest that EDS1, PAD4, SAG101 function independently as well as in a ternary complex to mediate plant defense signaling. So far, PAD4 has been shown to be required for resistance against viral pathogens, green peach aphid and nematode. In order to investigate the role of PAD4 in plant defense signaling, we set out to identify PAD4 interactants by using PAD4 as a bait protein against a library of prey proteins in model species Arabidopsis. We are hoping to find PAD4 interactant(s) and characterize downstream signaling components.

L2M QC 2024 – « Microtatouages fonctionels fluorescents pour la biodétection ratiométrique non invasive. »

Microneedles are miniaturized needles, typically with lengths below 1 mm and often arranged into an array. These properties are ideally suited for breaching the skin’s outermost layers without activating pain-sensing neurons deeper in the tissue, which has led to much interest in using MNs for interfacing with the skin. One such application consists of using dissolving polymeric microneedles to deliver fluorescent sensors into the skin, thereby creating a functional fluorescent microtattoo. These microtattoos generate fluorescent signals in response to health information, which holds significant clinical and commercial implications for important medical conditions such as diabetes and chronic heart failure. Accordingly, a thorough market study of patients and their physicians will be conducted, in order to validate the commercialization potential of the technology.

L2M QC 2024 – « La biomusique : Utiliser les signaux physiologiques afin d’en tirer une signification chez les personnes non-communicantes »

Certaines personnes non-communicantes sont limitées dans leur capacité à utiliser des dispositifs de communication améliorée et alternative (CAA), ce qui peut affecter grandement leur qualité de vie. Ces personnes dépendent de l’évaluation des proches aidants de leur état émotionnel. Effectivement, leurs désirs et leurs émotions risquent d’être interprétés de manière incohérente par leurs proches aidants. La biomusique est une technologie novatrice qui peut favoriser la communication et l’interaction entre l’individu et son proche aidant en fournissant un aperçu des réponses physiologiques d’une personne à son environnement et en les transformant en musique de façon synchrone. Comme les réponses physiologiques sont liées aux états émotionnels, cela peut aider les proches aidants à interpréter les émotions de leurs proches qui ne peuvent les communiquer. Par l’intermédiaire de Lab2Market, nous avons l’intention de travailler à la commercialiser et procéder à son brevet, afin de la rendre accessible au grand public. Nos défis et opportunités à ce but incluent notamment la segmentation du marché et la planification stratégique. Avec Lab2Market, nous aurons l’opportunité d’approfondir nos connaissances des populations qui pourraient se servir de cette technologie.

Régime juridique des outils d’IA de découvrabilité

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Automatic Detection of Tool Wear in Machining Tools Using Deep Learning

The proposed research project aims to create an AI-based automatic system for monitoring and characterizing the condition of cutting tools by integrating robotic systems and smart cameras. This innovative approach addresses the limitations of traditional tool wear monitoring methods, which often lead to unnecessary costs and machine downtime. By developing advanced machine learning algorithms and real-time image analysis techniques, the project seeks to improve the accuracy and efficiency of tool wear detection and prediction. This will help extend tool life, reduce maintenance costs, and enhance overall production efficiency. Participating institutions will benefit from cutting-edge research that aligns with Industry 4.0 trends, promoting smart manufacturing practices and contributing to the development of sustainable, cost-effective machining technologies.

Assessing the population biology and fishery dynamics of spot prawns (Pandalus platyceros) in Kitasoo/Xai’xais territory

As part of ongoing work developing community-based fisheries and associated co-management frameworks within their territory, the Kitasoo Xai’xais First Nation (KXFN) is interested in investigating the state of spot prawn populations and the commercial fishery dynamics within their territory, contextualised within the broader state of spot prawn populations in British Columbia. This information will form the foundation for developing their approach to managing their own community-based fishery moving forward. To that end, this project will synthesize available long-term data sets (fishery-dependent and -independent) and analyse the spatial dynamics of spot prawn populations and their fishery in KXFN territory and across the coast. This project is a collaboration between the Spirit Bear Research Foundation (responsible for supporting the research interests of the KXFN) and the Lewis Research Group, a mathematical biology research group based at the University of Alberta.

L2M – Embedded TinyML solution for behavioral analysis, welfare monitoring, and localization of livestock using Internet of Things devices and Edge Computing

The North American livestock industry faces a combination of factors that decrease productivity, while demand for derived products continues to rise due to population growth. This necessitates the emergence of innovative, sustainable technologies to support processes, and collaborative efforts. Hence, a solution is proposed to enhance the livestock industry through an innovative IoT collar for cattle that integrates sensors and embedded machine learning algorithms to monitor animal behavior, health, and location in real time. By providing actionable insights, this will enable data-based decision-making and task management to sustainably and efficiently improve livestock quality of life and health, optimize resource use, and boost productivity. Through the L2M Validation program, the proposed solution will be validated in the market to understand the specific needs of users, promoting entrepreneurial skills and enabling research discoveries to move out of the laboratory and be commercialized, thereby accelerating and growing the translation of research excellence to impact the Canadian economy.

Analyse des enjeux éthiques de l’IA générative et mise en place d’un cadre éthique en vue de la conception d’un agent conversationnel en éducation numérique

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Continuum Health Ventures — Intern Funding Application

The primary aim of this project is to engage with the Canadian startup ecosystem by using advanced technologies to streamline the process of connecting startups with essential funding and resources for global expansion. The project focuses on developing AI tools to efficiently evaluate and filter startups for Continuum Health Ventures (CHV), reducing the time and resources investors spend in the early stages of investing. By applying AI in investment decision-making, the project aims to facilitate faster and more effective matchmaking between startups and venture capitalists.

As an intern, I will gain hands-on experience in AI, investment analysis, and the startup ecosystem. My tasks will include designing and testing AI models, developing a user-friendly interface for investors, and contributing to a system that enhances economic growth in Canada. This project offers me the opportunity to apply my academic knowledge in real-world scenarios, develop problem-solving skills, and expand my professional network, providing a unique skill set combining technology, finance, and entrepreneurship.

This project has significant potential to contribute to the Canadian economy by improving the efficiency of connecting startups with necessary resources. Streamlining the investment process allows more startups to receive the funding they need to scale globally, leading to increased innovation, job creation, and economic growth. The focus on healthcare and technology aligns with Canada’s economic goals, potentially attracting more international investments and improving the quality of goods and services available to Canadian citizens.

Data science to deliver more results with greater speed and accuracy

Happly is currently addressing a pressing issue regarding the optimization of its backend operations to enhance support for startups and entrepreneurs. The overarching goal of this project is to bolster Happly’s capabilities through data science and AI, thereby enabling startups to receive customized recommendations and refined funding strategies. The intern will play a pivotal role in assisting Happly with these priorities.