March 28, 2001
Foot and Mouth Disease Experts at U of S
Posted March 28, 2001
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ? Wednesday, March 28, 2001 2001-03-21-WCVM
Foot-and-Mouth Disease Experts at U of S
Foot-and-mouth disease is a highly infectious disease in cattle, sheep, pigs
and goats that poses little threat to human health but is economically
devastating for agriculture.
The current European outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease is the first major
outbreak in the U.K. since 1967. Economists predict the disease will cost
the British economy more than $20 billion this year. The last outbreak in
Canada occurred in 1952 and cost about $2 billion.
The University of Saskatchewan has a number of experts on foot-and-mouth
disease who can provide information and insight into this economically
devastating disease.
Charles Williams
Professor Emeritus
College of Agriculture
Phone: (306) 966-4157
Email: williamsch@sask.usask.ca
Williams was professionally active during the Canadian outbreak of
foot-and-mouth disease in 1952. He is an expert in animal husbandry
specializing in large animals.
Alex Livingston
Dean
Western College of Veterinary Medicine
Phone: (306) 966-7448
Email: alex.livingston@usask.ca
Livingston was a vet in England during the 1967 outbreak of Foot-and-mouth
disease. He specializes in veterinary physiology.
Otto Radostits
Professor
Western College of Veterinary Medicine
Phone: (306) 966-7153
Email: otto.radostits@usask.ca
Radostits specializes in veterinary internal medicine, particularly cattle
and herd health. He is the co-author of a textbook on the diseases of
cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and horses.
John Campbell
Assistant Professor
Western College of Veterinary Medicine
Phone: (306) 966-7158
Email: john.campbell@usask.ca
Campbell specializes in herd medicine, particularly beef production medicine
and epidemiology. He is also a past president of the Canadian Association of
Veterinary Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine.
Information about how Canada is preventing infection with foot-and-mouth
disease can be obtained from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
Phone: (613) 225-2342
Fax: (613) 228-6653
E-mail: cfiamaster@em.agr.ca
http://www.cfia-acia.agr.ca/english/corpaffr/newcom/fmde.shtml
For more information, contact:
Elizabeth Frogley
Graduate Student Assistant in the Research Communications Office
Office of the Vice-President Research
University of Saskatchewan
Phone: (306) 966-2427
Email: elf828@duke.usask.ca
March 27, 2001
Emma Lake Kenderdine Campus of the Arts - Launches Expanded Summer Arts Program
Posted March 27, 2001
EMMA LAKE KENDERDINE CAMPUS OF THE ARTS ? LAUNCHES EXPANDED SUMMER ARTS
PROGRAM
Summer 2001 marks the launch of the Emma Lake Kenderdine Campus "Campus of
the Arts" program. These programs are aimed at the amateur artist, serious
students and professional artists. The programs include workshops with
formal instruction, a Residency Program, an invited Artist-in-Residence
program and the renewed Emma Lake Artists? Workshop.
- Residency Program, June & September
- Courtney Milne - Artist-in-Residence June 4-9
- Turning Boxes - Mini Lathe Workshop, July 14 ? 20
- Architectural & Decorative Stone Carving, July 14-20
- Wild Wood Creations, July 14-20
- Painting the Emma Lake Landscape, July 20-26
- Watercolour & Nature Painting, July 20-26
- The Stitched Landscape, July 20-26
- Yoga and Movement for Creative Release, July 26-30
- Drawing July 26-30
- The Painted Book, July 26-August 1
- Willow Bench, July 27-30
- Emma Lake Artists? Workshop, August 3 ? 17
- Painting Fairy Island, August 18-24
- Creativity and Wellness I, June 11-16
- Creativity and Wellness II, July 21-26
- Free Expression Painting, July 30-August 3
- Labyrinth Building, Sept. 7-10
- Glen Sorestad - Artist-in-Residence, Sept. 1 - 15
- Peter von Tiesenhausen - Artist-in-Residence, Sept. 1 - 15
EMMA LAKE KENDERDINE CAMPUS
Emma Lake Kenderdine Campus is a University of Saskatchewan arts campus and
environmental research centre that respects, protects, encourages and
promotes the symbiotic relationships between the lakeside boreal forest and
people throughout all aspects of educational programming in the arts,
research and retreat programs, forest and campus management and site
development.
Emma Lake Kenderdine Campus is situated approximately 30 miles north of
Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. It is on a small peninsula, in a lake-resort
area. Although it retains a feeling of isolation, it is easily accessible
and in close proximity to all of the amenities of an average resort area.
The Campus has a communal dining hall overlooking the lake, a tuck shop,
several private and sharing cabins, communal laundry and washroom
facilities, a large open studio with water and electricity, two classrooms
and two outdoor covered work areas. A significant part of the charm and
excitement of the programs at Emma Lake is that they are enhanced by the
communal living environment. Stimulating conversation and meal-time and
late night discussions tend to ?fire? the creative juices.
Emma Lake Kenderdine Campus gratefully acknowledges the funding support of
Dorothy Knowles Perehudoff, The Saskatchewan Craft Council and the Emma Lake
Collaboration Biennial Conference Committee.
WANT TO know MORE??
CALL: 306-966-5574
E-mail: emma.lake@usask.ca
Check us out: www.extension.usask.ca/go/emmalake
March 21, 2001
Commerce Students Lead U of S Anti-Racism Event
Posted March 21, 2001
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 21, 2001 2001-03-19-OTHER
Commerce Students Lead U of S Anti-Racism Event
Today, ten College of Commerce students, in conjunction with the University
of Saskatchewan March 21 Planning Committee, held a campus-wide event to
mark the International Day for Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
The event kicked off with an anti-racism march, followed by a multicultural
festival in the University Bowl which included performances by various
ethnic groups and musical bands. Wide Mouth Mason?s new single, entitled
"Change", was the theme song for the day.
President Peter MacKinnon provided the opening address. Also taking part in
the event were Vice President (Academic) Michael Atkinson and Associate Dean
of Commerce Lou Hammond-Ketilson.
The Commerce students coordinated the event as part of a Special Topics
class. Ayten Forrest, Professor of Management and Marketing, stated: "Once
again my students have acted as ambassadors of their profession in bringing
attention to issues of concern in our global environment."
The University of Saskatchewan has recognized the International Day for
Elimination of Racial Discrimination annually since 1989. Further
information, including a complete list of this year's March 21 activities,
is available at www.usask.ca/march21/.
For more information, please contact:
Julie Driedger or Adrienne Robb
Communications Directors
Commerce Student Delegate
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-8424
Carole Pond
March 21 Planning Committee Chair
Discrimination and Harassment Prevention Services
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-4936
March 20, 2001
U of S Alumni Honoured
Posted March 20, 2001
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ? March 19, 2001 2001-03-14-OTHER
U of S Alumni Honoured
Two University of Saskatchewan distinguished alumni received the awards of
honour and achievement from the University?s Alumni Association in a special
ceremony held in the College of Law today.
Lawyer Tom Molloy was the recipient of the Alumni Honour Award: "in
recognition of receiving notable acclaim for professional achievements which
have enhanced the image of the U of S and its alumni".
Lawyer Harold MacKay, received the Alumni award of Achievement: "for
outstanding contribution to his profession, Saskatchewan and Canada".
Mr. Molloy who graduated from the College of Law in 1964, has for the past
20 years, been Chief Negotiator for the Government of Canada in land claims.
Most notably, he was a key player in the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement,
which led to the creation of Nunavut and the Nisga?a Treaty, the first
modern treaty with First Nations people in British Columbia.
Mr. Molloy has been tireless in communicating with the public to explain the
significance of the land claims settlement process, and has published a
book: The World is Our Witness: The Historic Journey of the Nisga?a into
Canada.
Mr. McKay, graduated from the College of Arts and Science in 1960 with Great
Distinction and graduated in law from Dalhousie University in 1963. During
his career he has acted as counsel to a variety of companies in oil and gas,
mining, steel, forest products and financial sectors, and has represented
their interests both in Canada and abroad. He has served as a consultant to
the Law Reform Commission of Saskatchewan and as Special Representative of
the Minister of Post-Secondary Education of Saskatchewan. He also served as
Chair of the Task Force on the Future of the Canadian Financial Services
Sector. The report of the Task Force to Canada?s Minister of Finance is the
basis for legislative reforms affecting financial institutions which are
currently before Parliament.
University President Peter MacKinnon, who presented the awards, said: "U of
S Alumni Awards are an excellent way for the university to recognize and
celebrate the achievements of some of its finest graduates, Tom Molloy and
Harold Mackay are an inspiration to those who follow after them."
For further information, contact:
Sue Hicks
Alumni and Development
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-5600
Dana Kingsbury
College of Law
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-5873
Rawlco Radio Donates $1M to First Nations Business Education in Saskatchewan
Posted March 20, 2001
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 20th, 2001
2001-03-18-CO
Rawlco Radio Donates $1M to First Nations
Business Education in Saskatchewan
Gordon Rawlinson, President of Rawlco Radio, presented a donation of $1
Million ($1,000,000) to University of Saskatchewan President Peter MacKinnon
to establish the Rawlco Resource Centre.
The Rawlco Resource Centre, a partnership between the University of
Saskatchewan, College of Commerce and the Saskatchewan Indian Federated
College, School of Business, will be a nucleus for recruitment and retention
of First Nations and M鴩s students seeking business education, and
ultimately a Bachelor of Commerce Degree.
Gordon Rawlinson, a University of Saskatchewan Bachelor of Commerce graduate
from 1968, said: "It is important for the future of Saskatchewan that more
First Nations and M鴩s people are in business in Saskatchewan. Entering
the College of Commerce from Prince Albert, I know the challenges I faced
adapting to life at university. For many First Nations students, these
challenges can be much greater and may even be a disincentive to pursuing a
business education."
"Gordon Rawlinson is a successful business person whose leadership inspires
us all to give back to our province and to the institution which gave us our
foundation", said Peter MacKinnon. "This magnificent gift will go a very
long way to ensuring that the future of business in Saskatchewan has a
strong foundation in the First Nations community."
"Contributions such as the one Mr. Rawlinson has made towards the
partnership, between SIFC and the U of S, towards the promotion,
recruitment, retention and delivery of high calibre business-oriented
Aboriginal students, provides a win-win situation for all communities ?
Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal," said Jo-Ann Thom, SIFC Dean of Academics.
The Rawlco Resource Centre is one of several initiatives in which Rawlco is
involved and is designed to support and build stronger bonds with First
nations and M鴩s communities. Rawlco representatives co-Chair the FSIN
Corporate Circle and support a range of additional projects such as the
Aboriginal Workforce Participation Initiative, Leadership Choices 2001 and
Women of Dawn.
Rawlco Radio is a Saskatchewan company with radio stations in Saskatoon,
Regina, Prince Albert, North Battleford and Meadow Lake. Rawlco Radio is
owned by Gordon and Doug Rawlinson.
For further information, contact:
Lynne Pearson
Dean, College of Commerce
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-4786
Rawlco Radio is:
- CJME-AM and CIZL-FM (Z99) in Regina, Saskatchewan.
- CINT-FM (NTR) CFMC-FM (C95) and CKOM-FM in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
- CKBI-AM and CFMM-FM (Power 99) in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.
- CJNB-AM, North Battleford, Saskatchewan and CJNS-AM, Meadow Lake,
Saskatchewan.
March 19, 2001
College of Agriculture Launches New Diploma in Agriculture Program - March 19, 2001
Posted March 19, 2001
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ? March 19, 2001 2001-03-15-AG
College of Agriculture launches new Diploma in Agriculture program
Today, Dr. Ernie Barber, College of Agriculture Dean at the University of
Saskatchewan, announced that the College will introduce a revised Diploma in
Agriculture program in Fall 2001.
The updated program features revamped curriculum and a restructured
timeframe, that will change from 3 years with short academic terms to 2
years with academic terms coinciding with regular University terms.
Dean Barber said, "Agriculture is a rapidly changing industry and the
College of Agriculture must move with the times. If we are to remain a
centre of excellence, we must provide programs that train our students for
the future.
"The diploma program has a proud and longstanding history at our
institution. We?re enormously pleased to offer a renewed program that we
believe preserves the core values of the diploma program and of the College
while remaining as flexible and forward-looking as possible."
The program changes resulted from an extensive review process that included
a review committee and a survey of past graduates from the program. The
review committee was comprised of students, agrologists and representatives
from government, industry and the farming community.
The last major review of the program took place in the mid-1980s.
Other features of the new program include an increased emphasis on the
development of entrepreneurial skills, a major in agribusiness option and a
work experience component.
For more information:
Chris Maloney
College of Agriculture
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-8618
________________________________________________________________________
BACKGROUNDER - College of Agriculture Diploma in Agriculture program
- some form of a diploma program has been offered at the College of
Agriculture since its inception in 1912
- the earliest diploma students earned an "Associate Diploma in Agriculture"
after completing 3 shortened academic terms (degree students completed an
additional year)
- the first graduating class (class of 1915) contained 24 students
- as of April 2000, more than 3800 students have earned diplomas at the
College of Agriculture
- the diploma program was first shortened to 2 years in 1931 when the
diploma and degree programs were officially separated
- in 1937, the School of Agriculture was established to administer the
diploma program
- in 1947, the first full-time Director for the School of Agriculture was
appointed
- in 1949, the building now known as Kirk Hall was officially opened to
house the School, providing academic facilities, student dormitories and
food services
- residence accommodation in Kirk Hall was discontinued in 1965
- other functions of the School remained housed in Kirk Hall until 1991,
when the new Agriculture Building opened
- the position of Director of the School of Agriculture was discontinued in
1993, and in 1998, the School was disbanded as a separate administrative
unit of the College
- a major review of the diploma program in 1979-1981 resulted in the
extension of the program from 2 years with short academic terms to 3 years
with short academic terms (October ? April)
- in 1996, the Vice-President established a Diploma Review Committee
co-chaired by Dr. C. Gillott, Department of Biology and Dr. R.B. McKercher,
Associate Dean of Graduate Studies and Research
- committee members included representation from a broad range of internal
and external stakeholders
- in February 1998, the committee made its report
- 2 key recommendations were made: 1. to restructure the Diploma program to
a 2 year program, synchronous with the regular University academic terms 2.
to thoroughly review the current curriculum in the Diploma program
- in July, 1998, the College established a Diploma Curriculum Committee
which presented its report in February, 2000
- Faculty of Agriculture approved the recommended curriculum package in May,
2000
- key components of the new curriculum are the introduction of four program
options (general agriculture, agronomy, agribusiness and animal science) and
work experience opportunities (previously only available to degree students)
- options in the former program were Animal Production Management, Crop
Production Management and Multiple Enterprise Management
- the new program will be introduced in the Fall 2001 regular University
session, starting at the beginning of September
- students who enrolled in the program prior to Fall 2001 will be largely
unaffected by the changes and will begin their academic term in October, as
in previous years
March 16, 2001
New U of S Drug Research Institute Opens in Innovation Place
Posted March 16, 2001
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ? Friday, March 16, 2001 2001-03-11-OTHER
New U of S Drug Research Institute Opens in Innovation Place
A unique-in-Canada drug research institute wholly owned by the University of
Saskatchewan has been set up in Innovation Place to develop new and safer
drugs and to train young researchers.
PharmaLytics Inc. is a not-for-profit institute that has evolved from an
internationally recognized research group in the College of Pharmacy and
Nutrition. Start-up funds come from the $1 million in accumulated revenues
earned by this group through research contracts with major pharmaceutical
companies.
PharmaLytics will participate in joint ventures with industrial partners and
private foundations to develop new drugs and undertake testing that will
bring new generic versions of drugs into the marketplace.
It will also develop clinical protocols for testing new formulations of
drugs, evaluate data for research collaborators in both academia and
industry, and carry out small-scale studies on healthy volunteers to
evaluate new drugs or new drug formulations.
"This institute will open the door to new research opportunities currently
not available to us," said PharmaLytics director Gordon McKay.
The new institute will operate as a separate entity but its board of
directors, comprising both U of S and industry representatives, will report
to the U of S board of governors.
"By creating an institute, our researchers will be able to meet regulatory
agency security requirements for drug testing, expand lab space, attract
capital investment partners, and be in a better position to react quickly to
the needs of industry," said Michael Corcoran, U of S Vice-President of
Research.
The institute is the only Canadian university-based laboratory that has
passed inspection by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The
institute has obtained this stature with the FDA and other regulatory
agencies due to the high standards of research and drug testing set by the
institute?s predecessor over the past 16 years. PharmaLytics will help the
FDA come up with minimum requirements for corporate drug testing and
undertake third-party testing of drugs for pharmaceutical companies.
PharmaLytics will continue to work with the College of Pharmacy and
Nutrition, acting as a research training ground for undergraduate, graduate
and post-doctoral students. Under a collaborative program with industry, the
institute will place a small number of undergraduate students in summer jobs
with pharmaceutical firms. Already four students have been placed in summer
research jobs in New Jersey.
"This program will help identify students who have a propensity towards
research and will hopefully allow us to recruit our own students for
research careers," McKay said. "At present, it?s very difficult to get local
undergraduate students into our own graduate programs because pharmacy
graduates can so readily find good jobs immediately after graduating."
PharmaLytics currently has 10 employees, but plans are to double the staff
within
a year.
Kamal Midha, an adjunct professor of pharmacy, will become the institute?s
research director, while Dr. Larry Korchinski, a professor in the College of
Medicine, will become director of clinical studies, and John Hubbard, a
professor of pharmacy, will serve as quality assurance officer.
The institute?s predecessor group set up a satellite laboratory at the
University of California at Los Angeles with funding from the U.S. National
Institute of Mental Health. The institute will continue to work
co-operatively with that lab.
As the institute grows, it will obtain sophisticated new equipment that will
be made available to researchers from many disciplines on campus. This
equipment would otherwise only be available in larger Canadian centres,
McKay said.
Innovation Place, located on land leased from the U of S, is one of the
leading research parks in North America with more than 110 tenant
organizations. Its proximity to U of S has helped foster the development of
advanced technologies in Saskatchewan.
For more information, contact:
Gordon McKay
Director, PharmaLytics Inc.
1-306-668-8580
mckay@sask.usask.ca
Kathryn Warden
U of S Research Communications Officer
1-306-966-2506
kathryn.warden@usask.ca
http://www.usask.ca/research
March 14, 2001
New Dairy Vaccine
Posted March 14, 2001
For Immediate Release: March 13, 2001
New mastitis vaccine tackles dairy industry's number one disease threat
Saskatoon, Sask., March 13, 2001: A new vaccine to combat the
streptococcal form of bovine mastitis has passed the proof-of-concept
phase, taking it one step closer to producers, says its developer, Dr.
Andy Potter, of the Veterinary Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) at
the University of Saskatchewan.
Mastitis is the most costly disease affecting North American dairy cattle,
with annual industry losses estimated at up to $7 billion due to reduced
productivity and the discarding of contaminated milk. In Canada, the cost
to producers is estimated at around $500 million. The streptococcal form
of the disease accounts for a large number of the clinical cases in the
field, says Potter, VIDO Associate Director (Research).
In four separate vaccine trials, two at the University of British Columbia
dairy research facility in Abbottsford, B.C. and two at VIDO, vaccinated
dairy cattle demonstrated significant resistance to streptococcal
infection, says Potter. "From the producer perspective, this is an
important development as no vaccines for controlling streptococcal
mastitis are currently available." The Dairy Farmers of Canada and
numerous provincial dairy organizations funded the project, along with
federal and provincial governments.
"Mastitis is caused by a number of micro-organisms, but the environmental
streptococcal pathogens, S. uberis and S. dysgalactiae, are especially
challenging because they are resistant to conventional control methods
such as teat dipping and antibiotic therapy," explains Potter. A third
streptococcal pathogen, S. agalactiae, is also a target of the research.
Both S. uberis and S. dysgalactiae are particularly important, as they are
environmental organisms found in most dairy facilities, leaving animals
almost constantly exposed to these pathogens, says Potter.
"Since we began working on the project in the early 1990s, our research
has focused on identifying potential vaccine components from each of those
three streptococcal species," says Potter. "We have found three particular
proteins involved in the production of an inflammatory response in the
mammary gland during infection and vaccines containing these antigens are
responsible for blocking clinical mastitis."
With the basic research component of the project now complete, VIDO has
begun transferring vaccine material and data to its commercial partner on
the project, a multinational animal health company. The company will begin
its product development work and will ultimately produce enough of the
vaccine for registration trials.
Despite the effectiveness of the vaccine so far, in controlling the
streptococcal form of the disease, business considerations must still be
factored into its commercial applicability, cautions Potter.
If proven as effective as demonstrated in the vaccine trials, the vaccine
could make a significant impact on the dairy industry in terms of
increased production and reduced waste, says Potter.
"During the next year, we will assist our commercial partner in this
project to ensure it's an economically viable product that can be
delivered in the field efficiently and effectively," he adds.
VIDO, located in Saskatoon, is a not-for-profit institute wholly owned by
the University of Saskatchewan and is a global leader in food animal and
poultry vaccine research for the control of infectious diseases.
For more information, contact:
Dr. Andrew Potter
Associate Director (Research)
Veterinary Infectious Disease Organization
Phone: (306) 966-7484
Fax: (306) 966-7478
-mail: potter@sask.usask.ca
Stuart Bond
Associate Director (Marketing and Business Development)
Veterinary Infectious Disease Organization
Phone: (306) 966-7474
Fax: (306) 966-7478
e-mail: bonds@sask.usask.ca
U of S Wins $1.1 M from CFI for Seven New Faculty Research Projects
Posted March 14, 2001
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Tuesday, March 13, 2001 2001-03-09-OTHER
U of S Wins $1.1 M from CFI for Seven New Faculty Research Projects
Today the University of Saskatchewan was awarded a total of more than $1.1
million from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) to help fund new
equipment and labs that will advance seven wide-ranging research projects
led by new faculty.
The awards will help fund nearly $2.8 million in new equipment and
facilities for projects that could have important applications in fields as
diverse as aquaculture, rare plant conservation, and medicine.
The CFI provides 40 per cent of total project costs. The CFI money will be
matched by the Saskatchewan government. The remaining 20 per cent will be
sought from the U of S and other sources.
"Today's announcement recognizes the outstanding work of some of our new
faculty members, who are nationally competitive and whose work will benefit
a wide range of fields including medicine, agriculture and biology," said
Michael Corcoran, U of S Vice-President Research.
The announcement was made today in Ottawa as part of $11.1 million in
infrastructure support for 67 projects at universities across Canada under
the CFI's New Opportunities Program. The CFI is an independently
administered fund set up by the federal government to modernize research
facilities and equipment at Canadian universities and other research
institutions.
* Biologist Hugo Cota-Sanchez will receive $137,300 to establish a
DNA-sequencing laboratory to study the molecular basis of rare and
endangered plant species. This research could lead to more effective
conservation and encourage biodiversity, among other applications. The lab
will put the U of S on the cutting edge of molecular studies in evolutionary
and molecular biology and provide a valuable research and training
instrument for both faculty and graduate students. The lab will be used by
many researchers and students including biology professor Peta Bonham-Smith
who will use the facilities to help develop a heat-resistant strain of
canola.
* Biologist Doug Chivers will get $51,930 to build better tanks and a video
observation system to study 'learned predator recognition' in trout and
salmon. Chivers hopes that hatchery fish can be taught to recognize the
'alarm pheromones' that are emitted by predator fish. This could greatly
increase the survival rate of the millions of hatchery-reared fish with
which Canadian streams and lakes are stocked each year.
* Physiologist Thomas Fisher will receive $144,000 for equipment to examine
the role of calcium ions in the nervous system. Calcium is key to
intercellular communication, and this research could have applications to
neurological diseases such as epilepsy, stroke or schizophrenia.
* Biochemist Gordon Gray will get $233,213 to establish a plant metabolism
laboratory to study photosynthetic and respiratory processes. This research
will lead to the development of plants that are more tolerant of
environmental stress.
* Troy Harkness, assistant professor of anatomy and cell biology, will
receive $160,000 to study the role of chromatin in cell function. When cells
reproduce, chromatin acts as the blueprint for the new cell. The failure of
chromatin to function properly is connected to numerous diseases and
physiological abnormalities.
* Chemist David Palmer will receive $153,949 to study enzyme catalysis at
the molecular level. This fundamental research will lead to applications as
diverse as developing new drugs for people with fungal infections and
enhancing legume crop yield.
* Biologist Yangdou Wei will get $230,276 to establish a molecular plant
pathology laboratory where he will identify, isolate and manipulate
disease-resistant genes in plants. Wei will also receive funding for the
project from the National Research Council's Plant Biotechnology Institute
and the Saskatchewan government.
"This is excellent news for the University of Saskatchewan," Wei said. "The
majority of the grant will be used to purchase a state-of-the-art confocal
microscope for the department of biology. The equipment will permit new
research initiatives involved in cell and developmental biology as well as
molecular biology."
The CFI is an independent, not-for-profit corporation established in 1997 by
the federal government. The CFI has been entrusted with a capital investment
budget of $3.15 billion, and its investments are made in partnership with
all levels of government, as well as with the private and voluntary sectors.
Suzanne Corbeil
Canadian Foundation for Innovation
Phone: 613-996-4403
Fax: 613-943-0923
Kathryn Warden
Research Communications Officer
Office of the Vice-President Research
University of Saskatchewan
Phone: 306-966-2506
Fax: 306-966-2411
kathryn.warden@usask.ca
Douglas Chivers
Assistant Professor
Department of Biology
University of Saskatchewan
Phone: 306-966-4419
Fax: 306-966-4461
Doug.Chivers@usask.ca
Hugo Cota-Sanchez
Assistant Professor
Department of Biology
University of Saskatchewan
Phone: 306-966-4405
Fax: 306-966-4461
hugo.cota@usask.ca
Thomas Fisher
Assistant Professor
Department of Physiology
University of Saskatchewan
Phone: 306-966-6528
Fax: 306-966-6532
thomas.fisher@usask.ca
Gordon Gray
Assistant Professor
Department of Biochemistry
University of Saskatchewan
Phone: 306-966-4313
Fax: 306-966-4390
gr.gray@usask.ca
Troy Harkness
Assistant Professor
Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology
University of Saskatchewan
Phone: 306-966-4075
Fax: 306-966-4298
troy.harkness@usask.ca
David Palmer
Assistant Professor
Department of Chemistry
University of Saskatchewan
Phone: 306-966-4662
Fax: 306-966-4730
palmer@sask.usask.ca
Yangdou Wei
Assistant Professor
Department of Biology
University of Saskatchewan
Phone: 306-966-4447
yangdou.wei@usask.ca
March 13, 2001
Music Professor to Retire
Posted March 13, 2001
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ? March 12, 2001 2001-03-08-ED
Music professor retires
Professor Marvin Eckroth will take early retirement as Director of Bands at
the University of Saskatchewan, effective July 1, 2001.
You are invited to honour Marvin with your attendance at the year-end
concert of the U of S Wind Orchestra. The concert is at Holy Spirit Parish
(114 Kingsmere Place, Saskatoon) on Friday, March 16 at 8:00 p.m. The cost
is $6 for students and seniors and $10 for adults.
For the Department of Music, it's students, alumni, faculty, and staff,
Marvin has been many things, far more than words, or a list of achievements
could express. We recognize Marvin as:
- a Master conductor and builder of the U of S Wind Orchestra, an ensemble
that has an international reputation for sustained excellence in performance
and repertoire. Marvin's knowledge of wind repertoire is perhaps
unsurpassed by any others in Canada.
- a Master teacher of people. In his saxophone studio, classroom, or
rehearsals he is insightful, demanding, motivating, and caring. His
saxophone students and student quartets have consistently won national
acclaim, in competition with musicians of every kind.
- a Master teacher of school-aged students, university students, and
practising music educators. Most significant in our Department has been his
role in the training of secondary music educators, a program that attracts
high academic and talented students from across Saskatchewan, British
Columbia, Alberta, and Manitoba.
- a Master organizer who manages the largest, and one of the most
successful, fall music festivals in Canada - UNIFEST. A large part of
Marvin's success in this area is due to his knowledge of, and colleagueship
with, musicians and music educators of distinction.
Marvin will continue to contribute to our community of musicians and music
educators, at a tempo of his own choosing!
The students, faculty, and staff of the Department of Music invite our
alumni and friends to contact Marvin with your memories and good wishes.
For more information contact:
Garry Gable
Head ? Department of Music
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-6171
or
Don Harris
Department of Music
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-8357
March 09, 2001
$900,000 in NSERC Scholarships and Fellowships Awarded to 22 U of S Researchers
Posted March 09, 2001
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ? 1:45 p.m. Thursday, March 8, 2001 2001-03-04-OTHER
$900,000 in NSERC Scholarships and Fellowships Awarded
to 22 U of S Researchers
Twenty-two young U of S researchers have won scholarships and fellowships
totalling almost $900,000 over two years from NSERC (the Natural Sciences
and Engineering Research Council of Canada), federal Industry Minister Brian
Tobin announced on campus today.
"You are part of an outstanding group of people from across the country
which has been recognized as the future of the Research and Development
field," the Minister told the 19 U of S post-graduate scholarship and three
post-doctoral fellowship award winners. "Your energy and creativity will
help make Canada one of the most innovative countries in the world."
Nationally, a total of 1,924 young university researchers ? 1,689 at the
postgraduate level and 235 at the postdoctoral level ? will receive $62
million to pursue their studies in the natural sciences and engineering
fields. Winners are distributed among more than 50 Canadian universities.
U of S President Peter MacKinnon congratulated the U of S award winners.
"These awards represent a $15,000 increase over last year?s total and are a
testament to the exceptional quality and hard work of our graduate students
in diverse fields ranging from astronomy to terrestrial ecology," MacKinnon
said.
He added it is appropriate that this national announcement be held at the
Canadian Light Source (CLS) since this first-in-Canada synchrotron will be a
boon to graduate research across the country.
Construction of the $173.5-million U of S-owned national facility is on time
and on budget. When the facility opens in January of 2004, it will provide a
new research tool for Canadian scientists in academe, government and
industry in a wide range of fields and will help keep talented young
researchers in Canada.
The Minister praised the U of S for its role in successfully launching the
CLS, Canada?s newest and most ambitious science project in years.
NSERC President Tom Brzustowski presented the U of S scholarship and
fellowship winners with their award certificates.
"Science and engineering are among the most rewarding careers available to
young people," he said. "Studies show that graduates who receive NSERC
scholarships will enjoy above-average employability and income, and will
contribute to R&D for many years after completing their studies."
In reminding his audience that today is International Women's Day,
Brzustowski said that the number of successful women applicants for NSERC
Scholarships has risen steadily from 31 per cent to 43 per cent since 1992.
"This is a very satisfying national trend indeed and reflects a significant
improvement in women's participation in the fields of science and
engineering," Brzustowski said.
NSERC is the primary federal research-funding agency. It supports both basic
university research through research grants and project research through
partnerships among universities, governments and the private sector. The
full list of award winners is available online at http://www.nserc.ca.
A synchrotron is a huge device that accelerates electrons and manipulates
them to create a beam of light billions of times brighter than the sun. This
light can then be used by industrial and university researchers as a new
tool to observe structures and chemical reactions at the molecular and
atomic levels.
CLS construction is mainly funded by the Canada Foundation for Innovation,
the Canadian government, the Saskatchewan government, the Alberta
government, Ontario Innovation Trust, Alberta Heritage Foundation for
Medical Research, University of Saskatchewan, the City of Saskatoon, and
SaskPower. Boehringer Ingelheim, one of the world?s leading pharmaceutical
firms, recently became the first industrial company to invest in a CLS
beamline.
Information on the CLS is available at http://www.cls.usask.ca.
Kathryn Warden
Research Communications Officer
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-2506
Fax: (306) 966-2411
kathryn.warden@usask.ca
Arnet Sheppard
NSERC Newsbureau
Tel: (613) 995-5997
axs@nserc.ca
$1 Million in NSERC Funding for New Vaccines at U of S
Posted March 09, 2001
PREPARED BY NSERC
Date: March 8, 2001
For Immediate Release
$1 MILLION IN NSERC FUNDING FOR NEW VACCINES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SASKATCHEWAN
Project already breaking ground with new discoveries
(Saskatoon, Saskatchewan) ? The Honourable Brian Tobin, Minister of Industry
and Minister responsible for the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research
Council of Canada (NSERC) announced $1 million in funding to test a new
approach to immunization that may represent an important breakthrough in
animal and human health protection.
The funding will allow the University?s Veterinary Infectious Disease
Organization (VIDO) to continue its ground-breaking testing of the concept
of DNA-enhanced immunization. The technique involves inserting into the
vaccine special DNA sequences that function as immune accelerators or
"adjuvants." They promise to increase vaccine effectiveness, as well as
reduce side effects, and ultimately the need for antibiotics. Team leader
Lorne Babiuk announced today that his group has already demonstrated that
the accelerators work in a variety of domestic animals.
"VIDO plays an important role in the Canadian livestock and biotechnology
industry, and it is expected to play a key role in the strategic development
of health research," said Minister Tobin. "Canadians are viewed worldwide
as innovators and leaders in agricultural and biotechnology research. Behind
this success is a sustained long-term investment ? by the Government of
Canada, the provinces, the universities and the private sector. It?s a
commitment to the ideas and people that can make a difference."
"Lorne Babiuk?s contributions to his field are an enormous asset to Canada,"
said Dr. Gilbert Normand, Secretary of State (Science, Research and
Development). "VIDO?s blend of fundamental research and innovation is a
magnificent combination that the Government of Canada is proud to be
supporting."
"VIDO is a superb model for collaborative team research," said Tom
Brzustowski, President of NSERC. "It has successfully combined top flight
internationally competitive research with private sector partnership and has
produced important discoveries and inventions that protect animal health and
have a huge impact on the livestock industry."
Qiagen, which is based in Germany, is also investing heavily in the VIDO
research. The company has established a subsidiary in Mississauga to begin
the process of practical development of therapeutics and vaccines based on
the results.
The vaccine enhancement work is only one component of the VIDO success
story. Last year, in the major international science journal Nature
Medicine, Dr. Babiuk and colleagues reported the first truly effective use
of a DNA vaccine to immunize fetal lambs. That discovery brings us closer to
the day when it may be possible to protect unborn children against killers
such as herpes and Hepatitis B, which can be transmitted from mother to
child during labour.
NSERC (the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada)
invests in people, discovery and innovation and is the national instrument
for making strategic investments in Canada's capability in science and
technology.
Press contacts:
Lorne Babiuk, VIDO, (306) 966-7475
Arnet Sheppard, NSERC Newsbureau (613) 995-5997 axs@nserc.ca
Discovery by U of S Researchers May Help Prevent Paraplegia
Posted March 09, 2001
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ? 10 a.m. Friday, March 9, 2001 2001-03-05-ME
Discovery by U of S Researchers May Help Prevent Paraplegia
In a just-published article, University of Saskatchewan researchers have
shown that a new drug is effective in preventing paraplegia in rats with
spinal cord injuries. Human clinical trials of this promising treatment are
expected to begin in a year or two.
"If it works as effectively in humans as in rats, it should greatly reduce
the devastating effects of spinal cord injury," says Bernhard Juurlink, head
of the department of anatomy and cell biology and leader of the team working
on the new treatment.
The team?s findings were recently published in the prestigious Federation of
American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) Journal.
Every year more than 1,000 Canadians sustain spinal cord injuries that cause
permanent damage. including paraplegia and quadraplegia.
Juurlink notes that the body?s response to spinal cord injury causes
oxidative stress (increased levels of very reactive oxygen). This starts a
chain reaction leading to inflammation that can do as much damage as the
initial injury. Preventing oxidative stress and inflammation from damaging
the spinal cord is more effective than trying to repair the damage after it
has been done, he says.
Along with neurosurgeon Robert Griebel, pharmacy professor Phyllis Paterson,
post-doctoral fellow Huse Kamencic and clinical research fellow Elisabeth
Sch? Juurlink is investigating methods of reducing oxidative stress in
the spinal cord by administering a compound known as
L-2-oxothiazolidine-4-carboxylate or OTC soon after injury.
The drug methylprednisolone is currently used to reduce secondary damage
after spinal cord injuries, but OTC stops the chain reaction leading to
oxidative stress earlier than does methylprednisolone, and so appears to be
more effective.
The team has shown that in rats, OTC greatly decreases oxidative stress in
the injured tissue, resulting in greatly reduced secondary damage. With OTC
treatment, animals with injuries that would normally cause paralysis can
walk.
The study concludes that since the rats show "significant retention of
function", this may be an effective treatment for spinal cord injury in
humans. The central nervous system is basically the same in all mammals, so
the positive results in animal trials are promising.
But Juurlink cautions, "There are a lot of drugs that work in rats that
don?t necessarily work in people." For example, drugs need to move from the
bloodstream into the brain and spinal cord in order to combat oxidative
stress, but a drug that crosses the blood-brain barrier in rats may not do
so in humans.
The Saskatchewan Neurotrauma Initiative is currently funding his spinal cord
injury research. Juurlink also receives funding from the Regional
Partnership Program, a jointly funded initiative of the Canadian Institutes
of Health Research and the Saskatchewan government.
Further research still needs to be done to determine the appropriate dosage
of OTC and how soon after injury it needs to be given.
For the initial experiment, the rats were given OTC 30 minutes after the
injury. Juurlink says he suspects OTC is most effective if given within
three hours, and has some positive effect if given up to 24 hours after
injury. This is the ?therapeutic window? during which methylprednisolone is
effective in reducing oxidative stress.
Because OTC has already been used in treating other problems such as
respiratory distress and ALS, it is likely that clinical trials can begin
relatively quickly, said Juurlink.
For more examples of how U of S researchers are helping to unravel the
mysteries of the brain and the nervous system, attend "Brain Show 2001"
Sunday, March 18 at City Hospital. The event is organized by the
Saskatchewan Neuroscience Network.
Kathryn Warden
Research Communications Officer
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-2506
Fax: (306) 966-2411
kathryn.warden@usask.ca
http://www.usask.ca/research
Bernhard Juurlink
Head of the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-4083
Fax: (306) 966-4298
Juurlink@duke.usask.ca
March 05, 2001
Brain Awareness Week - March 12 - 18, 2001
Posted March 05, 2001
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 5, 2001 2001-03-01-ME
Brain Awareness Week
March 12 to 18
The University of Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Neuroscience Network
will present the international Brain Awareness Week from March 12 to 18.
This year?s Saskatchewan theme "Your brain is important ? take care of it!"
will highlight medical research into how to protect the brain, prevent, and
treat neurological disorders.
Brain Awareness Week is an international initiative seeking to increase
public awareness of the brain, its functions and to highlight the progress
being made in medical research.
Activities in Saskatoon will highlight exciting strides U of S
neuroscientists are making to better understand the body?s most complicated
organ and how to take care of it. In particular, U of S researchers will
give free public lectures at the Frances Morrison Library on topics such as
the hows and whys of pain, epilepsy in childhood, and head injuries and
helmets. Lectures begin at 7 p.m. on March 12, 14 and 15.
One of the highlights of the week is the Brain Show where visitors can walk
through the ?brain? with interactive stations, watch video presentations,
and take part in ?brain games? for all ages. The show is at the City
Hospital from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on March 18. Admission is free.
Brain Awareness Week is celebrated in over 41 countries. This is the fifth
year the U of S and the Saskatchewan Neuroscience Network have organized
public activities to celebrate Brain Awareness Week.
For more information please contact:
Ron Doucette
Brain Awareness Week
(306) 966-4092
rondouc@duke.usask.ca
www.usask.ca/medicine
