December 23, 2008
First Images From Medical Beamline at Canadian Light Source
Posted December 23, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – December 23, 2008
2008-12-07-CLS
A University of Saskatchewan (U of S)-led research team at the Canadian Light Source (CLS) synchrotron has received an early Christmas present. After several years of research, construction and testing, the unique-in-North-America BioMedical Imaging and Therapy facility (BMIT) captured its first X-ray images.
“Our entire team was just thrilled with what we saw – the images we’re getting on BMIT are as good as any I’ve gotten at any other synchrotron. That’s quite an achievement given that we had our first X-rays down the beamline less than a month ago,” said Dean Chapman, U of S Canada Research Chair in X-ray Imaging and BMIT team leader.
“The BMIT team is profoundly grateful to the staff of the CLS who have worked extremely hard over the past several years to bring this facility to fruition. In the coming months, we’ll be working closely with the CLS, the U of S and the Saskatoon Health Region to build the local, national and international research capacity of this world-class facility.”
“This is great news, both for the BMIT team and the Canadian Light Source,” said CLS Executive Director Josef Hormes. “BMIT is such an important facility, not just for the CLS but for the future investigation and treatment of diseases that have an impact on Canadians and people around the world.”
The X-ray images of a mouse were taken using a technique called diffraction-enhanced imaging (DEI), co-discovered by Chapman, U of S professor and former CLS Executive Director William Thomlinson, and U.S. researcher Zhong Zhong. The imaging team included Chapman, Thomlinson, CLS staff scientist Tomasz Wysokinski, U of S researcher David Cooper, graduate students Brian Bewer and Ying Zhu, and Dr. Sheldon Wiebe with the Saskatoon Health Region.
DEI uses the unique properties of synchrotron X-rays to produce images of soft tissues such as muscle, organs and tumours that do not readily absorb X-rays, making them cloudy or invisible to conventional X-ray radiographs and mammograms. For example, the mouse’s lungs are clearly visible in the DEI image, but only appear as a faint blur in the conventional absorption image.
DEI imaging is proving to be a valuable tool in visualizing cancer, imaging bone cartilage and understanding the structure and function of reproductive organs. Other techniques planned for development at BMIT include the delivery of precise beams of high energy X-rays for the treatment of cancer.
Under construction since fall 2005, BMIT is the only facility of its kind in North America and one of a handful in the world. The $17-million lab, consisting of two beamlines and support systems, will be complete in 2009. BMIT will be capable of imaging and therapy research involving plants and animals of all sizes – from hamsters to horses – and one day, humans. The project is the result of an international collaboration of researchers from Canada, the U.S., Australia, France and Italy.
-30-
The Canadian Light Source is Canada’s national centre for synchrotron research. Located at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, the CLS is a powerful tool for academic and industrial research in a wide variety of areas including environmental science, natural resources and energy, health and life sciences, and information and communications technology. CLS operations are funded by the Government of Canada, NSERC, NRC, CIHR, the Government of Saskatchewan and the University of Saskatchewan. For more information: www.lightsource.ca/media/quickfacts.php.
Note to editors: Images are available at www.lightsource.ca/media/BMIT_1stDEI.php
For more information contact:
Matthew Dalzell
Communications Coordinator
Canadian Light Source Inc
(306) 657-3739 Cell: (306) 227-0978
matthew.dalzell@lightsource.ca
December 18, 2008
CFI Awards $661,310 to U of S Research on Hepatitis C, Osteoporosis, Strokes
Posted December 18, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – December 18, 2008
2008-12-06-OTHER
University of Saskatchewan (U of S) researchers have been awarded $661,310 from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) for projects that will shed light on hepatitis C, osteoporosis, strokes, and other areas.
The new funding from the CFI Leaders Opportunity Fund was recently announced. Notably, eight of the nine U of S applicants were successful.
“These CFI investments will provide our leading researchers with the resources they need to make a difference by addressing key issues such as hepatitis C, osteoporosis, and strokes,” said Karen Chad, acting U of S Vice-President of Research.
“Most of the technological leaps throughout the 20th century have been the direct result of research,” said Saskatoon-Humboldt MP Brad Trost. “By investing in these research projects at the University of Saskatchewan today, the lives of Canadians will be improved and the economy strengthened in a multitude of ways.”
A few of the successful U of S recipients include:
David Cooper (anatomy and cell biology) was granted $120,000 to investigate how bones adapt, age, and deteriorate on different levels. Using cutting-edge 3D imaging technology, this work will improve understanding of biological processes underpinning osteoporosis and other bone diseases.
Joyce Wilson (microbiology and immunology) was awarded $54,936 to research how the hepatitis C virus hijacks liver cells to promote its own replication. This research is expected to identify new virus-host interactions as potential targets for inhibition by antiviral drugs.
Francisco Cayabyab (physiology) was awarded $163,122 for a powerful imaging microscope that will help reveal the inner workings of the brain. This work will focus on biochemical pathways involved in normal communications between nerve cells in the brain and how these processes are affected by diseases. Ultimately, this research will help provide appropriate targets for new drugs designed to combat strokes and brain diseases.
This year, a total of $45.5 million in new funds was awarded across Canada under the Leaders Opportunity Fund to support 251 projects at 44 institutions.
“This CFI investment will further develop the University of Saskatchewan’s global reputation as a place where outstanding research and training is being conducted,” said Dr. Eliot Phillipson, President and CEO of the CFI. “We can say with conviction that Canada has become a place where world-class researchers want to be."
A complete list of the projects funded at the U of S can be found at: http://www.usask.ca/research/communications/backgrounder-18-12-2008.php
About CFI: The Canada Foundation for Innovation is an independent corporation created by the Government of Canada to fund research. Since its creation in 1997, the CFI has committed $4.4 billion in support of 5800 projects at 129 research institutions in 64 municipalities across Canada.
About U of S: Located in the heart of Saskatoon, the University of Saskatchewan is one of the leading medical doctoral universities in Canada. With 58 degrees, diplomas and certificates in over 100 areas of study, the University is uniquely positioned in the areas of human, animal and plant studies. World-class research facilities, renowned faculty and award winning students make the U of S a leader in post-secondary education.
-30-
For more information or to arrange an interview, contact:
Cam Zimmer
Research Communications
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-2427
December 16, 2008
University of Saskatchewan Board of Governors Approves Operations Forecast
Posted December 16, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – December 16, 2008
2008-12-05-OTHER (203-08)
The University of Saskatchewan (U of S) Board of Governors has approved the institution's 2009-10 operations forecast. The annual operations forecast outlines the university’s operating and budget priorities and sets the tone for the U of S annual budget.
“The University of Saskatchewan’s operations forecast document, which is submitted annually to the Province of Saskatchewan, has served to strengthen the university’s relationship with the province, and provides the basis for realistic discussion with provincial officials about the university’s financial requirements for the upcoming year,” said Chair of the Board of Governors Art Dumont.
The operations forecast projects a balanced budget for the university in 2009-10, based on operating revenue needs of just over $356.8 million. This 2009-10 operating revenue forecast is an increase of 6.0 per cent over the university’s 2008-09 budget. Tuition fees are expected to constitute less than 23 per cent of total operating revenue and a tuition management strategy will be developed in conjunction with the province in the new year. The university’s Board of Governors will announce next year’s tuition levels along with the 2009-10 U of S budget during the first half of 2009.
U of S President Peter MacKinnon notes the operations forecast, a key feature of the university’s integrated planning process and multi-year operating budget framework, showcases how the university is interested in partnering with the government and others to advance key shared interests.
“Specifically, the university is interested in enhanced financial self-sufficiency, research that is focused on Saskatchewan priorities and a more robust student experience which includes additional student residence housing,” said MacKinnon.
While this operations forecast is a realistic and reasonable financial projection for 2009-10, said MacKinnon, during the first quarter of 2009, the university will be analyzing any potential impact the economy may have on the institution’s finances over the next three to five years.
Located in the heart of Saskatoon, the University of Saskatchewan is one of the leading medical doctoral universities in Canada. With 58 degrees, diplomas and certificates in over 100 areas of study, the university is uniquely positioned in the areas of human, animal and plant studies. World-class research facilities, renowned faculty and award winning students make the U of S a leader in post-secondary education.
-30-
For more information, visit http://www.usask.ca/ip/ for a copy of the 2009-10 Operations Forecast or contact:
Patty Martin, Community and Media Relations Specialist
University Communications
University of Saskatchewan
Telephone (306) 966-6919
December 09, 2008
New Board of Directors for Saskatchewan Centre of Excellence for Transportation and Infrastructure at U of S
Posted December 09, 2008
Highways and Infrastructure Minister Wayne Elhard greeted the new Board of Directors for the Saskatchewan Centre of Excellence for Transportation and Infrastructure at their first official meeting at the University of Saskatchewan on Monday, Dec. 8, 2008.
For more information: http://www.gov.sk.ca/news?newsId=5f9144f4-6db3-49ee-bc8e-b3ad67c3b6ee
December 04, 2008
U of S, IDRC, NurseONE,and SaskTel Partner on Caribbean Nursing Initiative
Posted December 04, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - December 4, 2008
2008-12-03-NU
The University of Saskatchewan College of Nursing today announced a $1.15-million international development initiative that will take a technology-based approach to providing better access to health information to nurses in the Caribbean.
Through a partnership with the International Development Research Center (IDRC), the Canadian Nurses Association – NurseONE and SaskTel (through Salveo, a joint SaskTel and Alcatel-Lucent project), the College will provide nurses in five developing Caribbean countries with personal digital assistants (PDAs) linked to a wireless network.
Canadian researchers will be working in close collaboration with Caribbean-based health experts and practitioners in Barbados, the Dominican Republic, the Commonwealth of Dominica, St. Kitts-Nevis and St. Lucia, with the aim of promoting knowledge exchange and strengthening local capacity in the areas of nursing training, care and quality of health services.
“Nurses in these countries struggle to find up-to-date medical information. If their hospitals have medical libraries at all, the books are often out of date. In some cases, they have to rely on public libraries. All of this cuts down on the time and quality of care they are able to invest in their patients,” says Pammla Petrucka, the U of S associate professor of nursing who heads the project.
“With the PDAs, these nurses will now have at their fingertips up-to-date information for conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and HIV/AIDS. They will be able to participate in local and global discussion groups on health issues. They will also be better able to assess patient status, analyze trends and identify potential problem areas for client care. All in all, it will provide opportunities to improve accuracy, minimize errors and speed up information sharing.”
NurseONE is an extensive nursing information and capacity building portal previously only accessible to Canadian nurses and nursing students. SaskTel/Salveo is providing a unique remote monitoring capacity to the project. Major funding for the project is being provided by IDRC.
- 30 -
For further information, contact:
Pammla Petrucka
College of Nursing
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 535-9597
Cam Zimmer
University Research Communications
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-2427
December 02, 2008
U of S Scientist and Uranium Company Honoured for Uranium Waste Research
Posted December 02, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – December 2, 2008
2008-12-02-AR
University of Saskatchewan researcher has received a national award and $200,000 in research funding for his collaborative research with the world’s largest uranium producer to minimize the environmental impact of mine waste.
The research partnership between geochemist Jim Hendry and Cameco has earned the 2008 Synergy Award for Innovation in the large companies category, a recognition by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) of their 15-year effort to protect groundwater from toxins stored in uranium tailings ponds.
“Both partners bring different skill sets to this effort to understand what could happen to the minerals in the tailings that bind the toxins over the next 10,000 years,” says Hendry. “We can then use that knowledge to try to predict their long-term impact on nearby lakes and rivers.”
“Ensuring a sustainable energy supply is vital for Canada’s future,” added NSERC President Suzanne Fortier. “This partnership has helped the uranium and nuclear power industries meet very stringent regulatory requirements as well as reassure the public about safety concerns.”
Hendry is currently in an unprecedented third five-year term as NSERC Industrial Research Chair. This research draws on both Cameco’s knowledge of engineering and processing and Hendry’s expertise in the behavior of toxic elements and their movement through water systems.
After uranium ore is extracted from deep within the ground and processed, a toxic toothpaste-like waste is deposited in tailings ponds. Hendry and Cameco are studying the stability of the toxins arsenic, molybdenum and selenium in these tailings to determine whether the elements could morph into soluble forms in the future and eventually enter the groundwater.
"It is innovative from a corporate perspective in that it is a 15-year relationship and it has flourished,” says Tom Kotzer, senior environmental geochemist at Cameco. “The main reason is that both Cameco scientists and Jim Hendry’s group want to get the science right."
Hendry credits the Canadian Light Source, the synchrotron facility located at the U of S, with the unparalleled power to analyze how these minerals behave in tailings.
The “synergy” between Cameco and his research group, Hendry says, has allowed his research to evolve. In other research, he is exploring the use of clay to effectively seal the contaminants in the earth, and even testing its application to the Alberta oilsands as a means of preventing acid from seeping into groundwater.
Hendry says he is a strong proponent of industry-driven research, provided university researchers can operate at arm’s length from the collaborating company. “Over these 15 years, Cameco has never tried to dictate what we work on or what we do with the results,” Hendry says. “And that’s very important.”
The Synergy Award, which honours partnerships between universities and industry, provides funds to hire an NSERC Industrial R&D Fellow for two years and an additional $200,000 in research funding. Hendry plans to spend his funds on some combination of field work, lab research and computer modeling.
The research has resulted in the training of over 50 individuals at the U of S, including graduate students and post-doctorates in the fields of environmental and aqueous chemistry.
About the University of Saskatchewan (www.usask.ca): The University of Saskatchewan is one of the leading medical doctoral universities in Canada. With 58 degrees, diplomas and certificates in over 100 areas of study, the university is uniquely positioned in the areas of human, animal and plant studies. World-class research facilities, renowned faculty and award-winning students make the U of S a leader in post-secondary education.
About NSERC: NSERC is a federal agency whose vision is to help make Canada a country of discoverers and innovators for the benefit of all Canadians. The agency supports some 26,500 university students and postdoctoral fellows in their advanced studies. NSERC promotes discovery by funding more than 11,800 university professors every year and fosters innovation by encouraging more than 1,400 Canadian companies to participate and invest in university research projects.
-30-
For more information contact:
Jim Hendry
Professor, Department of Geological Sciences
College of Arts & Science
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-5720
jim.hendry@usask.ca
Cam Zimmer
Research Communications
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-2427
December 01, 2008
Health Research Week: U of S Researchers are Finding Health Solutions
Posted December 01, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – December 1, 2008
2008-12-01-OTHER
Today kicks off Health Research Week in Saskatchewan. Here are some of the many University of Saskatchewan (U of S) researchers contributing to better health for Canadians.
Fall monitor may help slipping seniors
Engineering professor Anh Dinh is developing a device that may make treading on Canada’s icy sidewalks less daunting for the elderly. Professor Dinh and a team of researchers have created a prototype Near-Falls and Falls Detection System that records physical conditions—such as changes in blood pressure, heart rhythm, respiratory rate, and postural sway—before someone falls.
The system will warn seniors when they are at risk of falling. For those who fall, the data gathered by the device during the fall can assist physicians and physiotherapists in determining the best treatment for injuries and finding a way to prevent future injuries.
Saving young lives through vaccine research
Researchers at the U of S Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) are developing a single-shot whooping cough vaccine for infants. Volker Gerdts and his research team are creating a vaccine that could be administered nasally through a painless spray rather than a proverbial shot in the arm. When completed, the vaccine will help combat the disease in the developing world where it results in more than 200,000 deaths every year.
Another VIDO scientist, U of S School of Public Health professor Philip Griebel, is working on understanding how the body’s immune defences work in newborns. Griebel’s research was recently applied successfully in a respiratory vaccine for newborn calves. Though the vaccine is presently used in veterinary medicine, similar approaches may one day be applied to developing vaccines for newborn infants.
Finding cures and better care for cancer patients
Wei Xiao, one of the U of S’s 2008 distinguished researcher award winners, and his research team have hit upon a ‘9-1-1’ signal that prompts cells to battle such cancer-causing agents as UV and industrial toxins.
Roanne Thomas-MacLean, another U of S distinguished researcher winner, is working with 745 breast cancer survivors across Canada to learn more about the impact of arm morbidity disabilities that often plague survivors.
To view interviews with these researchers, visit: http://www.usask.ca/research/100yrsinnovation/videos.php
Seniors at potential risk from diabetes medication
Last week an American study made headlines when it reported that seniors taking the diabetes medication Avandia may be at a higher risk of death and heart failure compared with those who use other diabetes medications.
Lingyun (Lily) Wu, a U of S pharmacologist, and her research team published a study with similar findings four years ago in the American Journal of Hypertension. Wu is available to provide expert commentary on what these findings may mean for Canadians with diabetes.
Health Research Week Events
• Café Scientifique: Maybe, Baby!
December 3, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Boffins Club, 313-111 Research Drive, Innovation Place, Saskatoon
With the latest advances in assisted reproductive technologies, is it ever too late to start a family? Bring your questions to a free, informal discussion with leading U of S experts in human reproduction research, parenting attitudes, and decision-making. For more information, contact research.communications@usask.ca.
• Santé Health Research Awards
December 4, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Delta Bessborough Hotel, Saskatoon
For more information or tickets, contact dinner@shrf.ca.
• 8th Annual Cancer Research Day
December 5, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Delta Bessborough Hotel, Saskatoon
For more information, contact julia.bidonde@usask.ca.
About the University of Saskatchewan (www.usask.ca): The University of Saskatchewan is one of the leading medical doctoral universities in Canada. With 58 degrees, diplomas and certificates in over 100 areas of study, the university is uniquely positioned in the areas of human, animal and plant studies. World-class research facilities, renowned faculty and award-winning students make the U of S a leader in post-secondary education.
-30-
To arrange interviews with any of these researchers, contact:
Cameron Zimmer
Research Communications
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-2427, cam.zimmer@usask.ca
For more information on Health Research Week, visit www.shrf.ca or contact:
Michael Robin, Communications Manager
Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation
(306) 975-1687, mrobin@shrf.ca
