Canadian scientists are at the forefront of open science, making their research publicly available so that other researchers, healthcare companies, doctors and nurses can use the information to quickly develop life-saving cures for Canadians. The Government of Canada supports this open and collaborative approach to science because it yields results that improve our health, environment, economy and communities. Today, the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science, announced a new $33 million investment to support the…

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A groundbreaking University of Alberta invention that will impact transplant patients' outcomes–and possibly cancer outcomes in the future–is poised to become widely available now that the transplant test has been licensed by life science leader Thermo Fisher. The diagnostic tool is a major advancement on existing biopsy approaches for transplant organs because it relies on precise gene expression measurement. Called MMDx (Molecular Microscope Diagnostic System), it was created by UAlberta's Philip Halloran and his team.…

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A groundbreaking University of Alberta invention that will impact transplant patients' outcomes–and possibly cancer outcomes in the future–is poised to become widely available now that the transplant test has been licensed by life science leader Thermo Fisher. The diagnostic tool is a major advancement on existing biopsy approaches for transplant organs because it relies on precise gene expression measurement. Called MMDx (Molecular Microscope Diagnostic System), it was created by UAlberta's Philip Halloran and his team.…

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A pair of third-year University of Lethbridge classes, one in biochemistry and the other in new media, unknowingly shared a synergy until the AGILITY program brought them together. The end result is a new game that could enhance the learning process of one of the most difficult courses in biochemistry and provide a deeper understanding of the value of collaboration and the game creation process. Seeking a way to engage his students with a subject…

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                         It was a beautiful day last Friday and I went for a walk on Calgary’s Nose Hill. I noticed there were several school groups doing their field trips for the year. Late May and early June are very good months for field trips: the weather is usually fine, the students are ready for a break from classroom activities, and it is a great opportunity to collect data from a primary source. When I was…

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Apart from hurting the caveman’s feelings, reinventing the wheel can be costly and time-consuming. And in scientific research where time and money are in short supply, anything that depletes them may threaten the work itself. Thankfully for members of the Genome Alberta project raising feed efficiency and lowering methane emissions in dairy cows through genomics, milk spectral data keeps the wheels of progress turning. “Milk spectral data (MSD) is a product of the interaction between…

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To the uninitiated, “the role of genomic estimated breeding values (gEBV)” sounds like a workshop you attend when you lose a bet. In fact, gEBVs hold the power to fashion a win-win for researchers and the commercial cattle business. That may explain why they’re a primary focus for the Genome Alberta project that’s applying genomics to improve carcass quality and feed efficiency in beef cattle. While EBV, which represents the estimated breeding value or genetic merit of…

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                              And the winners are… Last night I received the following information from Youth Science Canada regarding the live streaming of this year’s Award Ceremonies. Science Fair season in Canada is coming to a close. “Canada-Wide Science Fair is coming to an end but not before we announce the award winners at tomorrow night's Award Ceremonies. Bronze, silver, gold, platinum and special award winners will be revealed after a fantastic week, at the Connexus Art…

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                              And the winners are… Last night I received the following information from Youth Science Canada regarding the live streaming of this year’s Award Ceremonies. Science Fair season in Canada is coming to a close. “Canada-Wide Science Fair is coming to an end but not before we announce the award winners at tomorrow night's Award Ceremonies. Bronze, silver, gold, platinum and special award winners will be revealed after a fantastic week, at the Connexus Art…

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All Genome Alberta funded projects are reviewed regularly by outside experts to ensure the science, milestones, and budget are proceeding as planned. Our project on Chronic Wasting Disease funded under the 2015 LSARP Competition recently had its first review and the team received some positive feedback. Freelance Broadcaster Don Hill talked with Project Manager and researcher Dr. Cathy Cullingham about the review, and the project's initial samples and results. Here is our latest Progress Report.

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