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Impact Stories
Researchers discover unique ‘spider web’ mechanism that traps, kills viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 and influenza
August 12, 2021
The researchers have found that neutrophils—the most abundant white blood cells in the human body—explode when they bind to such pathogens coated in antibodies and release DNA outside of the cell, creating a sticky tangle which acts as a trap.
The researchers have found that neutrophils—the most abundant white blood cells in the human body—explode when they bind to such pathogens coated in antibodies and release DNA outside of the cell, creating a sticky tangle which acts as a trap.
Rain, rain go away! SFU chemists develop new waterproofing solution
July 20, 2021
A Simon Fraser University student’s experimental error in 2016 helped chemistry professor Hogan Yu and graduate student Lishen Zhang discover the waterproofing solution they were in search of. The team has now patented a coating that is cheaper, free of harmful fluorinated compounds, effective on fabric, wood, glass and metal, and superior to current consumer products.
A Simon Fraser University student’s experimental error in 2016 helped chemistry professor Hogan Yu and graduate student Lishen Zhang discover the waterproofing solution they were in search of. The team has now patented a coating that is cheaper, free of harmful fluorinated compounds, effective on fabric, wood, glass and metal, and superior to current consumer products.
Critical research and development set to enhance mine safety and productivity
June 29, 2021
A new underground wireless positioning system being developed by DICE to enhance mine safety is hoping to solve that problem.
A new underground wireless positioning system being developed by DICE to enhance mine safety is hoping to solve that problem.
Personalizing cancer treatment through machine learning
June 17, 2021
Researchers at the University of Waterloo’s Cheriton School of Computer Science have applied machine learning to identify tumour-specific antigens, which could help make personalized cancer vaccines practically feasible and more accurate.
Researchers at the University of Waterloo’s Cheriton School of Computer Science have applied machine learning to identify tumour-specific antigens, which could help make personalized cancer vaccines practically feasible and more accurate.
Improving stroke treatment with a modified therapeutic molecule
June 1, 2021
A research team from the Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS) has improved the protective effect of a molecule against ischemic stroke, which is caused by an interruption of blood flow to the brain.
A research team from the Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS) has improved the protective effect of a molecule against ischemic stroke, which is caused by an interruption of blood flow to the brain.
Bilingual infants prefer baby talk
May 18, 2021
Infants prefer baby talk in any language, but particularly when it’s in a language they’re hearing at home.
Infants prefer baby talk in any language, but particularly when it’s in a language they’re hearing at home.
Zebra finches choose nest materials based on past experience, new research shows
April 21, 2021
When building a nest, previous experience raising chicks will influence the choices birds make, according to a new study by University of Alberta scientists.
When building a nest, previous experience raising chicks will influence the choices birds make, according to a new study by University of Alberta scientists.
UBC chemist helps create new compostable coffee pod
April 6, 2021
Dr. Zac Hudson believes your morning cup of coffee should be strong and guilt-free.
Dr. Zac Hudson believes your morning cup of coffee should be strong and guilt-free.
UCalgary scientists produce new canola type for potentially higher crop yield
March 23, 2021
Canola is one of Canada’s most important cash crops, but there’s only so much suitable cropland where the plants can be grown.
Canola is one of Canada’s most important cash crops, but there’s only so much suitable cropland where the plants can be grown.
Nasal spray breakthrough delivers antipsychotic drugs straight to the brain
March 9, 2021
A team of neuroscientists and engineers at McMaster University has created a nasal spray to deliver antipsychotic medication directly to the brain instead of having it pass through the body.
A team of neuroscientists and engineers at McMaster University has created a nasal spray to deliver antipsychotic medication directly to the brain instead of having it pass through the body.
The bright future of infectious diseases testing
February 16, 2021
When Dr. Peter Unrau of Simon Fraser University (SFU) decided to shift his academic focus from theoretical physics to molecular biology in 1996, it became abundantly clear to him that ribonucleic acid (RNA) would be an increasingly important molecule in his field.
When Dr. Peter Unrau of Simon Fraser University (SFU) decided to shift his academic focus from theoretical physics to molecular biology in 1996, it became abundantly clear to him that ribonucleic acid (RNA) would be an increasingly important molecule in his field.
Coral recovery during a prolonged heatwave offers new hope
January 14, 2021
University of Victoria biologists have discovered how some corals managed to survive a globally unprecedented heatwave, in a first-ever study that provides new hope for the long-term survival of coral reefs in the face of climate change.
University of Victoria biologists have discovered how some corals managed to survive a globally unprecedented heatwave, in a first-ever study that provides new hope for the long-term survival of coral reefs in the face of climate change.