Engineering a better heart: celebrating the first year of the Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research
What if we could identify the gene responsible for a baby’s heart defect, grow a piece of her heart on a chip and then test drugs to find the one able to shut down the defective gene? A decade ago, that scenario seemed as far-fetched as a Mars landing. Now, University of Toronto researchers predict that […]
Two U of T Engineering researchers on the return of the long-form census
This story originally appeared on U of T News. The new federal Liberal government is bringing back the long-form census for 2016 and no one is more grateful than University of Toronto researchers. The 61-page census was killed by the former Conservative government in 2011 prompting outrage from urban planners, health care advocates, scientists and demographers. […]
Discovery of ‘slithering sperm’ could improve infertility treatments
Engineers from the University of Toronto have discovered that human sperm can adapt their swimming style to their environment. While they usually gyrate in a three-dimensional, corkscrew-like motion, the team was the first to observe sperm slithering along a surface using a two-dimensional, snake-like motion. The discovery could offer a new way to select the […]
Improving defibrillator accessibility to save more lives
This story is Part 7 of a seven-part series, U of T Engineering in the City, running throughout fall 2015. Walking through an office building on St. George Street, Christopher Sun (EngSci 1T3+PEY, IndE PhD candidate) quickly spots a portable automated external defibrillator (AED), conveniently tucked near the side of the entrance. From 8 a.m. to […]
Three engineering solutions from UT-IMDI’s industry-sponsored projects
It was a celebration of collaboration at Victoria College’s Alumni Hall last Wednesday as students, professors and industrial partners gathered to recognize the latest achievements of the University of Toronto Institute for Multidisciplinary Design and Innovation (UT-IMDI). Founded in 2012 by Professor Kamran Behdinan (MIE), UT-IMDI catalyzes multidisciplinary collaborations between engineering students and industry partners. […]
Craig Simmons receives Heart and Stroke Foundation award to advance cardiovascular research
University of Toronto Engineering professor Craig Simmons (MIE, IBBME) has received the 2015 CP Has Heart Cardiovascular Award from the Heart and Stroke Foundation and Canadian Pacific in the amount of $288,867 to support his research in finding a treatment for diseased heart valves. He is one of 10 researchers to be selected among 454 […]
Professor Ridha Ben-Mrad appointed Mitacs’ Associate Academic Director
U of T Engineering professor Ridha Ben-Mrad (MIE) has been appointed Mitacs’ new associate academic director, beginning January 2016. Mitacs is a national, not-for-profit organization that offers research and training programs for Canadian undergraduates, graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. Partnering with 60 universities, thousands of companies and both federal and provincial governments, they collaborate across […]
Three Engineering alumni recognized by global Undergraduate Awards
Three U of T Engineering graduates have been named to the ‘Highly Commended’ list for the 2015 Undergraduate Awards — an international competition that invites high-achieving undergraduates to share innovative research projects. Winners take part in the UA’s Global Summit in Dublin starting November 10. This year’s Engineering winners include Raghav Singal (IndE 1T4 + PEY), Dominic […]
Engineering a ‘social needs marketplace’ to help the urban poor
This story is Part 4 of a seven-part series, U of T Engineering in the City, running throughout fall 2015. Two years ago, U of T Engineering professor Mark Fox (MIE) spent 36 hours living on the street. He did it partly as a charity fundraiser, but mostly to get a better sense of how the homeless […]
