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 […]
Molly Shoichet receives national Fleming Medal for outstanding scientific outreach
University of Toronto engineering professor Molly Shoichet (ChemE, IBBME) has received the 2015 Fleming Medal and Citation from the Royal Canadian Institute in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the public understanding of science. Shoichet joins the prestigious ranks of other distinguished recipients, including environmental activist David Suzuki, U of T chemistry professor and Nobel […]
Tiny device from U of T Engineering startup helps the visually impaired navigate daily life
This story originally appeared on U of T News. There’s a story behind the Buzzclip — a clip-on device that detects obstacles in the path of blind and partially sighted people and uses vibration to alert them to obstructions ahead. And the story begins in India. That’s where Arjun Mali spent years volunteering with his family at a blind […]
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 […]
Regenerative medicine conference puts spotlight on U of T engineers
If you or someone you know has benefited from a bone marrow transplant, then you may be more knowledgeable about stem cells and regenerative medicine (RM) than you think. Bone marrow transplants, a procedure used in treating cancer that has been around for the last 40 years, is just one of the applications of stem […]
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 […]
Warren Chan honoured with Kabiller Young Investigator Award
Professor Warren Chan (IBBME) has received the inaugural Kabiller Young Investigator Award from the International Institute for Nanotechnology at Northwestern University. “I am very honoured to receive this award,” said Chan. “I hope this recognition helps to inspire other young scientists in the field of nanotechnology.” The $10,000 award was presented Oct. 1, 2015 at the […]
New “Tissue Velcro” could help repair damaged hearts
Engineers at the University of Toronto just made assembling functional heart tissue as easy as fastening your shoes. The team has created a biocompatible scaffold that allows sheets of beating heart cells to snap together just like Velcro™. “One of the main advantages is the ease of use,” says Professor Milica Radisic (ChemE, IBBME), who […]
