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2006 News Articles

December 8, 2006

Pre-Budget Consultations

Canada: Competing To Win - Report of the Standing Committee on Finance [ PDF (857 KB) | Help ]
Online Consultations on the Advantage Canada Plan
Standing Committee on Finance
The Economic and Fiscal Update 2006
Your Health Research Dollars at Work 2005-2006

Cree cures may curb diabetes epidemic
A CIHR funded study led by Dr. Pierre Haddad at the University of Montreal suggests that Indigenous knowledge may be of benefit in treating diabetes. The study shows that several plant extracts used for centuries medicinally by Cree elders in northern Quebec can relieve a number of symptoms that are typical of diabetes such as frequent urination to increased thrist. Although more research is required, scientific evidence of these traditional cures could one day be used to help reduce the burden of diabetes in Aboriginal communities. National Post, December 4, 2006.

December 7, 2006

Prion protein associated with neurodegenerative diseases may be involved in blood sugar regulation

CIHR-funded researchers at the Ottawa Health Research Institute (OHRI) have shown that a normal form of the prion proteins associated with rare neurodegenerative diseases may be involved in blood sugar regulation. Published in the online edition of Laboratory Investigation, the study shows that normally-folded prion proteins can accumulate in the pancreatic cells responsible for insulin production, which regulates blood sugar. This study could have implications for research into Type 1 diabetes, which occurs when the immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Approximately 200,000 Canadians have Type I diabetes and require daily insulin injections.

December 4, 2006

Amorfix Life Sciences Ltd. only Canadian company selected as one of 47 -Technology Pioneers 2007

Dr. Alan Bernstein, President of CIHR, congratulates Amorfix Life Sciences Ltd. of Toronto, a CIHR spin-off company, on its nomination as a Technology Pioneer 2007. Amorfix is the only Canadian company, of a total of 47 nominees, selected for the award this year.

Amorfix was founded with a grant from the CIHR Proof of Principle program to commercialize the discoveries of CIHR-supported researchers Dr. Neil Cashman and Dr. Marty Lehto (University of Toronto). It focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, or mad-cow disease, all diseases where aggregated misfolded proteins (AMPs) are prevalent.

A news release was also issued by Amorfix and is available at the following address www.amorfix.com/news.html

November 22, 2006

Health Research: Key to improving outcomes for children with autism

Autism, or more appropriately autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), affects an estimated six of every 1,000 Canadian children. In an opinion piece, CIHR president Dr. Alan Bernstein explains the critical role of science in solving the riddle of autism and calls for a comprehensive national research agenda to support those who have a stake in ASD. Acknowledging that research alone will not solve the challenge of autism, Dr. Bernstein stresses the importance of the future advice of the Senate Standing Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology.

November 22, 2006

CIHR-funded researchers deepen our understanding of human genome variation

A team of researchers, including CIHR-funded Drs. Stephen Scherer and Lars Feuk, have created the first map of DNA and gene copy number variation in the human genome. This new resource provides critical information for understanding human evolution, individual uniqueness and why disease develops. It was published in a compendium of four scientific manuscripts in Nature, Nature Genetics and Genome Research.

November 21, 2006

Women's Executive Network names Dr. Diane Finegood one of Canada's Most Powerful Women: Top 100 in the Globe and Mail

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) congratulates Dr. Diane Finegood, Scientific Director of CIHR's Institute of Nutrition, Metabolism and Diabetes, for being named one of Canada's Most Powerful Women: Top 100 in the Globe and Mail.

This award recognizes the influence of Dr. Finegood's efforts in raising awareness of the effects of healthy eating and physical activity. Considered to be a visionary leader among her colleagues, Dr. Finegood has lectured extensively on obesity and healthy body weight and is recognized as a leading spokesperson on the subject in Canada. She also continues her research in the fields of type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Kudos to this great scientific leader!

November 14, 2006

School bullying: kids may learn from mom and dad

Parents teach their kids important lessons - but sometimes these lessons are silent, unintended and ultimately problematic. In an opinion piece published in The Vancouver Sun, Dr. Marlene Moretti, a CIHR-funded researcher at Simon Fraser University and Dr. Miriam Stewart, Scientific Director of CIHR Institute of Gender and Health, bring our attention to the serious problem of school bullying and outline the important role parents can play in solving it.

November 9, 2006

First CIHR Workshop for Journalists a Success

Freelancers and reporters from outlets such the Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, CBC Television, CBC Radio and Macleans heard presentations by 12 of Canada's leading experts in the field of genetics. The event marked the first of a series of future CIHR workshops on health research topics.

November 8, 2006

The Hill Times publishes special column by CIHR President Dr. Alan Bernstein on innovation and health research

"Outstanding science, risk taking, creativity, time and successful collaboration between government, industry and the financial community - these are the ingredients of innovation," states CIHR President Dr. Alan Bernstein in a special guest column for the November 6^th edition of The Hill Times. Future success in this area, he adds, will rely on continued public investments in research. For example, in China, India and the U.S., government funding of research has been doubling every 2-3 years.
New CIHR Award to Recognize Youth Mentorship Activities

CIHR is pleased to announce a new award designed to recognize the importance and excellence of mentors in developing Canada's next generation of scientists and engineers. The new CIHR Synapse Awards will honour persons who have made significant contributions to the promotion of health research among Canadian secondary-school students. Three different awards are available. A $10,000 award will be given to a CIHR-funded research group that has been active in youth outreach activities. The award is to be used to support future mentorship activities by the group. Two $5,000 awards are also available, one for an individual CIHR-supported researcher involved in youth outreach efforts and a second for an individual CIHR-supported masters, doctoral student or postdoctoral fellow, likewise engaged in mentorship activities. All nominations must be received by CIHR on or before February 1, 2007. For more information on CIHR Synapse, a new youth outreach program, the Awards, or to fill out the nomination form visit CIHR Synapse Awards.

November 6, 2006

18 Canadian Scientists Named Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) international research scholars

Dr. Alan Bernstein, President of CIHR, congratulates the following 18 Canadian scientists recently named Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) international research scholars: Lea Harrington, Ontario Cancer Institute, Philip Hieter, University of British Columbia, Timothy R. Hughes, University of Toronto, Freda D. Miller, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Dana J. Philpott, University of Toronto, Richard A. Rachubinski, University of Alberta, Michael A. Rudnicki, Ottawa Health Research Institute, Michael W. Salter, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Erwin Schurr, McGill University, Eric Alan Shoubridge, McGill University, Nahum Sonenberg, McGill University, Peter St George-Hyslop, University of Toronto, Natalie C.J. Strynadka, University of British Columbia, Michael D. Tyers, Samuel Lunenfield Research Institute, André Veillette, Clinical Research Institute of Montreal, Yu Tian Wang, University of British Columbia, Richard W. Wozniak, University of Alberta, and Jeffrey L. Wrana,
Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute.

October 20, 2006

Nominate health researcher candidates for Top 40 Under 40^TM!

CIHR encourages nominations of exceptional health researchers for Canada's Top 40 Under 40^TMAward. Created in 1995, the annual award recognizes the demonstrable leadership and innovation skills of its 40 Canadian recipients who are all under the age of 40. Through both involvement and contribution, these recipients have each had a profound impact on the development of communities across Canada. All candidate names must be submitted by November 3. For further information, please visit www.top40award-canada.org/

October 16, 2006

New Research Partnership in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

In Canada, one in 1,000 babies, toddlers and children below age 16 suffer from Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JLA0, a painful form of inflammatory joint disease and one of the most common, chronic disabling conditions of childhood. CIHR's Institutes of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis and Infection and Immunity, along with its partners the Canadian Arthritis Network and The Arthritis Society are supporting Dr. Alan Rosenberg and researchers from across Canada with over $1.1 million to study JIA and improve the lives of young arthritis sufferers and their families.

October 13, 2006

CIHR presents its first Café Scientifique: Insights into the future of aging

On October 18, CIHR will hold its first Café Scientifique at Ottawa's Parliament Pub. The event and will focus on insights into the future of aging. Dr. Anne Martin-Matthews, Scientific Director for CIHR's Institute of Aging, along with aging experts, Drs. Max Cynader, Geoff Fernie, Hélène Payette and Allison Sekuler, will provide answers to questions or concerns the attendees might have about current Canadian health research into our aging bodies, our aging brains, and the environment in which we're growing old. The event starts at 5 p.m. and is open to the general public. Admission is free. Please RSVP: cafescientifique@cihr-irsc.gc.ca.

October 11, 2006

MUHC Researchers Confirm Link Between Heartburn Medication and Community-acquired C. difficile

CIHR-funded researchers from the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) have shown that drugs known to suppress stomach acid, such as heartburn medications, are associated with an increased risk of C. difficile infection outside of hospitals. The researchers have also discovered that almost 50% of the patients who had been diagnosed with C. difficile had not received antibiotics - another known risk factor. Until recently, C. difficile was thought to occur almost exclusively in patients who had taken antibiotics in a hospital setting. Clostridium difficile, also known as C. difficile, is a bacterial microbe that can cause infection of the bowel. The study was published in the September 26, 2006, issue of the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ).

October 10, 2006

Toronto Researchers Study Pressure Ulcers

Pressure ulcers are common among people with impaired mobility, yet there is little scientific evidence on the best way to prevent them, reports a new CIHR-funded study led by researchers at Women's College Hospital and Baycrest Geriatric Health Care System in Toronto. According to the study, 60% of pressure ulcers develop in patients admitted to hospital. The elderly and persons with diabetes or vascular disease are the most susceptible. The findings were published in the August 23, 2006 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).

October 4, 2006

Chochinov named J.M. Cleghorn Award for Excellence and Leadership in Clinical Research

Dr. Harvey Chochinov, a member of CIHR's Governing Council and Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Manitoba, has received the J.M. Cleghorn Award for Excellence and Leadership in Clinical Research. The annual award, named in honour of neuroendocrine researcher Dr. John Cleghorn, recognizes a member of the Canadian Psychiatric Association for demonstrating excellence in clinical psychiatric research or leadership in advancing clinical psychiatric research in Canada.

October 2, 2006

With a little brainpower we can fight the stigma of mental illness

According to Statistics Canada, one in five Canadians will be affected by mental health problems during their lifetime. In an opinion piece published on the Globe and Mail's website on October 2, 2006, Dr. Rémi Quirion, Scientific Director of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research's Institute of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Addiction, highlights the impacts of mental illness and calls for a national action plan on mental health.

September 29, 2006

6th Annual Gairdner Public Lecture to take place in October

On October 24, the Gairdner International Awards, in cooperation with CIHR, will host the 6th annual Gairdner Public Lecture at the MaRS Centre in Toronto. The lecture will be presented by Dr. Ronald Evans, a professor in biology from the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla, California, and a 2006 Gairdner laureate. One of the world's foremost experts on hormone function within cells, Dr. Evans will focus his lecture on genetic engineering and its implications for enhancing athletic performance. The event, which begins at 7:30 p.m., will also offer commentary about ethical concerns regarding genetic engineering from three other participants: Peter Calamai, national science reporter for the Toronto Star; Chris Rudge, CEO of the Canadian Olympic Committee; and Dr. Catharine Whiteside, Dean of Medicine at the University of Toronto. Admission to the lecture is free.

September 26, 2006

Discovery offers hope of increased survival for leukemia patients

A study funded in part by CIHR and led by Dr. John Dick of the University Health Network offers hope of increased survival for leukemia patients. Dr. John Dick and his team found a way to destroy the leukemia stem cells that cause a recurrence of the disease after chemotherapy. The paper was published online on September 24 in the international science journal Nature Medicine.

September 20, 2006

Dr. Joseph Martin to deliver public lecture for CBC Radio's Ideas

CBC Radio host Paul Kennedy will moderate a public lecture by the winner of the first annual Henry G. Friesen International Prize in Health Research. Dr. Joseph B. Martin, Dean of the Harvard School of Medicine, and the 2006 winner of the International Prize, will deliver his lecture entitled "Brain Disease: Health Research Policy for the Public Good" on September 26th in Ottawa. CIHR President Dr. Alan Bernstein will offer welcoming remarks. The annual Prize is a joint initiative of Friends of CIHR and the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences.

September 15, 2006

To curb the flu, limit flights

Dr. John Brownstein suggests that airline flight volumes be limited to buy critical time during a flu pandemic. The CIHR-funded researcher from Children's Hospital Boston published results of a study on the spread of influenza through air travel in the September 12^th issue of the online journal Public Library of Science.
CIHR 's Dr. John Frank and Erica Di Ruggiero co-author a CMAJ article on the new National Collaborating Centres for Public Health

As part of the federal government's commitment to renew and strengthen public health across Canada, six national Collaborating Centres (NCCs) for Public Health have been established. CIHR Institute of Population and Public Health's Dr. John Frank, Scientific Director and Erica Di Ruggiero, Associate Director, co-authored, with colleagues at the Public Health Agency of Canada, an article recently published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. The article is about the NCCs importance in providing health professionals with evidenced-based knowledge and best practices. Dr. Frank chairs the national Advisory Council for the NCC program.

September 8, 2006

Youth Suicide: It's Time to Get Involved

Suicide is a leading preventable cause of death in Canada, especially among young Canadians. In an opinion-piece published in The Ottawa Citizen on Friday, September 8, 2006, CIHR-funded researcher Laura Armstrong from the University of Ottawa sheds light on youth suicide and its prevalence in rural communities. Ms. Armstrong suggests for example that extracurricular activities are an effective means of reducing suicides. She calls on schools and communities to become more actively involved to reverse suicide trends.

September 6, 2006

Award of Merit presented to Peter Liu

Dr. Peter Liu, Scientific Director of Institute of Circulatory and Respiratory Health (ICRH), is the recipient of the 2006 Award of Merit from the Education Foundation of the Federation of Chinese Canadian Professionals (Ontario). The annual award recognizes distinguished Chinese Canadians with outstanding achievements in their own fields. This year's award is presented to Dr. Liu on the 25th anniversary of the founding of the Foundation itself.

September 1, 2006

Surgery best option for heart failure

Dr. Ross Tsuyuki, a CIHR-funded researcher from the University of Alberta, has determined that surgery is a better option for heart failure patients suffering from coronary artery blockage. This study, based on previously collected data, shows that those patients who receive revascularization procedures (such as bypass surgery or angioplasty) have half the risk of dying compared to those who are treated with medication.
CIHR's successful assessment by the International Review Panel profiled in University Affairs

August 31, 2006

Five CIHR-funded Researchers Honoured by the Academies of Arts, Humanities and Sciences of Canada

Congratulations to CIHR-funded researchers Drs. Cecilia Benoit (University of Victoria), B. Brett Finlay (University of British Columbia and CIHR Governing Council member), Molly Shoichet (University of Toronto), Michael D. Tyers (University of Toronto) and Teresa Liu-Ambrose (University of British Columbia) who will be presented with medals and awards from the Academies of Arts, Humanities and Sciences of Canada for extraordinary achievement in the social sciences, humanities, and sciences later this fall. The ceremony will be held in Ottawa on November 19, 2006.

August 23, 2006

Dr. Bernstein's interview with CBC's The Current aired on Monday, August 14, 2006

In this interview, Dr. Bernstein discusses the impact of AIDS research, treatment, funding and advocacy on health care policies ---in Canada and internationally. An audio clip of the interview is available on The Current's web site.

August 21, 2006

MUHC Researchers Develop New Model to Identify Ovarian Cancer Genes

Ovarian cancer usually goes undetected until the late stages of the disease, resulting in death approximately 2/3 of all cases. CIHR-funded researchers from the MUHC have developed a technique which can be applied in efforts to identify the genes responsible for ovarian cancer. The potential for genetic screening is a major breakthrough in ovarian cancer research. This research will not only provide a means for identifying those at risk, but may also lead to innovative targeted treatments for women diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
Study Shows All Tobacco Bad for the Heart

A CIHR-funded team led by Drs. Salim Yusuf and Koon Teo of McMaster University has proved links between all forms of tobacco exposure and heart attacks. In a study using over 27,000 people worldwide, researchers concluded that heavy smokers can as much as triple their risks of heart attacks, and that second hand smoke and chewing tobacco are just as dangerous. It is hoped that tobacco users in Canada and around the world will take note of the fact that quitting diminishes the risk of heart attacks over time, and will take steps to protect themselves and others.

August 1, 2006

Researchers try to uncover the causes of intellectual deficiency

CIHR-funded researchers from CHU Sainte-Justine and Université de Montréal are working to understand the causes of intellectual deficiency. To do so, the team is going to examine 300 genes related to the transmission and retention of information among 276 children. Intellectual deficiency presents itself in cognitive and adaptive problems with children under the age of 18. If scientists can uncover the root causes of intellectual deficiency, doctors will be able to design educational programs that will better take into account the strengths and weaknesses of children who suffer from it.

July 28, 2006

CIHR-funded Researchers Appointed to the Order of Canada
Dr. Alan Bernstein, President of CIHR, is pleased to congratulate all 77 new appointments to the Order of Canada, this country's highest honour for lifetime achievement. In particular, he congratulates the following ten CIHR-affiliated recipients for their well-deserved promotion or induction into the Order of Canada: Dr. David Naylor, Dr. Bernard Dickens, Dr. Mary Seeman, Dr. Endel Tulving, Dr. John Dirks, Dr. Donald Meeks, Dr. Janice Gross Stein, Dr. Brett Finlay, Dr. Ann Macauley, Dr. Sheila Weatherill, Dr. David Dolphin, and Dr. Stanley Zlotkin. All Canadians have benefited from their sustained leadership contributions to Canada's health care system.

The new appointments were announced by Governor General Michaëlle Jean on July 24, 2006. Established in 1967, the Order of Canada recognizes outstanding achievement and service in various fields of endeavour. The three levels of membership --companion, officer and member -- honour people whose accomplishments vary in degree and scope. Any Canadian can be nominated with the exception of federal and provincial politicians and judges who cannot be appointed while holding office. Non-Canadians can be considered for honorary appointments.

July 25, 2006

Health Research Discoveries may yield new therapies for Alzheimer's disease and dementia in people with Down Syndrome

A team led by CIHR-funded Dr. Weihong Song, a professor of psychiatry at the University of British Columbia and Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI), has found new possibilities for treating Alzheimer's disease and dementia in Down Syndrome (DS) patients - a currently untreatable condition. The findings were published recently in two papers in the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) Journal.
Attack of the "superantigens"

What do flesh-eating disease, food poisoning and toxic shock syndrome have in common? A CIHR-funded research led by Dr. Joaquin Madrenas at Robarts Research Institute found that these rapid-onset diseases are all caused by tiny amounts of bacterial "superantigens", which are toxins secreted by some bacteria that trigger a massive activation of immune cells throughout the body. This systemic immune response then sets off its own chain of damaging biochemical events that can lead not only to fever and vomiting but to multiple organ failure and death. This research will provide important information for the development of targeted drug therapies for these devastating diseases. The findings were recently published in the journal Immunity.

July 24, 2006

Why people with diabetes get more infections

Researchers at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at The University of Western Ontario have gained an important new insight into why people with diabetes are at greater risk of developing recurrent infections and complications following seemingly mild infections. CIHR-funded researchers, led by Dr. Bhagirath Singh found that those with diabetes have compromised immunity because their dendritic cells fail to produce enough of a potent antiviral agent known as interferon-alpha. "This indicates that strategies to reduce the incidence or severity of infections, such as vaccinations, are very important to people with diabetes," said Dr. Singh.

July 20, 2006

CMHF Call for Nominations

The nomination process for induction into The Canadian Medical Hall of Fame is officially underway. Any two individuals are invited to nominate a Canadian citizen who has made either a single meritorious contribution or achieved a lifetime of outstanding accomplishments in the health sciences. The deadline for nominations is December 15, 2006. For more information about the nomination process, visit the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame Web site or call 519-488-2003.
Newly recognized form of heart failure found to be common and deadly

A team of researchers led by Dr. Peter Liu of the University of Toronto have newly identified a common and deadly form of heart failure often not recognized by emergency departments. These patients can have many of the traditional signs of heart failure, but will not be diagnosed because, according to a measurement known as ejection fraction, their hearts are still pumping normally. The study highlights the need to develop new treatments for these types of heart failure patients. This study was partly funded by CIHR.

July 17, 2006

Vancouver researchers find cause of inherited form of early onset dementia

A team of CIHR-supported researchers have discovered a gene mutation responsible for a common form of dementia in persons under 65. The mutation, found in the progranulin gene, causes an inherited form of frontotemporal dementia (FTD), according to findings made by Drs. Ian Mackenzie and Howard Feldman, both of whom are affiliated with the University of British Columbia and the Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute. The team hadn't expected to find these mutations and the discovery now opens the door to possible treatment for FTD. The findings were published online in the July 17, 2006 edition of Nature.

July 13, 2006

CIHR-funded researcher passes away: Dr. Liam Joseph Murphy, MB, BS, PhD, FRACP, FRCPC

July 6, 2006

Healing the Heart with Bone Marrow Cells

Researchers at the McEwen Centre for Regenerative Medicine at Toronto General Hospital have discovered the 'SOS' distress signal that starts the repair process after a heart attack. When damaged tissues send out this signal, a specific kind of bone marrow stem cell mobilizes and stimulates the growth of new blood vessels in the heart. This is the first step in repairing the heart and preventing further heart failure. These research results are supported in part by CIHR and were recently published in The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery.

July 4, 2006

Release of the Canadian Cardiovascular Atlas

The Canadian Cardiovascular Atlas which examines how geography affects the delivery of cardiovascular care in Canada was issued today. The Atlas is a collection of award-winning research papers previously published in The Canadian Journal of Cardiology. The Atlas was partly funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).

June 30, 2006

External Review of CIHR

June 28, 2006

Ronald receives Gairdner Foundation Wightman Award

The Gairdner Foundation has awarded the 2006 Wightman Award to CIHR-funded researcher Dr. Allan R. Ronald OC for helping establish infectious diseases as a clinical specialty in Canada and for his contribution to HIV/AIDS research in Africa. Prior to retiring in 2002, Dr. Ronald led a distinguished career as a professor and medical researcher at the University of Manitoba. He has also served on various boards and councils including the International Society of Infectious Diseases (as president), the American College of Physicians, and the Medical Research Council. The Wightman Award recognizes a Canadian who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in medicine and medical science. The award ceremony will be held in Toronto on October 26, 2006.

June 22, 2006

Drs. Rajotte and Spence honoured with Alberta Order of Excellence

Two leaders of the Albertan health research community will be invested into the Alberta Order of Excellence later this year. Dr. Ray Rajotte, a CIHR-funded researcher from the University of Alberta, will be recognized for his pioneer research on diabetes and as a member of the research team who developed the Edmonton Protocol, a breakthrough diabetes treatment. Dr. Matthew Spence, President and CEO of the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research, will be honoured for his work as a medical clinician, researcher and administrator, and for his important role in building Alberta's health research capacity. Dr. Spence co-chaired an important CIHR working group on partnership in 2001 and is a member of the President's International Advisory Committee. The induction ceremony will be held in Edmonton on October 19th, 2006.

June 20, 2006

CIHR-funded study helps combat the growing problem of antibiotic resistance

CIHR-funded researcher Dr. James Coulton along with Dr. Peter Pawelek from McGill University and their team have identified the processes by which bacteria access essential nutrients such as iron. The researchers arrived at this result after successfully producing the first known 3-D structure of a protein complex involved in bacterial iron uptake. The discovery, which is featured in the June 2nd edition of Science, could lead to the development of better drugs to combat the growing problem of antibiotic resistance.

June 16, 2006

Researchers open door to treatments using cells derived from human skin stem cells

CIHR-funded researchers from The Hospital for Sick Children (part of the University of Toronto Health Research Network) along with researchers form the University of Calgary have found that stem cells derived from adult skin (SKPs) can create neural cell types that can be transplanted into and function in mouse models of disease. In a paper published in the Journal of Neuroscience, the researchers find that SKPs are capable of generating a form of glial cell, called Schwann cells, which earlier experiments have shown can help regrow the protective sheath around axons (part of a neuron) that is lost in disorders such as multiple sclerosis, and even spinal cord injury. This research finding raises the possibility that we could treat humans with Schwann cells derived from human skin stem cells, and perhaps even use the patient's own skin to generate Schwann cells for treatment.
Researchers provide ground-breaking evidence for Huntington disease treatment

CIHR-funded researchers from University of British Columbia have provided ground-breaking evidence of a possible treatment for Huntington disease (HD), a degenerative brain disease that affects one in every 10,000 Canadians. The research team prevented the mutant huntingtin protein, responsible for Huntington disease, from breaking apart in a mouse model. By doing this, they discovered they were able to prevent the onset of the degenerative symptoms underlying the illness and the mouse displayed normal brain function. This is the first time that a possible treatment for HD in mice has been successfully achieved. The findings are published in the most recent issue of Cell.

June 12, 2006

Researchers identify a drug that halts Alzheimer's disease in mice

A team of CIHR-funded researchers from the University of Toronto have identified a drug that halts Alzheimer's disease in mice. Alzheimer's disease affects one-in-20 Canadians over age 65, and one-in-four over age 85. This study is a significant breakthrough in drug development to reverse or cure the disease. Published online this month in Nature Medicine, the study explains how the drug "scyllocyclohexanehexol" stops the accumulation of amyloid beta peptide, which causes toxic damage in brains affected by Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers uncover different source for chronic neuropathic pain

CIHR-funded researchers from the University of Alberta suggest that chronic 'neuropathic' pain is produced between the nerves that are producing the pain and the spine, rather than from the spine to the brain as stated in current theory. Their findings are published in the recent edition of the Journal of Neurophysiology. To date, 'neuropathic' pain is particularly vexing and difficult to treat because there is no agreed location or physiological mechanism to target for therapy, but these researchers' findings may help remedy this situation.

May 30, 2006

Pawson inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame

Dr. Anthony Pawson, a CIHR-funded Distinguished Investigator and Director of Research at the Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto, has been inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame. The honour recognizes the inductee's contribution to Canada's health care system for his innovation and dedication to advancing the well-being of people everywhere.

May 25, 2006

Canadian Cancer Society comments on key findings from UV, Vitamin D and Health Conference
Finegood receives Distinguished Nutrition Leadership award from Danone

Dr. Diane Finegood, Scientific Director of CIHR's Institute of Nutrition, Metabolism and Diabetes, is the 2005 recipient of the Danone Institute's Distinguished Nutrition Leadership Award. The annual award, which will be presented at a ceremony on May 26, recognizes Dr. Finegood's significant efforts during her career to raise public and professional awareness of the effect of nutrition on health. Considered to be a visionary leader by her colleagues, Dr. Finegood has lectured extensively on nutrition and healthy body weight and is considered to be a leading spokesperson about the subject among media outlets. A respected author of many peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, she also continues her work in the fields of type 1 and type 2 diabetes research.

May 16, 2006

Nancy Edwards Day proclaimed in Ottawa

On May 10, Dr. Nancy Edwards, a CIHR-funded researcher and member of CIHR's Governing Council, was honoured by the City of Ottawa for her contributions to community health. Nancy Edwards Day recognizes Dr. Edwards' nursing efforts in four continents and eight countries, where she helped established primary health care research projects. The day also recognizes her current work to build capacity among the next generation of community health researchers.

May 11, 2006

CIHR President will be panelist at Research Money Conference

Dr. Alan Bernstein, President of CIHR, will be participating as a panelist at the Second Regional Research Money Conference in Vancouver on May 18, 2006. Entitled "The Asia Pacific Connections: Exploiting Western Canada's Edge in the Knowledge Economy", the conference will explore how Western Canada can leverage its research and development capacity and its natural resources to capitalize on the rapid growth in China, India and other Asian countries.

May 8, 2006

Light just as effective as antidepressants for winter depression

CIHR-funded researchers from Toronto's Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre have determined that artificial light therapy can be just as effective as antidepressants in the treatment of seasonal mood disorder. Symptoms for the disorder, which start in the fall, include depression and lack of energy. Drs. Robert Levitan and Anthony Levitt's study, which appears in the May edition of the American Journal of Psychiatry, compared the use of an antidepressant called fluoxetine and light therapy as treatment for patients in four Canadian cities over three winters. Light therapy proved to be just as effective as fluoxetine, and produced less agitation, sleep disturbance and palpitations among patients. This development opens other therapeutic options for patients who suffer from seasonal mood disorder.
Researchers develop a vaccine that protects monkeys from Marburg virus

Dr. Heinz Feldmann, a CIHR-funded researcher, has successfully developed a vaccine that offers 100 per cent protection to monkeys that have been exposed to the Marburg virus. In the study, Dr. Feldmann, along with researchers from the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, administered the vaccine to five monkeys after they had been exposed to the deadly virus. The monkeys survived and remained healthy for 80 days. The next step will be to transfer this test to human, which will take approximately five years.

May 4, 2006

Worms offer insights into high blood pressure

Dr. Peter Roy, a CIHR-funded researcher from the University of Toronto, has discovered that worms can act as a model for effective drug testing in the human body. His study, which is published in the May 4 edition of Nature, screened 14,100 drugs and drug-like molecules - and identified 308 that cause death or defects in worms. One particular molecule, nemadipine-A, is similar to a drug called 1,4-dihydropyridines, which is supposed to lower blood pressure in human beings. Instead, Dr. Roy discovered that nemadipine-A kills worms because it blocks the function of a calcium channel - which is essential for the reduction of high blood pressure. Dr. Roy's discovery could lead to new therapies for all kinds of disease among humans.

May 3, 2006

Congratulations to the Globe's Top 40 under 40 in the Canadian health research and science communities!

Dr. Alan Bernstein, President of CIHR, would like to congratulate the following members of Canadian health research and science communities who have been recognized as the top 40 under 40 'leaders' of 2005 by the Globe and Mail. They include:
- Dr. Brenda Banwell (assistant professor of pediatrics (neurology), University of Toronto; pediatric neurologist, Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children),
- Dr. Steven Jones (geneticist; head of bioinformatics and associate director, Genome Sciences Centre, British Columbia Cancer Agency),
- Dr. Patrick Luke (surgeon, London Health Sciences Centre; associate professor of surgery, University of Western Ontario),
- Dr. Karim Nader (psychology researcher; associate professor, department of psychology, McGill University), and
- Dr. Philip Zelazo (neuropsychologist; Canada research chair and professor of neuropsychology, University of Toronto).
(Globe and Mail, May 2, 2006, Section T)

May 2, 2006

April 28, 2006

CIHR's fifth annual report is now on-line!

To celebrate its fifth year of existence as the Government of Canada's agency for health research, CIHR has issued an annual report that reflects on the agency's birth, as well as its growth, strength, value and impact so far in the Canadian health research community. To view more, please see the report here. [ HTML | PDF (3 MB) | Help ]

April 26, 2006

Newly-discovered protein prevents toxic protein buildup responsible for Alzheimer's disease

An international team of CIHR-funded researchers has discovered that a protein called TMP21 appears to prevent the buildup of Abeta, a toxic protein which causes Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD is an untreatable, degenerative neurological condition that typically affects people over the age of 65. This discovery is especially significant because, unlike previous attempts to prevent the accumulation of Abeta, TMP21 does not seem to cause side effects, such as swelling of the brain. The findings, which are published in the April 27 edition of Nature, could help in the development of a new drug to treat AD.
New estimate presents total annual cost of substance abuse on Canadians
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Through a CIHR-funded study, Dr. Jürgen Rehm, a researcher from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, has estimated that substance abuse costs the Canadian economy roughly $39.8 billion annually. This cost is based on 2002 data and includes costs associated with tobacco, alcohol and illegal drug abuse. The study is an important guide for policy-makers on how to best allocate resources to reduce the burden of substance-related death and illness on Canadian society.

April 19, 2006

Protein linked to immune system problems in people of African descent

Dr. Maya Saleh, a CIHR-funded researcher from McGill University, has discovered how a protein called caspase-12 shuts down the immune system in people of African descent. Caspase-12 blocks the body's response to life-threatening infection, such as sepsis, by preventing another protein from working properly. The discovery of caspase-12's function, which is published in the recent edition of Nature, will help researchers develop treatments that could strengthen the immune system of those people who have defective protein.
Protein helps skin cancer cells move to other parts of the body

In an international study published in the March 30 edition of Nature, CIHR-funded researchers demonstrated that a protein called RANKL can help skin cancer cells move to other parts of the body through a receptor called RANK. If this communication channel can be interrupted, it may be possible to stop tumour growth and progression. Nature, March 30, 2006, p. 692-696.

April 12, 2006

Invitation to provide advice and suggestions for CIHR's Policy in Development - Access to Products of Research

March 30, 2006

HIV-infection rate down in India

An international study, partly funded by CIHR, reports a one-third decline in HIV infection rates among young women attending peer-based education programs in India's southern and northern states. The study, which is featured in the March 30 edition of The Lancet and which is the largest study of prenatal clinic attendees, suggests that condom use and awareness programs do help in the fight against the AIDS epidemic.
Finlay and Sherwin receive Killam prize

CIHR-funded researchers Drs. B. Brett Finlay and Susan Sherwin are recipients of the 2006 Killam Prize for their outstanding achievements in the health sciences and humanities, respectively. The 100,000 prize, which is administered by the Canada Council for the Arts and named after the late Izaak Walton Killam, recognizes distinguished Canadian scholars and scientists engaged in research in the fields of health sciences, natural sciences, engineering, social sciences and humanities. The other winners include Paul Corkum (Natural Sciences), Jean-Marie Dufour (Social Sciences), and Roderick Guthrie (Engineering).
Neuromed secures $475 million deal with Merck

In what is being called Canada's largest biotech licensing deal, Neuromed Pharmaceuticals, a spinoff company of the University of British Columbia, recently secured a $475 million (US) agreement with Merck & Co. The deal will allow Neuromed's researchers, under the direction of CIHR-funded Dr. Terry Snutch, to further develop NMED-160 into an effective drug for chronic pain sufferers. Merck believes that NMED-160's potential could fill the revenue gap caused by the recall of its Vioxx painkiller. According to Dr. Snutch, the deal proves that academic health research he began 14 years ago can be transformed into a useful product for the public domain.

March 29, 2006

Message from Dr. Alan Bernstein, CIHR President, about IMHA Transition
Canadian Obesity Network launched

Yesterday marked the official launch of the Canadian Obesity Network (CON). CON is an organization that is funded through the Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE) program. CON connects Canadian researchers, health professionals, industry members, policy makers and others from different fields so they can work together to help Canadians understand how best to prevent and treat obesity. The NCE program is partially supported by CIHR, and CIHR's Institute of Nutrition, Metabolism and Diabetes looks forward to working with the new network.

March 22, 2006

Protein interactions mapped in yeast

CIHR-funded researchers, based at both the University of Toronto and the Hospital for Sick Children, have successfully constructed a detailed map of protein interactions in yeast. Protein interactions that program genes in yeast cells are almost identical to those in humans. This study, which will be published in the March 30 edition of Nature, brings scientists closer to the understanding and correction of disease-causing genes in humans and animals.
New national tumour bank to help in fight against cancer

The CIHR-funded Canadian Tumour Repository Network (CTRNet) has established a national tumour sample data bank. As the first of its kind in North America, this new tool will allow cancer researchers to obtain a comprehensive source of clinical and tissue data, and develop targeted therapies.

March 16, 2006

Stewart addresses gender imbalance issues in HQ

In the latest edition of Healthcare Quarterly (HQ), Dr. Miriam Stewart, Scientific Director of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research's Institute of Gender and Health (IGH), addresses how IGH deals with gender imbalance issues in the Canadian health research community. According to Dr. Stewart, through national and international partnerships as well as mentoring programs, IGH is conscientiously trying to promote women's participation in a broad range of scientific fields. That way, women will be well-represented among the next generation of health researchers.

March 13, 2006

Foods that lower cholesterol most effective if combined

In a recent study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, CIHR-funded researcher Dr. David Jenkins, from the University of Toronto, suggests that cholesterol-lowering foods are most effective when eaten in combination. Together foods, such as soy protein, almonds, a certain type of margarine, oats and barley, can lower 'bad' cholesterol to the same levels that statins, a common drug used to control cholesterol, can. Dr. Jenkins plans to compare the benefits of this kind of diet against the statin drug over longer periods of time, among those Canadians who are at high risk of cardiovascular disease.
'Caffeine' gene may increase risk of heart attack

Dr. Ahmed El-Sohemy, a CIHR-funded Canada Research Chair in nutrigenomics from the University of Toronto, has determined that excessive caffeine intake may increase chances of heart attack among people who have a slow metabolism gene. Dr. El-Sohomy, who developed the international study along with researchers from Harvard University and the University of Costa Rica, says that participants who drank two cups of coffee or more daily, and had the so-called 'caffeine'gene, increased their risk of heart attack. Dr. El-Sohomy is now trying to assess the prevalence of this gene among various populations.

March 7, 2006

Opinion piece explores the complexities of obesity

In an opinion piece, published recently in the Vancouver Province and La Presse, Dr. Diane Finegood explores the complex issues relating to obesity. Dr. Finegood, who is Scientific Director of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Institute of Nutrition, Metabolism and Diabetes, proposes that progress in the fight against obesity must come from collaboration among different players, including food producers, nutritionists, academics, researchers and policy makers. CIHR is well-positioned to foster collaboration among these players and then establish research that will measure the health impact of policy changes.

March 1, 2006

CIHR-Funded Study Shows that Income Level Does Not Influence Obstetric Procedures Among Canadian Women

A new study funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), led by Dr. K.S. Joseph from Dalhousie University and the IWK Health Centre, shows that socioeconomic status does not have a significant impact on access to labor induction and cesarean delivery in Canada.

February 20, 2006

MRI offers hope for severe epilepsy sufferers

Researchers have now found a way to use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to detect minute brain lesions in people with severe epilepsy, making surgical treatment potentially available to many more patients. The CIHR-supported study, led by Dr. Andrea Bernasconi at McGill University, used new automated techniques for improving the detection of brain lesions that had been overlooked by conventional radiological inspection. The findings, published in the January 27, 2006 issue of Epilepsia, could reduce the complexity and cost of pre-surgical evaluation, and improve our understanding of the cause of epilepsy.

February 13, 2006

International team discovers brain pathway linked to addiction

CIHR-funded researcher Dr. Xia Zhang, from the University of Saskatchewan, and his international team of researchers have discovered PTEN, a signaling enzyme that channels rewarding effects in the brain for drug abusers. Together with a method of blocking PTEN's action, Dr. Zhang's research can lead to novel treatment strategies for drug addicts. The team's findings appear in the March issue of Nature Medicine.

February 9, 2006

Research opens door to new drug therapies for diseases like cancer, diabetes and AIDS

Three CIHR-funded researchers have helped unravel the cell signalling network controlling cell proliferation and behaviour which may open the door to new drug therapies for diseases such as cancer, diabetes and AIDS. Dr. Michael Snyder of Yale University and a member of CIHR's Institute of Genetics Advisory Board, led an international research team including CIHR-funded researchers Brenda Andrews, Richelle Sopko, and Michael Tyers, from the University of Toronto. Entitled "Global analysis of protein phosphorylation in yeast" the research findings were published in the December 1, 2005 issue of Nature.
Protein discovery may help damaged hearts

Dr. Peter Liu, a CIHR-funded researcher from the Toronto General Hospital, has discovered that stem cell factor receptors, a naturally-occurring protein, can promote heart repair in genetically-engineered mice. Once activated by a heart attack, these stem cells, located in bone marrow, can travel through the bloodstream and work with white blood cells to produce new vessels and restore blood flow to the heart. Dr. Liu is currently trying to find the best protein combination that will help the heart repair itself after an attack.
Schechter named Chief Scientific Officer of MSFHR

Dr. Martin Schechter, a CIHR-funded researcher who is leading the North American Opiate Medication Initiative (NAOMI) for heroin abusers, has been named the first Chief Scientific Officer for the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research (MSFHR). MSFHR is named in honour of Michael Smith, Canada's Nobel laureate. It aims to build British Columbia's capacity for excellence in clinical, biomedical, health services and population health research. Globe and Mail, February 4, 2006, p.B3

February 8, 2006

CIHR is renewing membership for its 13 Institute Advisory Boards (IABs)

A turnover of about 40 of the more than 200 members is expected. Volunteer applications can be submitted on-line, at How to apply to become an IAB member, between February 8 and March 22, 2006.

February 6, 2006

Researchers find gene behind rare but important pregnancy disorder

CIHR-funded researchers have identified the genetic cause underlying "molar pregnancy", an abnormal human pregnancy in which there is no embryo that affects one in a thousand women in Canada and the US. Their findings, published in the March 2006 issue of Nature Genetics, may open new avenues of therapies and treatments for molar pregnancies as well as repeated spontaneous abortions and still births.

February 3, 2006

Sit up and Smell the Roses Better: Researchers find that sense of smell is dependent on body position

Make sure your loved ones are out of bed when you give them flowers on Valentine's Day. In a study published recently in the journal Chemical Senses, CIHR-funded researchers discovered that sensitivity to rose odour is greater in subjects that are sitting than in those lying down. More research needs to be done to determine the biological reason for this difference.

January 31, 2006

Statins recommended as method to prevent infection

A CIHR-funded study published in a recent edition of The Lancet, shows that statins may protect patients from sepsis infection. Dr. Donald Redelmeier, from Sunnybrook & Women's College Health Science Center, has demonstrated that statins, drugs typically used to reduce cholesterol levels, can lower massive bloodstream infection (sepsis) among patients who undergo high-risk surgery. Statins can also help stop sepsis infection among patients who suffer from diabetes or chronic renal problems. Dr. Redelmeier now recommends that patients facing any of these high-risk problems should either continue statin therapy or consider it.

January 25, 2006

The Highlights and Decisions of the funding for the September 2005 competitions are now available

January 24, 2006

Award-winning anti-collision system for wheelchairs increases mobility

The use of powered wheelchairs can be dangerous for people with cognitive disabilities, such as dementia or Alzheimer's disease, due to the associated loss of awareness of surroundings. Now, thanks to a new anti-collision technology being developed by CIHR-supported researchers, people who use these wheelchairs will be able to get around safely. The research team, led by Dr. Alex Mihailidis of the University of Toronto in collaboration with colleagues at the University of British Columbia, recently won the top prize at the international CanestaVision ^TMdesign contest. With Dr. Mihailidis's new design, a 3D sensor will instruct the wheelchair to stop and move in a safer direction should anything obstruct its path.

January 20, 2006

Researchers use dirt to stay one step ahead of antibiotic resistance -- News release (see BBC news item on this story at www.bbc.co.uk, January 22, 2006)

January 13, 2006

Preventing Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in Aboriginal Communities: A Methods Development Project

A CIHR-IAPH funded project is allowing aboriginal researchers design community-specific programs aimed at preventing alcohol-related birth defects (FASD) in children.

January 10, 2006

U of S Researchers Develop New Vaccine Candidate Against Hepatitis C -- Joint News Release

January 9, 2006

CIHR-funded researchers receive Alton Ochsner Award

Drs. Andrew Churg and Joanne Wright, CIHR-funded researchers from the University of British Columbia, along with Dr. Steven Shapiro from Harvard University, received the 2005 Alton Ochsner Award Relating Smoking and Health. Valued at $15,000 (US), this annual award is presented to researchers who are doing outstanding clinical, fundamental, epidemiological or preventive work in the fight against smoking. Drs. Churg, Shapiro and Wright were recognized for their work in proteases and emphysema. The award takes its name from the late Dr. Oschner, who was the first researcher to identify that cigarette smoking is a primary cause of lung cancer.

January 5, 2006

Globe and Mail editorial highlights CIHR's efforts to increase Canada's productivity

In a January 3 editorial, the Globe and Mail (G&M) supports greater federal government investment in research and development to improve Canada's productivity levels. Canada's productivity, or amount of output per worker per hour, currently lags behind 21 of the 23 nations of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. As an effective example that will help improve Canada's productivity levels, the G&M recognizes CIHR's recent partnership with the National Natural Science Foundation of China. The partnership will fund collaborative study in five areas, including infectious disease. Globe and Mail, January 3, 2006, p.A12.
Medication allows for C. difficile infection

Dr. Samy Suissa, a CIHR-funded researcher from the McGill University Health Centre, has discovered that medication used to reduce gastric acid allows Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) to develop outside of hospitals. This bacterial microbe can cause infection of the bowel that can sometimes be fatal. Dr. Suissa's discovery may lead to novel treatments that will prevent C. difficile from developing in the first place.

January 4, 2006

CIHR launches the China-Canada Joint Health Research Initiative

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) launched the China-Canada Joint Health Research Initiative. The Program's aim is to promote the development of Canadian-Chinese scientific cooperation between universities, hospitals, research institutes or affiliated research organizations in Canada and China through the support of collaborative research grants.

Created: 2004-02-03
Modified: 2006-12-08
Reviewed: 2006-01-04
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