Research Achievements
Virtual reality tool box enhances translational research
Often times the translation of research from animal models to humans fails because the experiments don’t look alike. In research, most spatial memory experiments include animal models being tested in actual, real-world mazes while humans are assessed virtually, using computer screens, more often than not in a two dimensional setting.
Researchers link stress and epilepsy
Researchers at Robarts Research Institute have shown that epilepsy changes the way the brain reacts to stress and have used these findings to point to new drugs that may prevent stress-induced seizures. Studies have shown that as the disease produces changes in neuronal signalling, that increases seizure occurrence by converting a beneficial stress response into an epileptic trigger.
New rapid test for E. coli
Dr. Michael Rieder, Paediatrics, and his team have created a new rapid test system to detect E. coli. The test allows manufacturers to identify contaminated food quickly before it leaves the processing plant and enters the grocery store.
Research reveals gap in health care services for transgender Ontarians
Greta Bauer, PhD, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, led a study examining the factors associated with transgender patients’ access to and comfort with family physicians. She found that approximately half of transgender Ontarians who have a family physician are not comfortable discussing transgender- related health issues with their family physician.
Gulf War technology advances prostate cancer testing
Hon Leong, PhD, and his team in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, have repurposed a machine once used to detect airborne pathogens in the second Gulf War to aid in prostate cancer testing.
Chemical in marijuana shows promise as treatment option for schizophrenia
In this first-of-its-kind study by Steven Laviolette, PhD, Anatomy and Cell Biology, a chemical found in marijuana called cannabidiol, or CBD, was shown to affect the brain in a way that makes it an ideal treatment option for schizophrenia.
