Novel applications of infrared technology
Ever seen the thermal imaging that Discovery Channel cameramen use to visualize animals in the night? Using similar technology, Professor Tom Chau, director of the clinical engineering program and senior scientist at Bloorview Research Institute, has taken infrared thermography to a whole new level. Infrared thermography measures the heat radiated from an object using a specialized camera to detect local temperature changes. People with motor disabilities often have difficulty communicating. Chau’s machine uses this camera to measure facial blood flow (which differs depending on emotion) and detect whether a person’s mouth is open or closed. Through Chau’s machine, patients can select alphabet letters from a keyboard or picture by opening or closing their mouth, which is detected by the infrared camera and triggers a switch. This non-invasive technology allows the patient to type onto a computer to interact with others, and is the first of its kind.
Professor and alumni join the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame
The Canadian Medical Hall of Fame celebrates Canadians’ accomplishments in the field of medicine. Late professor of radiology Vera Peters, along with the late Alan Burton and Dr. William Cochrane, are among six medical pioneers chosen to join the Hall of Fame in 2010. Peters changed Hodgkin’s disease and breast cancer management as her findings for treatment became common practice worldwide. Burton was one of the first physicists to enter the field of biophysics, and Cochrane was a leader in pediatrics.
New test reduces need for radiation in thyroid cancer treatments
Radiation therapy is expensive, unpleasant, and comes with adverse side effects. For some thyroid cancer patients, researchers have developed a test to help them avoid radiation altogether. Professor Emeritus Paul Walfish at Mount Sinai Hospital along with a team of researchers developed a test called stimulated serum thyroglobin (Stim-Tg) that allows doctors to determine if radiation treatment is necessary in thyroid cancer patients post-surgery. Oftentimes, radiation is unnecessary in low-risk patients, and the Stim-Tg test effectively predicts whether or not radiation therapy is needed. This could save the healthcare system big bucks and save patients from radiation’s side effects.
2010 Bower Award and Prize for Achievement in Science
Richard Peltier, founder of the Centre of Global Change Science at U of T, has joined the ranks of Marie Curie, Albert Einstein, Stephen Hawking, and Thomas Edison as the 2010 recipient of the Bower Award and Prize for Achievement in Science. Peltier is the first Canadian to be awarded the $250,000 prize for his contribution to our understanding of Earth systems, climate variability, and the Earth’s dynamics and internal properties. Using mathematical concepts, Peltier developed models to show climate change over the past 600 million years and created future projections, which are now considered the “gold standard” for researchers in climate change. (Photo by Tom Cardoso)
Genetic ‘atlas’ to identify and target disease
An atlas is a handy tool for finding your way around and mapping routes, detours, and hotspots. Professor Brenda Andrews, director of the Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, along with principal investigator professor Charles Boone, and a team of international researchers have developed an atlas that can do the same—for your genome. Using simple yeast (which is genetically similar to humans), researchers constructed the first genetic map linking genotype (the set of all your genes) and phenotype (observable physical characteristics). They can also map gene and chemical interactions to predict the effects of drugs. Mapping cellular gene interactions provides valuable insight into disease and has applications for drug targeting and treatment.
New form of circulation in the eye
Scientists have come a long way in understanding the human body, although it would be presumptuous to say that we know everything there is to know. Here’s one example: good vision is dependent on the eyes’ ability to regulate fluid, and scientists previously believed that the eye lacked a fluid disposal system. Pathologist and scientist at U of T’s Faculty of Medicine and St. Michael’s Hospital, Dr. Yeni Yucel, and a team of researchers from U of T, St. Michael’s, and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre have discovered a new form of circulation in the eye that allows fluid drainage. Termed the “uveolympathic” system, it carries lymph fluid through lymphatic vessels, then dumps it into the blood stream, which carries it away for disposal. This research changes the current understanding and treatment potential for numerous eye disorders, including glaucoma, the leading cause of blindness.
Revolutionizing cancer diagnosis
Who would think that a microchip small enough to fit in your BlackBerry could diagnose cancer? Lead investigators professor Shana Kelley from the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, and Ted Sargent, Canada Research Chair in Nanotechnology, have developed a dime-sized chip that detects cancer type and severity 10 times faster than current practice. It has already been tested on prostate cancer, and researchers are now exploring its application on a variety of other diseases including HIV and H1N1 flu. Fast and inexpensive, the microchip is expected to reach doctors’ offices within the next few years.
Slow-release drug delivery system to help diabetics
A team of researchers led by Dr. Ping Lee, professor at the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy and GlaxoSmithKline Chair in Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery at U of T, have developed a novel nitric oxide release technology. Approximately 15 per cent of diabetics develop foot ulcers. Nitric oxide helps repair such wounds due to its anti-infective and healing properties. While scientists have long known about the biological applications of nitric oxide, the chemical’s short half-life posed a challenge to controlling its release. Lee’s delivery system allows continued nitric oxide release over two weeks. Lee has partnered with MaRS innovation to commercialize the delivery method. (Photo by Dan Epstein)
New stem cell discovered
Stem cells: that’s all these scientists ever seem to be talking about these days, and with good reason. Stem cell therapy holds huge promise for treating a large variety of diseases, and a recent discovery at U of T is worthy of attention. In a study led by professor Freda Miller of the Department of Molecular Genetics, researchers from U of T and Sick Kids Hospital were the first to identify a dermal stem cell from the second layer of the skin. This group of cells, called skin-derived precursors, act like embryonic stem cells and are capable of generating bone, fat, cartilage, and even nerves. Unlike other stem cell therapy, which requires embryonic stem cells (a measure embroiled in controversy), this research demonstrates the potential to harness our own stem cells to address conditions and diseases where wound healing is essential.
Astrophysicist wins Steacie Prize
The Steacie Prize is a $10,000 award recognizing “exceptional contributions by a scientist or engineer” aged 40 or younger. The 2009 recipient, astrophysicist Ray Jayawardhana from U of T’s Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics, has made important contributions to our understanding of planetary systems and star and brown dwarf formation. He’s also the man behind the innovative outreach advertising campaign called CoolCosmos, which can be found in the TTC.
