This summer, the Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME) at the University of Toronto (U of T) hosted a series of hands-on workshops (iBEAM) in collaboration with the U of T Enrichment Academy’s outreach initiative. This University-wide initiative aims to enrich the educational experiences of historically underrepresented high school students and guide them toward successful post-secondary education.

The U of T Enrichment Academy addresses the critical need for broader access to the University’s undergraduate programs. It targets first-generation university-bound students and those from underrepresented backgrounds. The initiative collaborates with community organizations and school boards in the Greater Toronto Area to identify and support students from grade 9 onwards who show academic promise but need additional encouragement and enrichment to stay on a university-bound path.

Researchers at the University of Toronto have made strides in heart disease research by incorporating primitive macrophages—a crucial immune cell—into heart-on-a-chip technology. This innovative approach promises to enhance the functionality and stability of engineered heart tissues, potentially transforming drug testing and disease modeling.

In this new study, researchers integrated primitive macrophages derived from human stem cells into the heart-on-a-chip platforms. These macrophages, which resemble those found in the early stages of heart development, have shown remarkable abilities in promoting vascularization and enhancing tissue stability.

In an era where wearables are becoming increasingly ubiquitous, Myant stands at the forefront of innovation, revolutionizing the healthcare landscape with their cutting-edge Textile Computing™ technology. With a mission to enhance connectedness through textiles, Myant is leveraging the power of data-driven insights to transform the way we monitor and manage our health.

At the helm of this groundbreaking endeavour is Milad Alizadeh-Meghrazi (PhD), Vice President of Research, Development, and Partner Integration at Myant. In a recent interview, Milad shared insights into the company’s specialized focus and the transformative potential of Textile Computing™ in healthcare.