News & Stories
Explore the latest news, stories, and groundbreaking research happening at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering. Stay updated on innovative projects, impactful discoveries, and the achievements of our talented students, faculty, and alumni shaping the future of biomedical science and engineering.
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U of T to host new national hub for accelerating life sciences breakthroughs
The University of Toronto and its partners are receiving $4.25 million over the next five years to establish a national hub aimed at accelerating the commercialization of life sciences discoveries.
New study points to leg muscle as a potential early warning system for heart failure
Researchers at the University of Toronto’s Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME) have found that studying blood flow in leg muscles may help detect cardiovascular disease earlier compared to standardized tests, opening the door to earlier treatment and better outcomes.
Engineering synthetic immune complexes using DNA nanotechnology
Researchers from the Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME) at the University of Toronto have developed a new method to precisely control the structure and function of immune complexes (ICs) using DNA origami.
Professor Daniel Franklin Receives 2024 Innovation Fund Award
With a mission to support novel approaches to managing and preventing heart failure, the Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research uses its Innovation Fund to propel emerging research with great potential. The 2024-25 Innovation Fund Seed Grants are currently open and you can learn more here.
Professor Milos R. Popovic Named Fellow of the Engineering Institute of Canada
Professor Milos R. Popovic has been named a Fellow of the Engineering Institute of Canada (EIC). He is one of 23 distinguished engineers selected this year for their outstanding contributions to the engineering profession and their service to society.
Developing biodegradable brain stimulation electrodes for neural repair
Researchers at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME) at the University of Toronto have developed a flexible, biodegradable electrode capable of stimulating neural precursor cells (NPCs) in the brain. This device delivers targeted electrical stimulation for up to seven days before dissolving naturally, eliminating the need for surgical removal.
U of T student team earns international prizes for leveraging AI to tackle antibiotic resistance
A U of T Engineering student team working on synthetic biology research and innovation has achieved its best results to date at the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition, with a platform to counter so-called superbugs that resist antibiotic treatment. With the support of Professors Michael Garton and Freeman Lan (both BME), the team started working with plasmids from E. coli bacteria to see if they could generate new sequences and validate their functionality, both computationally and in the wet lab.
Three U of T biomedical engineers awarded Canada Research Chairs for innovations in synthetic biology, neurodiversity health, and nanobioengineering
Three faculty members at the University of Toronto’s Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME) have been awarded Canada Research Chairs (CRCs) by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC).
Tissue engineering research earns Professor Alison McGuigan an Arthur B. McDonald Fellowship
Professor Alison McGuigan (ChemE, BME) has earned an Arthur B. McDonald Fellowship from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC).
Professor Milica Radisic earns NSERC’s John C. Polanyi Award
Professor Milica Radisic (BME, ChemE) has received this year’s John C. Polanyi Award from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC).
Three BME students share their graduate experience
Last week, students from the class of 2T4 walked across the stage at Convocation Hall and became the latest engineering alumni. Nevena Musikic, Amber Xue, and Alyssia Sanchez shared their graduate experiences in this video.
Professor Leo Chou awarded $130,000 to advance cancer vaccine research
Professor Leo Chou has been awarded $130,000 in funding from The Cancer Research Society (CRS) to propel forward an ambitious project aiming to boost the effectiveness of cancer vaccines. This award places him among 100 distinguished Canadian recipients this year, each selected to push boundaries in cancer research with innovative solutions.
U of T Engineering Research Spotlight: Biomaterials Engineering
U of T Engineering Professor Naomi Matsuura and Thoracic Surgery Professor Kazuhiro Yasufuku speak about their research collaboration that aims to better diagnose and treat lung cancer in the third instalment of the Research Spotlight series.
BME alum secures $20M in startup funding
BME alum James Lazarovits’ (BME 2019) startup Archon Biosciences debuts with $20M to advance Nobel-inspired protein technology in cancer treatment.
Researchers identify potential target to reduce cancer cell invasion through fibroblast regulation
Researchers from the Institute of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Toronto have identified a novel approach to potentially slow cancer progression by targeting a key enzyme that influences cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs).
First 48 Hours: Documentary spotlights the journey of international students
Cecil Chikezie, a PhD student at BME, has been featured in a 22-min University of Toronto documentary from the perspective of international students. It documents what life has been like within the first 48 hours of arriving on campus.
Unlocking faster biodegradation of lipid nanoparticles
A recent study led by researchers at the University of Toronto sheds new light on a crucial challenge in the field of nucleic acid drug delivery: how to make lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) break down more quickly in the body. This discovery could pave the way for medicines that can be administered more frequently and with fewer side effects.
New imaging agent could improve early detection of inflammatory disease
Researchers from the Institute of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Toronto have developed a novel MRI contrast agent that may enhance the early detection of inflammatory diseases by targeting nitric oxide (NO), a key molecule involved in the body’s immune response.
New insights into sudden unexpected death in epilepsy through advanced brain wave analysis
Researchers from University of Toronto have developed a new approach to studying brain wave patterns that may offer vital clues into the mechanisms behind Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP). By using a method called wavelet phase coherence, the team has uncovered significant differences in brain activity during epileptic seizures that could lead to better prevention strategies.
Meet the incoming class of 2024
In September, BME welcomed 100+ students into our graduate programs. We asked some of these students what they are looking forward to in graduate school, and why they chose our programs. Here’s what they have to say.
What’s your story? – Professor Tom Chau
As a child, Tom Chau’s engineering journey began by dismantling toys to discover how they worked. Now, Chau and his team are developing technologies to give children with disabilities the ability to communicate better with others.
Six BME graduate students receives 2024 NSERC Graduate Scholarships
Six graduate students from the Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME) at the University of Toronto have been awarded a combined funding of over $462,000 over three years through the Natural Science and Engineering Research Councils of Canada (NSERC).
This U of T Engineering professor is developing novel biomaterials to improve the treatment of chronic diseases
Maikawa is one of two U of T Engineering professors to receive funding from the latest round of the Canadian Foundation for Innovation John R. Evans Leaders Fund (CFI-JELF).
Exploring the intersection of AI and finance
Saba Rahimi earned her PhD in biomedical engineering in 2022 from Dr. Kullervo Hynynen’s Focused Ultrasound lab. Rahimi’s passion for AI and machine learning led her to seek out opportunities to integrate these technologies into her work. Now, as a senior AI research associate at JP Morgan Chase & Co., Rahimi leverages her diverse background to advance AI initiatives within the financial sector.