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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Researchers discover new protein needed for rapid wound repair
Researchers at the University of Toronto have made progress in understanding the intricate cellular processes involved in tissue development and repair. The findings, published in the journal Current Biology, shed light on the mechanisms underlying collective cell migration, a fundamental behavior that plays a crucial role in both normal embryo development and pathological conditions such as cancer metastasis.
Celebrating the 39th Student Research Conference (ToBE)
The 2023 Toronto Biomedical Engineering Conference, held at Hart House, took attendees on an exhilarating journey into the realm of artificial intelligence in biomedical engineering. This year’s conference attracted an impressive gathering of over 300 students, reflecting the growing fascination with the intersection of AI and healthcare.
How bending implantable medical devices can enable infectious organisms to gain a toehold
A study from U of T Engineering researchers shows that mechanical deformation of medically implantable materials — such as bending or twisting — can have a big impact on the formation of potentially harmful biofilms.
Teams focused on cell therapy and diagnostics win first and second place at the Building a Biotech Venture Pitch Competition
The injection of lab-made, healthy cells—referred to as a cell therapy — into a damaged heart could be a way to prevent that heart from failing. But to make this therapy a reality, the cells must be able to integrate and survive in patients’ bodies. That problem is exactly what Myoxa Therapeutics, the first-place winner at the Building a Biotech Pitch Competition, is working on solving.
Tell Me More: Coffee With Chris – Nika Shakiba
Nika Shakiba (BME PhD 1T7) joins Chris Yip to discuss her work as an assistant professor at the University of British Columbia and her research on stem cells.
Supporting neurodiversity through personalized health
Learn about the amazing work being done by Dr. Azadeh Kushki and her team at the Autism Research Centre at the Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital. They are using data science to advance personalized health for children with neurodevelopmental conditions like autism and ADHD.
Oddity is investing more than $100 million to acquire biotech startup Revela
David Zhang (BME 2016) co-founded Revela in 2021. Recently, his company was purchased by Oddity in a $100 million deal
BME welcomes new faculty member Professor Aereas Aung
Dr. Aereas Aung has recently joined the Institute of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Toronto as an Assistant Professor.
Two CREATE grants support training programs in organ rejuvenation and repair, and equitable care for heart failure
Two multidisciplinary teams led by U of T Engineering researchers will train a new generation of experts to address challenges in health care, from organ rejuvenation to more equitable access to treatment for heart failure.
Tell Me More: Coffee With Chris – Jenna Usprech
In the latest episode of Tell Me More, Dean Chris Yip sits down with BME alumna and assistant professor Jenna Usprech to discuss teaching strategies, student wellness and critical thinking in engineering classrooms.
U of T Engineering student receives 2023 Adel S. Sedra Distinguished Graduate Award
Sara Ahmed (BME PhD/MD candidate) recognized for exceptional achievements and dedication to academic pursuits, research and outreach initiatives
Engineer Aims to Eradicate Diabetes
An MIT alumni profile on Dr. Michael Sefton and his research on regenerating organs to treat diabetes.
New research tackles the design of mRNA delivery to the muscle
Scientists at the University of Toronto have shown that the molecular structure of ionizable lipids in lipid-based nanoparticles plays a critical role in the translation efficiency of mRNA in the muscle.
Three BME community members recognized with Minister’s Awards of Excellence
Dr. Elaine Biddiss, PhD students Negar Balaghi and Anson Lau are three BME members recognized for their contribution to the betterment of Ontario students’ education.
Answering business questions with AI algorithms
After Brandon Rufino completed his master’s in clinical engineering at BME in 2021, he leveraged skillsets in coding, machine learning, and biomedical engineering to design adaptable platforms that helps answer business questions at Sanofi.
Facilitating pediatric rehabilitation through interactive technologies
Can gamifying the rehabilitation experience lead to better outcomes for kids and their families? This is the question Dr. Elaine Biddiss is trying to address at the Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital.
Grip-enhancing agents quantitatively improve sliding friction between a fingertip and a baseball
A study conducted by Tohoku University in collaboration with the University of Toronto and NTT Communication Science Laboratories has shown that applying substances to fingertips can considerably change the handling of a baseball. This finding, published in Communications Materials, could alter how these substances will be used in competitive baseball leagues.
Professor Molly Shoichet elected Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors
University Professor Molly Shoichet has been elected a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI).
Two BME students awarded prestigious 2022 Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
Mohammadamir Ghasemian Moghaddam and Meghan Rothenbroker are two of the BME Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship winners of 2022.
Faces of BME – Soowan Choi
Inspired by the need to help others, MASc candidate Soowan Choi is developing tools that incentivize children’s rehabilitation through video games. Ultimately, he wants to make these technologies more accessible to people, regardless of their background.
Dr. Elaine Biddiss named Bloorview Childrens Hospital Foundation Chair in Pediatric Rehabilitation
Elaine Biddiss, a senior scientist at BRI and faculty member at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering, creates new pathways to improve kids’ wellness through play using affordable, accessible technologies
KITE trainee earns multiple awards for asthma and obstructive sleep apnea research
Shaghayegh Chavoshian, a PhD student in BME, will receive $20,000 in combined funding to support her research at KITE.
The Quintessential Game Changer
Dr. Geoff Fernie’s legacy is one that’s related to the positive outcomes people experience in their lives: helping people live their lives to the fullest following life-altering disease or illness.
Solving healthcare problems through strategic consulting
Completed her Ph.D. in Dr. Paul Santerre’s lab in 2019, Dr. Meghan Wright always had a passion for entrepreneurship, business, and science. After graduating, Meghan interned briefly with the life sciences investment firm Bloom Burton & Co. as a consultant before joining Shift Health, a life sciences and healthcare strategy consulting firm located in Toronto. Now Meghan is working on projects across a wide range of areas – from the private sector to academia, to help transform healthcare.