Research News and 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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Engineered stem cell platform gives new insights into beginnings of human development
A team of researchers from the labs of Professors Rodrigo Fernandez-Gonzalez and Peter Zandstra have built a new platform that enables human embryonic stem cells to self-organize into a structure with embryo-like features.
Google Glass app helps autistic children with social interactions
Professor Azadeh Kushki’s Google Glass app can recognize conversational prompts and provide the user with suitable responses in return.
The best place to treat type 1 diabetes might be just under your skin
New research from Professor Michael Sefton’s lab demonstrates viability of implanting pancreatic cells under the skin to treat type 1 diabetes.
Injectable tissue patch could help repair damaged organs
Professor Milica Radisic’s lab has developed a flexible tissue scaffold that could enable new minimally-invasive surgery techniques.
Targeting tumours: IBBME researchers investigate biological barriers to nanomedicine delivery
A team from Professor Warren Chan’s lab has developed a new way to observe nanoparticle travel into tumours.
IBBME professors lead interdisciplinary research team to explore ways to stimulate muscle to fix itself
Professors Sefton, Gilbert lead Medicine by Design-funded stem cell therapy research team comprised of experts spanning SickKids, UHN and U of T.
Three IBBME professors recognized with Ontario Professional Engineers Awards
Jan Andrysek, Paul Santerre and Craig Simmons to be honoured for research, development and entrepreneurship achievements this fall.
IBBME research paves way for an off-the-shelf supply of cells for immunotherapy
Two PhD candidates from Professor Peter Zandstra’s lab have developed new technologies that clear key barriers to developing a renewable source of cells for therapies.
IBBME welcomes record number of summer research students
More than 80 undergraduate students from across Canada and the U.S. to conduct biomedical engineering research at U of T this summer.
Penney Gilbert leads international team to study how physical stress turns on genes in stem cells
Can muscle stem cells turn genes on and off?
New therapy for overactive bladder could improve quality of life for millions of older adults
Professor Paul Yoo is leading a clinical trial to test a novel treatment for overactive bladder (OAB), a condition that affects 18 per cent of Canadian adults
Two IBBME students named 2017 Jennifer Dorrington Graduate Research Award recipients
Doctoral candidates Yonatan Lipsitz and Stanley Ng recognized for research excellence
Engineered smart scaffolds could help repair damaged hearts and muscles
IBBME researchers are leading innovative discoveries at U of T’s Translational Biology & Engineering Program and Medicine by Design initiatives
New stem cell-based gene test predicts patient risk in acute myeloid leukemia
IBBME PhD candidate Stanley Ng applies machine learning background to design smarter, faster test to help leukemia doctors select the best treatment for their patients
Hacking health care in a refugee camp
Researchers from Professor Aaron Wheeler’s Microfluidics Lab ran more than 600 measles and rubella tests in Kenya using their portable lab-on-a-chip technology
3D-printed cleft palate simulator improves surgery training
PhD candidate Dale Podolsky’s start-up makes anatomically-accurate simulators for surgical training
Battery-sized microscope gives new insights into brain activity during seizures
Researchers in Professor Ofer Levi’s lab have partnered with Sunnybrook and Krembil Research Institute to find a new way to monitor epileptic seizures and other brain diseases
Penney Gilbert receives Ontario Early Researcher Award
IBBME professor granted provincial government support for promising work in muscle stem cell modelling
Understanding a key roadblock behind nanoparticle cancer drug delivery
IBBME alumna Kim Tsoi is a lead researcher on a four-year study that showed how the liver and spleen trapped cancer nanomedicine, preventing them from reaching their intended targets
Engineering stem cells to enhance antibody therapy
Professor John E. Davies and his collaborators have shown for the first time that stem cells can extend the effectiveness of antibody therapy
Novel MRI approach gives heart failure patients new hope
Professor Hai-Ling Margaret Cheng and her team have developed a more effective way to monitor cardiac stem cell therapy for treating heart disease
Tracking nanoparticles with transparent organs to help fight cancer and other diseases
Two PhD candidates from Professor Warren Chan’s Integrated Nanotechnology and Biomedical Sciences Laboratory have improved a technique to turn organs transparent, allowing them to track the locations of nanoparticles in the body
How many nanoparticle-based drugs reach tumours? Less than one per cent, U of T study shows
“Reality check” meta-analysis published in Nature Reviews Materials reveals that only 0.7 per cent of designer nanoparticles reach their intended target