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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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.
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.
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).
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.
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).
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.
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.
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).
Researchers develop scalable DNA-based neural networks for molecular computing
Researchers at the University of Toronto have made an advancement in DNA-based neural networks, paving the way for more portable and scalable molecular computers. By implementing new strategies to overcome existing limitations, the team has developed neural networks that can process information quickly and accurately without relying on traditional electronic components.
New research has potential to speed up forensic analysis in sexual assault cases
Professor Aaron Wheeler and his team has developed a new technique for analyzing evidence in sexual assault cases. The new approach could streamline the forensics pipeline and reduce delays in the processing of DNA evidence.
New co-delivery method for efficient siRNA and small molecule drug transport
Researchers at the University of Toronto have developed a method for co-delivering therapeutic RNA and potent drugs directly into cells, potentially leading to a more effective treatment of diseases in the future. This research, recently published in Advanced Materials, explores how ionizable drugs can be used to co-formulate small interfering RNA (siRNA) for more effective intracellular delivery.
Three BME faculty members awarded Connaught New Researcher Fund
Professors Aereas Aung, Daniel Franklin, and Caitlin Maikawa were awarded the Connaught New Researcher Awards, which support early-career faculty members in establishing their research programs. They are among 8 researchers from the U of T Engineering who received support in the latest round.
‘The future is already here’: University of Toronto’s Milica Radisic on organ-on-a-chip technology
Listen to the podcast hosted by The Hub, where they chat with University of Toronto professor and Canadian Research Chair of organ-on-a-chip engineering Milica Radisic discussing her world-leading research on organ-on-a-chip technology.
Joint efforts propel transformative scientific discoveries
Professor Caitlin Maikawa, a Schmidt Science Fellow, was recently featured by Times Higher Education about her interdisciplinary research at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering.
Five BME faculty members & collaborators receive a combined $2.6mil+ funding from CIHR
Professors Hai-Ling Margaret Cheng, Leo Chou, Daniel Franklin, Naomi Matsuura, and Cari Whyne and their collaborators have received a combined funding of $2.6mil+ from the Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR) as a part of the 2024 Spring CIHR Project Grant. The CIHR Project Grant program funds innovative health research projects with the potential to significantly advance health knowledge, healthcare, health systems, and health outcomes.
New technique improves measurement of cell barriers
Researchers at the University of Toronto have developed a novel, cost-effective method called Porous Membrane Electrical Cell–Substrate Impedance Spectroscopy (PM-ECIS) to assess the function of biological barriers in Petri dishes. In a subsequent study, the researchers characterized its sensitivity and further validated the method against a gold-standard barrier assessment technique. This new method could enhance research in fields like drug development and disease modeling.
Immune cells pave the way for advanced Heart-on-a-Chip Technology
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.