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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New strategy for delivery of therapeutic proteins could help treat degenerative eye diseases
A U of T Engineering research team has created a new platform that delivers multiple therapeutic proteins to the body, each at its own independently controlled rate. The innovation could help treat degenerative diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of vision loss for people over 50.
U of T Engineering team designs new hydrogel that opens pathways to more targeted cancer treatments
A team of U of T Engineering researchers, led by Professor Molly Shoichet (ChemE, BME, Donnelly), has designed a new way to grow cells in a laboratory that enables them to better emulate cancerous tumours.
Reverse engineering the heart: U of T Engineering team creates bioartificial left ventricle
U of T Engineering researchers have grown a small-scale model of a human left heart ventricle in the lab. The bioartificial tissue construct is made with living heart cells and beats strongly enough to pump fluid inside a bioreactor.
New academic-industry partnership aims to lower the cost of cultivated meat
A mixed filling dumpling with Myo Palate’s cultivated pork and store-bought vegetable ingredients. The company has partnered with U of T Engineering professor Michael Garton (BME) on a project to further advance their technology.
A Leap into the Future: Assistant Professor Michael Garton on the promise of synthetic biology
The Leap into the Future series looks at emerging areas or aspects of regenerative medicine.
Here’s How Toronto Researchers are Engineering Human Tissue to Improve Surgery Recovery Times
Professor of Biomedical Engineering Milica Radisic is at the forefront of cutting-edge research in functional tissue engineering.
Four CRANIA scientists receive funding for projects through UofT’s joint EMHSeed program
Dr. Jose Zariffa and Kei Masani are two of the recipients of EMHSeed, valued at $60,000/year for two years.
Dr. Alison McGuigan inducted as a fellow into the Canadian Academy of Engineering
Dr. Alison McGuigan inducted as a fellow into the Canadian Academy of Engineering.
Dr. Craig Simmons inducted as a fellow into the Canadian Academy of Engineering
Dr. Craig Simmons’ distinguished contribution in engineering has earned him a place as a fellow in the Canadian Academy of Engineering.
The Healing Power of a Smile
A team led by Institute Director Dr. Milos R. Popovic is working to treat patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) by using a therapeutic method called Functional Electrical Stimulation Therapy (FEST)
U of T researchers awarded 20 new and renewed Canada Research Chairs
Dr. Rodrigo Fernandez-Gonzalez was one of the BME faculty members awarded the Canadian Research Chair this year.
Megh Rathod receives trainee award from Transform HF
Megh Rathod is a graduate trainee in Biomedical Engineering (Clinical Engineering stream) at the University of Toronto.
People of Medicine by Design: Omar F. Khan
Omar F. Khan was first inspired to be an engineer by his father’s workplace accident. Now, his lab is studying nanomaterials & pushing the boundaries of regenerative medicine.
MyndTec brings one of KITE’s scientific breakthroughs to market
Dr. Popovic co-founded MyndTec in 2008, and by 2015, MyndMove therapy was available to patients.
Heart, cancer and diabetes projects among winners of funding boost for stem cell therapies
Dr. Vasconcelos is one step closer to achieving that goal with a $3-million grant from the Stem Cell Network, a Canadian research funding organization. Her effort is one of 32 projects across the country that rose to the top in a competition for in the largest outlay of federal funding for regenerative medicine in 20 years.
Trailblazing Stem Cell Research
Professor Milica Radisic and Sara Vasconcelos are two faculty who received Stem Cell Network funding for stem cell research.
U of T research team developing new treatment for COVID-19 complication
A University of Toronto research team, led by Milica Radisic, says they have identified a treatment that could help combat one of the most serious COVID-19 complications.
Dr. Molly Shoichet to receive an honorary Doctor of Science degree from University of Alberta
A diverse group of 14 outstanding achievers will receive the university’s highest honour this June.
Training tomorrow’s top talent
Dr. Jennifer Campos knows it’s her job to support a very special group. She oversees some of the world’s most accomplished scientific trainees, who are all devoted to furthering rehabilitation research that will improve the lives of aging Canadians and those who have experienced an illness or injury.
New funding for researchers and a Centre for Digital Health agreed by the Manchester-Melbourne-Toronto Alliance
The Universities of Manchester, Melbourne and Toronto have announced new funding to develop bi- and trilateral research projects, and a declaration to establish a new International Centre for Translational Digital Health.
U of T partners with Moderna to advance research in RNA science and technology
Dr. Omar Khan’s lab is creating new nanotechnologies to control and deliver nucleic acids, will lead a team that plans on working with Moderna to develop next-generation vaccine platforms.
National platform to prepare researchers to lead digital health solutions for older adults
A federally funded training platform hosted at the University of Toronto will equip students and early career researchers across Canada to accelerate digital health solutions for older adults with complex health needs.
Nine projects supported by 2022 Connaught Innovation Awards
Drs. Milos Popovic and Craig Simmons are two BME faculty whose research are funded by this year’s Connaught Innovation Awards.
Organ-on-a-chip research identifies new strategy for treating health complications associated with COVID-19
Using their novel organ-on-a-chip platform, Milica Radisic’s research team has identified a molecule with the potential to combat one of the most severe complications of COVID-19 infections.