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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Walking Manual
When Dr. Jan Andrysek was a master’s student at Holland Bloorview Hospital in 1998, he was already working alongside rehabilitation engineers and clinicians to develop solutions to help kids walk.
Tiny filters help detect cancerous blood cells
A computer model is used to guide the design of tiny pillars in a microfluidic device used to detect malignant multiple myeloma cells
Fall Convocation 2019: Three graduating students share their one-minute thesis
U of T engineering have chatted with Locke Davenport Huyer (ChemE, IBBME PhD 1T9) about his research topic in graduate school.
Engineering the brain: the promise of neural engineering in medicine
In conversation with Dr. José Zariffa on how the field could address conditions from Alzheimer’s disease to vision loss.
Jan Andrysek Lab
Dr. Jan Andrysek’s lab is dedicated to help amputees to regain movement in their lower limbs.
Dr. Molly Shoichet – Order of Canada
Dr. Molly Shoichet received the Order of Canada at the end of 2017
Dr. Michael Sefton – Order of Canada
Dr. Michael Sefton received the Order of Canada at the end of 2017.
Dr. Tom Chau – Order of Ontario
Dr. Tom Chau received the Order of Ontario in 2018.
Dr. Geoff Fernie – Order of Canada
Dr. Geoff Fernie received the Order of Canada at the end of 2017
A diabetes drug promotes brain repair — but it only works in females, U of T study shows
Accounting for sex differences could be key for the development of better treatments as drug shows promise for brain repair in females only.
This U of T Engineering innovation makes implants safer, and is attracting new investment to Toronto
Global chemical company Evonik will maintain presence in Toronto after acquiring part of U of T spinoff Interface Biologics, Inc.
Microrobots to change the way we work with cellular material
In a new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers in the lab of Professor Aaron Wheeler have demonstrated a novel and non-invasive way to manipulate cells through microrobotics.
New study suggests alternate mechanism during wound repair
Macrophages may respond to mechanical signals sent out by fibroblasts during wound repair.
Five U of T Engineering professors and alumni receive Ontario Professional Engineers Awards
Five U of T Engineering professors and alumni have been honoured by the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE) and Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) with Ontario Professional Engineers Awards.
Not all stem cells are created equal
Cells known as “elite clones” appear to outcompete their neighbours in the process of becoming stem cells, shown in a research paper published in Science.
Artificial lung cancer tissue could help find new drug treatments
A 3D hydrogel created by researchers in University Professor Molly Shoichet’s lab is helping University of Ottawa researchers to quickly screen hundreds of potential drugs for their ability to fight highly invasive cancers.
U of T Engineering researchers design ‘training gym’ for lab-grown heart cells
Heart muscle cells need exercise — even when they grow outside the human body. A new device designed by U of T Engineering researchers uses a rigorous training regimen to grow small amounts of cardiac tissue and measure how strongly it beats.
Brain Control
Dr. Tom Chau’s lab is bringing mobility to those who opt to use their mind to control movements
Collective Movement
Professor Rodrigo Fernandez-Gonzalez is trying to tease out the communication barriers between cells during wound repair
U of T Engineering partners with NRC to commercialize biomedical innovations
U of T Engineering is partnering with Canada’s National Research Council (NRC) to create a national innovation hub focused on microfluidics.
New PhD Cameron Stewart fills a gap through health tech start-up Mesosil
With his PhD from the Institute of Biomaterials & Biomedical Engineering (IBBME) fresh in hand, Cameron Stewart, CEO of health technology start-up Mesosil, wants to revolutionize your fillings.
U of T researchers discover new ways to build better medical implants and improve healing time
A team led by Professor John E. Davies has uncovered new information about medical devices that could accelerate post-surgical healing.
They want to contribute to social good and improve patient recovery: Meet two undergraduate students pursuing summer research projects in IBBME
Ian Christie and Anya Friesen are two students participating in IBBME’s Undergraduate Summer Research Program this year.
U of T team develops the first smartphone visual field test
A team led by IBBME professor Moshe Eizenman has developed a simple, inexpensive way for people to test their own vision for early signs of glaucoma.