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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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.
U of T researchers develop handheld 3D skin printer
This new 3D skin printer can help heal deep wounds by forming tissue in situ, depositing and setting in place in two minutes or less.
Lab-on-a-chip delivers critical immunity data for vulnerable populations
U of T chemistry and biomedical engineering researchers from Professor Aaron Wheeler’s lab validate first-of-its-kind portable diagnostic technology in Kenya.
U of T researchers uncover mechanism of scar-free wound healing in fruit fly embryos
A study published by Professor Rodrigo Fernandez-Gonzalez sheds light on how a network of proteins drive a wound repair process that leaves no scars.
Federal government scholarship helps U of T PhD student gain international research experience
Meghan Wright received a Canada Graduate Scholarship and Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplement to spend six months at Harvard Medical School for research exchange.
New smart material helps fight against tooth decay
Three IBBME-affiliated researchers have developed a new material designed to stop cavity-causing bacteria in fillings.
She was born with heart defects. Now she’s researching a cure.
U of T biomedical engineering student Bailey Bernknopf is working towards a better understanding of how aortic valve disease affects women and men differently.
IBBME researchers use DriverLab simulator to focus on driver behaviour and safety
Professor Geoff Fernie and his team at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute are steering research into autonomous car safety.
IBBME professor, student team up to create VR tool to teach lab techniques
Dawn Kilkenny and Alexander Sullivan are creating VirtEx Labs as a tool to train students and professionals.