Backgrounder

July 25, 2011

Projects Funded In Guelph

University of Guelph

Advancing scientists’ abilities to uncover useful information
Project title: Clustering manifest variables of mixed type with applications in
bioinformatics & sensory science
Lead researcher: Dr. Paul David McNicholas
Number of researchers benefiting: 5
Researchers are faced with ever-growing amounts of data that they need to mine for useful information. At the University of Guelph, Dr. Paul McNicholas is developing ‘clustering techniques’ to identify groups within data, technology that will help accelerate breakthroughs. His focus is on helping identify cancer-causing genes through analysis of genetic data and patient history.

Ensuring environmentally responsible biofuel production
Project title: Evaluating soil health, microbial biodiversity and nutrient cycling in agroecosystems for biofuels
Lead researcher: Dr. Kari Edith Dunfield
Number of researchers benefiting: 4

Biofuels may provide an important source of renewable energy in the future. Ensuring that their production does not damage the soil and ecosystem is the focus of research being done by University of Guelph scientist Dr. Kari Dunfield. Her work will identify the type of soil and region best suited for growing crops for biofuel production.

Treating type 2 diabetes  with exercise and diet
Project title: Regulation of adipose tissue metabolism and gene expression: implications for treating type 2 diabetes
Lead researcher: Dr. David Wright
Number of researchers benefiting: 4

The number of people with type 2 diabetes is increasing at an alarming rate, putting pressure on our health care system. University of Guelph scientist Dr. David Wright is looking at how diet and exercise could improve fat cell metabolism – key to maintaining healthy sugar levels in the body. His work may lead to new non-drug-based treatments.

Restoring Ontario’s grasslands
Project title: Grasslands, species loss and global environmental change
Lead researcher: Dr. Andrew Stewart MacDougall
Number of researchers benefiting: 4

Ontario’s native grasslands, formerly covering about 1,000 square kilometres, are important for maintaining a healthy ecosystem, but they have been seriously eroded by human development. University of Guelph biologist Dr. Andrew MacDougall is investigating how these grasslands, a biodiversity hotspot in southwestern Ontario with more than 200 plants and animals and a potential source of biofuels, could be restored in non-productive agricultural areas.