Dr. Mikko Karttunen
Using Computers to Understand Molecular Biology

Dr. Mikko Karttunen uses state-of-the-art computer simulations to study sugars, receptor-ligand systems, nature’s key-lock mechanisms, and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) transport. The above are fundamental for cell functions, drug development, accurate DNA sequencing, and nanoscale sensors. The results of the research will benefit Ontario as they may have important implications for understanding diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s, drug development, and nanoengineering.

Dr. Martin Houde
Improving the Tools to Study the Stars

How do galaxies form? How do planets form?  Dr. Martin Houde’s research team proposes to examine star formation by studying molecular clouds, aggregates of dust and gas that not only are the birthplace of stars, but also constitute one of the main components of our Galaxy. This research will concentrate on one of the agents known to inhabit these structures and participate in the star formation process: the interstellar magnetic field. It may lead to new instrumentation that will provide a wealth of new data and significantly improve our understanding of the star formation process.

Dr. Savita Dhanvantari
Imaging for Diabetes Therapy

Diabetes is a chronic disease that is caused by damage to the pancreas and results in complications such as heart problems and amputations. Dr. Dhanvantari's research team will develop innovative ways of detecting pre-diabetes damage to the pancreas using imaging technologies, such as positron emission tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. This research will lead to the detection of changes in the pancreatic cells that occur before the onset of diabetes. Such discoveries will lead to therapies that may delay or prevent this disease, thus improving the quality of life for Ontarians at risk for diabetes.

Dr. Elizabeth R. Gillies
New Materials and Better Drug Delivery through Applied Chemistry

With an eye to enhancing the efficacy of current drugs and creating new drugs, Dr. Gillies and her research team are applying organic and polymer chemistry for the development of new materials with designed biological functions. Polymer vesicles, effectively little chemical “bags”, will be synthesized and their surfaces will be modified to selectively target disease sites, including tumors with encapsulated drugs. In addition, polymers that degrade by stages will be developed to enable the controlled release of the drugs from the vesicles. The issue of antibiotic drug resistance is also being addressed through the synthesis of new macromolecules.

Dr. François Lagugné-Labarthet
Imaging for Nanomaterial Knowledge

Dr. Francois Lagugne-Labarthet and his team will research the characterization of nano-materials using advanced optical microscopy techniques. These techniques will offer information far beyond that provided by conventional imaging techniques, and it will allow the molecular properties of these materials to be associated with their molecular structures, sizes, compositions and functions. This research will keep Ontario at the leading edge of nanotechnology research and enable the use of nanotechnologies in the development of Ontario economy.

Dr. Hong Ling
Genetic Replication and Understanding Cancer

Our genes contain deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), which encodes the information for the growth, development, and biological functions of humans. DNA also encodes molecules that are responsible for everyday processes, such as vision, muscle contraction, and food digestion. Damage to DNA can occur by exposure to ultraviolet light or pollutants, leading to improper development and diseases, such as cancer. Dr. Hong Ling and her research team aim to examine the structures and functions of proteins that can correct the DNA damage and keep DNA functioning normally. This research will help to understand pollutant-induced cancer and lead to the development of new drugs to cure cancer.

Dr. Silvia Mittler
Lab on a Chip: Quick Detection of Hazardous Material

The quick and reliable detection of hazardous materials in very small concentrations has become increasingly important in modern society. The delays caused by sending biological or environmental samples to laboratories and waiting for analytical results often means that precious time is lost which could have been used to lessen the impact or set up counter measures. Dr. Silvia Mittler and her research team are looking to develop an "All-Optical Analytical Lab on a Chip," a small, reliable and inexpensive solution to this problem. The easily transportable system uses a “film” of light to analyse small samples within a minute time frame to inform public safety decision makers.

Dr. Daniel Ansari
Uncovering the Reasons for Mathematical Learning Difficulties

Basic mathematical skills are important for everyday success in life. Studies repeatedly reveal low levels of mathematical skills among children in many industrialized countries.  Yet, scientific research into the causes of children’s difficulties with mathematics lags far behind investigations into the psychological and neural basis of reading difficulties. Dr. Daniel Ansari and his research team will start to fill this gap by investigating how children develop mathematical difficulties and how these relate to reading impairments. Results from this research will have implications for the design and implementation of intervention tools for children with developmental disorders of mathematics learning.

Dr. Colin Denniston
Using Computer Models to Build Designer Materials

The development of designer materials, materials manufactured to display certain properties, is an area of active research in both industry and academia. Conventional simulation techniques have only a limited ability to deal with the complexity of designer materials. The research will develop computer algorithms that capture both the molecular dynamics for particle motion and the dynamics of fluid flow to reveal the physical processes necessary for the self-assembly of various hybrid materials. This work will lay the groundwork for the development in Ontario of various designer materials and processes.

Dr. Pauline Barmby
The Histories of Stars and Galaxies

Stars produce most of the energy emitted by galaxies and also produce the materials needed for the formation of planets and life. But how are stars formed? Why are some galaxies still forming new stars while others have stopped? This research aims to reconstruct the history of star formation in three nearby galaxies. Dr. Pauline Barmby and her research team will make measurements of the physical conditions under which star formation occurs, and will compare these with inferences from star clusters about how and where stars formed in the past. Combining this information will help provide a complete “star formation history” for typical galaxies.