October 17, 2008

BUILDING ONTARIO’S INNOVATION ECONOMY

Basic and Applied Research

Brock University

Dr. Elizabeth Greene
Advancing knowledge of ancient trade and technology
Provincial Funding: $34,867

Dr. Elizabeth Greene is involved in the mapping, recording, excavating and conservation of cultural artefacts from ancient shipwrecks off the coast of Turkey. This project will give students of Classics the opportunity to participate in underwater surveys and excavation, making Brock’s program unique among Canadian institutions. The methodologies of underwater archaeology which combine traditional practice with innovative multi-dimensional mapping techniques (including the integration of digital photography, three-dimensional rendering and Geographic Information Systems) will be applicable to future projects at sites both on land and underwater. The information gained from the research may answer questions about the international connections forged by ancient seafarers, their technological capacity, and the maritime economy in which they operated.

Dr. Vincenzeo DeLuca
Facility for Small Molecule Analysis and Quantification
Provincial funding: $85,972

Madagascar periwinkle is an annual that’s gaining in horticultural popularity. But its value is not simply ornamental. It’s also therapeutic. Two alkaloids in Madagascar periwinkle leaves, vinblastine and vincristine, have been identified as active anti-cancer agents, which has attracted the interest of pharmaceutical companies. It’s also attracted the interest of Dr. Vincenzeo De Luca at Brock University. He’s using small molecule analysis and quantification as a screening tool to create new plants with novel flower colors and improved resistance to disease – and with substantially higher levels of anticancer alkaloids. Dr. De Luca’s research also uses this technology for important applications in Niagara’s agricultural sector, in particular the development of new disease-resistant horticultural and food crops with enhanced properties.

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See also:

• News Release: Ontario Turning Ideas Into Stronger Economy
• Backgrounder: Supporting Basic and Applied Research
• Backgrounder: Basic and Applied Research Projects
• Recipients