USask-led reproductive health and rights initiative receives $20 million
Researchers from the University of Saskatchewan (USask) are developing a comprehensive health and rights program in Mozambique.
Dr. Sabira Valiani: Creating Connections in Critical Care
Dr. Sabira Valiani (MD) was one of the frontline physicians working inside Saskatoon’s critical care units four years ago, during the initial lockdowns of the COVID-19 pandemic.
USask breast cancer research targets post-treatment function, rehabilitation
Researchers with the Canadian Centre for Rural and Agricultural Health (CCRAH) at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) are testing movement and functional abilities for patients’ post-surgical treatment of breast cancer.
USask researchers seek to develop new breast cancer treatments
Improving patient’s cancer treatments and minimizing side effects is the focus of new research at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) which aims to explore an innovative and potentially life-changing treatment targeting the most aggressive form of breast cancer.
Innovative USask health research projects receive $4.86 million from CIHR
Health care research projects at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) ranging from breast cancer treatments to pandemic preparedness have been awarded funding in the latest round of Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) grants.
Dr. Haissam Haddad: At the Heart of Patient Care
Dr. Haissam Haddad (MD) inadvertently horrified his family when he signed up for engineering courses in his first year of university. The teenager returned the next day to change his major to medicine – a move he's glad he made.
Black History Month: Fonge making a difference at USask
When it comes to cancer research, scientists like Dr. Humphrey Fonge (PhD) know they are always working against the clock for patients who often don’t have the benefit of time.
Remote Rehabilitation: Dr. Stacey Lovo’s Quest for Equitable Care
It was a bitterly cold day in December 2012, when two First Nation women from northern Saskatchewan stepped off the bus in Saskatoon. One had travelled 12 hours, the other seven, both to see physiotherapist Dr. Stacey Lovo (PhD) for back pain.
USask health researchers recognized for achievement, impact and excellence
Dr. Hassan Vatanparast (PhD) and other University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers were honoured for their contributions to health research at the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF) Santé Awards on Jan. 25.
Thriving Against the Odds: Dr. Amanda Hall on Short Gut Syndrome
In the heart of the Health Sciences Building, Dr. Amanda Hall (MD) studies a tray of organoids under a microscope.
Dr. Angelica Lang: Shaping the future of shoulder health
Dr. Angelica Lang (PhD) knows most of the people she sees have to keep working, even if they have shoulder pain.
Joint efforts by USask research team simulate Canada’s cannabis consumption
SASKATOON – University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers are developing models to more accurately determine the effects of cannabis on consumers.
Stronger foundations: Dr. Munier Nour on bone development in diabetic youth
Osteoporosis is often seen as a disease that affects older adults. But compared to their peers, kids with Type 1 diabetes grow into adults eight times as likely to suffer bone fractures.
USask researcher leading charge in the fight against AIDS
As the global fight against HIV and AIDS continues, this challenge is particularly evident in Saskatchewan, where HIV infection rates are more than five times the national average.
Inhale, Exhale, Repair: Dr. Valerie Verge
Dr. Valerie Verge (PhD) was in her early twenties when she landed her first job, doing neuroscience research and she loved it. But 43 years ago, her research journey began to take a twist.
Fighting Treatment-Resistant Depression with Ketamine: Dr. Evyn Peters
Dr. Evyn Peters (MD) has created pivotal changes for patients arriving at Royal University Hospital's (RUH) mental health short stay unit and its emergency department.
Dr. Wendie Marks: Researching the complex connections between stress, nutrition, and health
By the end of grade eight, Dr. Wendie Marks (PhD) was sure about one thing: she knew she wanted to study health and the way early-life development affected the human body.
New Department of Indigenous Health and Wellness approved at USask College of Medicine
The University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) College of Medicine is creating a first of its kind department in a Canadian medical school, dedicated to improving the health outcomes of Indigenous Peoples in Saskatchewan through academics and education.
USask, City of Saskatoon explore merits of sustainable transportation strategies
A joint project co-led by University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers and City of Saskatoon officials will use data-driven assessment tools to create “healthy, sustainable transportation” strategies in Saskatoon.
Saskatoon City Hospital Foundation Proud to Support Vital MS Research in Saskatchewan
Saskatoon City Hospital Foundation (SCHF) recently announced a gift of $750,000 to support the ongoing and crucial work of Dr. Michael Levin and his team in the area of multiple sclerosis research. It’s one of many acts of generosity and leadership that the foundation has shown in their decades-long history of supporting MS research in Saskatchewan.
Vital multiple sclerosis research at USask to continue with $750,000 donation from Saskatoon City Hospital Foundation
A new gift of $750,000 from the Saskatoon City Hospital Foundation (SCHF) will provide funding to the University of Saskatchewan (USask) College of Medicine to support the Saskatchewan Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Clinical Research Chair for the next three years.
USask researchers aim to make cancer fertility preservation program a reality
Dr. James Benson (PhD) and Dr. Laura Hopkins (MD) believe the University of Saskatchewan (USask) has the tools to provide groundbreaking cancer treatment services to women across Canada.
New USask Indigenous health department first of its kind in Canada
The University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) College of Medicine is creating a first of its kind department in a Canadian medical school, dedicated to improving the health outcomes of Indigenous Peoples in Saskatchewan through academics and education.
Joint research team studies sustainable cities in Copenhagen
Representatives from the University of Saskatchewan (USask), the City of Saskatoon, and the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) are going to Copenhagen to study what goes into building healthy and sustainable cities.
Celebrated USask medical researchers named Canadian Academy of Health Sciences fellows
University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers Dr. Alan Rosenberg (MD) and Dr. Nazeem Muhajarine (PhD) were named members of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (CAHS) in recognition of their work in the greater health sciences community.
USask helps lead promising Parkinson’s disease research
Like many Canadians, Dr. Changiz Taghibiglou (PhD) has seen first-hand the devastating effects of Parkinson’s disease.
Shelley-May Neufeld: Living Our Values
The College of Medicine Staff Awards recognize outstanding staff across the college who go above and beyond in their roles.
USask shoulder motion study nets NSERC support
The same tools used for creating special effects in film and video games are being harnessed by a University of Saskatchewan (USask) researcher determined to better understand shoulder function.
USask researchers receive more than $8.7 million in NSERC funding
SASKATOON - University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers from a variety of colleges and departments have received funding for projects through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Council of Canada (NSERC) Discovery Grants program.
New USask research chair focuses on improving Indigenous children’s wellness
Newly appointed Tier 2 Canada Research Chair (CRC) Dr. Wendie Marks (PhD) at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) is investigating links between obesity in Indigenous children and their exposure to environmental factors during pre-conception, prenatal, or early postpartum periods.
Funding boosts USask team developing test to determine preeclampsia risk
Dr. Ernesto Figueiro (MD, PhD) and his team are conducting clinical research on the use of placental growth factor (PlGF) test as a tool to manage high-risk pregnancies, aiming to improve outcomes for Saskatchewan mothers and babies. A $150,000 grant will help expand the team as they develop the test for clinical use.
Combating diabetes using community strengths, aided by USask research
SASKATOON – A University of Saskatchewan (USask) research team is working directly with Indigenous communities throughout Saskatchewan to improve methods for preventing Type 2 diabetes.
Renewed support for Cameco Chair in Indigenous Health and Wellness at USask
Since 2017, the Cameco Chair in Indigenous Health and Wellness at the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) College of Medicine has carried out extensive and innovative research to improve the health outcomes of Indigenous people in Canada. A new commitment of $1.25 million from the Royal University Hospital Foundation (RUHF) will ensure that work continues for an additional five years.
USask researchers receive $7 million in CIHR funding
Research on new ovarian and pancreatic cancer diagnostics and therapeutics among the projects to receive funding.
USask receives $1-million donation to improve research, care for neurological disease patients
Knight Cares and philanthropist Kevin Knight have generously donated $1 million to the University of Saskatchewan (USask) to improve research and care for patients affected by neurological diseases.
USask researchers developing AI to predict cardiovascular disease
Dr. Scott Adams (MD, PhD) is creating artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to more accurately identify people at risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
Mossy Cells and New Paths in Neuroscience: Dr. Justin Botterill
When Dr. Justin Botterill (PhD) first arrived at the University of Saskatchewan (USask), he took what he described as a 'shotgun approach' to choosing classes.
Turning Back the Neurotoxin Clock: Dr. Jeff Dong
Midway through his undergraduate degree at the University of British Columbia, a laboratory 'help wanted' poster caught Jeff Dong's eye. He applied, gaining invaluable practical experience that summer in Stephanie Borgland's lab.
Antibodies and Aging Gracefully: Dr. Peter Pioli
Before we’re even born, our bodies begin to grow and train an army of spies and assassins, creating a crew of immune system fighters in the upper chest's thymus gland. While this production is dominated by T cells, other immune cells such as B cells and plasma cells can be generated within the thymus, albeit at a very low level.
USask researcher aims to revolutionize human-assisted reproduction
Roughly one in six couples in Canada experiences infertility, a figure that has doubled since the 1980s. Many of these couples are turning to assisted reproduction technology (ART) for help with conceiving.
Ready to Launch: Anurag Sakharkar Pinpoints Key Biomarkers in Astronaut Health
Like a lot of kids, Anurag (Anu) Sakharkar used to dream about being a doctor, or an astronaut. His parents, both academics, encouraged him to follow his dream.
USask technology leads to a groundbreaking human trial that solves 187-year-old surgical mystery
Rope-like bands of internal scar tissue that form in close to 70-90 percent of all patients who undergo abdominal surgery have bedeviled patients and surgeons alike for more than 187 years.
USask researchers: COVID-19 will continue to impact health care
Increasingly, attention paid to health care in Saskatchewan and across Canada has shifted to broader concerns, like physician and other health-care worker shortages. But the pandemic is still a significant part of the challenges being faced in health care here, and worldwide.
Scratching That Itch: Dr. Rachel Asiniwasis Targets Atopic Dermatitis
When Dr. Rachel Asiniwasis (MD) returned to the prairies after her dermatology residency in Toronto, she noticed a pattern among many of her pediatric patients. Hundreds of them were coming to her with itchy, raw patches of skin, the result of atopic dermatitis — eczema.
New USask research hits cancer with a “one-two punch”
After attacking a tumour with a targeted therapy, the cancer might stagger but often comes back fighting — usually even harder to defeat. University of Saskatchewan (USask)-led research has revealed a promising strategy to strike tumour cells and land a knockout blow by choosing the right combination of cellular mechanisms to target together.
New funding helps University of Saskatchewan researchers take aim at long COVID
SASKATOON – University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers are part of a Canada-wide consortium awarded $20 million by the Government of Canada to pursue research into “long COVID,” also known as post-COVID-19 condition (PCC).
USask research projects receive SHRF funding
Four College of Medicine and School of Rehabilitation Science research teams received funding for Saskatchewan-aligned research needs.
When Can ICU Patients Be Discharged Home
Patients in intensive care units often move to a regular ward before they're discharged and sent home. Increasingly, hospitals are skipping that step, sending a handful of ICU patients directly home.
Reversing the effects of Alzheimer's Disease: Dr. Ron Geyer on NeuroEPO
For decades, families have watched Alzheimer's disease steal their loved ones' cognitive function. It's the most common form of dementia; one that affects a third of people over the age of 85.
USask-led research project receives more than $1.3 million to study bone strength development in children with diabetes
University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers have received more than $1.3 million for an unprecedented multi-year study of the development of bone structure, density and strength in children with Type 1 diabetes.
From Scratch: Rural Dementia Care with Dr. Debra Morgan
Dr. Debra Morgan (PhD) grew up on a farm and continued farming with her husband, initially working in nursing in the winter. Nursing shifts took her from neurosurgery to pediatrics, to orthopedics, then to Saskatoon's geriatric units at City Hospital and Royal University Hospital.
A DNA protein may be responsible for causing cancerous ‘stress balls’ in the body: USask research
In 2022, an estimated 7,000 Canadians were diagnosed with leukemia, a term used to define cancer of the blood cells. Of that 7,000, it is estimated that nearly half will face mortality. University of Saskatchewan (USask) College of Medicine graduate student Ananna Arna dedicated a research project to examine how genetics and DNA replication play a role in leukemia development.
Clinical trial planned for novel Alzheimer’s disease therapy at USask
A novel therapy developed for Alzheimer’s disease — previously shown to significantly slow the progression of the disease and, in some instances, reverse cognitive decline — will be tested in a Phase II clinical trial at the University of Saskatchewan (USask).
Leaders in discovery: five USask researchers honoured with top provincial health awards
College of Medicine researchers have received Santé Awards from the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation for research excellence.
Affairs of the (Zebrafish) Heart: Dr. Michelle Collins
If you've ever sat through a bad date at a restaurant, unsure of what to order, you're still doing better than a typical zebrafish on a date. Dr. Michelle Collins (PhD) said without safety precautions, a zebrafish male and female left together overnight will often eat their embryos.
Pewaseskwan at USask supports Nehiyawak (Cree) language and culture revitalization on Saskatchewan First Nation
Nehiyawak (Cree) language echoes through the auditorium at Sakāskohc High School on Onion Lake Cree Nation (OLCN) on a cold December evening. Four male Elders sit in armchairs at the front of the auditorium taking turns sharing knowledge, memories, and language. Their stories are being recorded for others in the community to access and they will be archived for future generations.
Dr. Darryl Adamko: Little Lungs, Lessons Learned
Diagnosing pulmonary diseases like asthma in young children is still largely a matter of trial and error, according to Saskatchewan’s top pediatric respirologist.
New connections advance health and wellness at USask
While experts in music and immunology may not typically have much in common, an unlikely pair of researchers are leading a new area of research focus for the University of Saskatchewan (USask).
USask researchers to gain remote access to huge array of Statistics Canada data
SASKATOON – A recent investment of $17.4 million in a national research and training platform by two federal granting agencies will provide University of Saskatchewan (USask) health and social sciences researchers secure remote access to a wide array of microdata from Statistics Canada.
Dr. Scott Widenmaier: Connecting Cholesterol, Obesity and Immunometabolism
When Scott Widenmaier left high school, he wasn't sure what career he wanted to pursue.
USask research investigates new treatments for drug-induced neuropathy in cancer patients
SASKATOON – Chemotherapy can be a saving grace when facing cancer. When drug-induced neuropathy results from anti-cancer drugs like Cisplatin (CP), a common drug for breast cancers, a way to combat these unwanted side effects is critical for patients to maintain optimal treatment.
Decolonizing institutional approaches to research from the inside
King is changing the way research is done with First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities
Just Give Mutants A Chance: Dr. Linda Chelico
How cell mutations and mutagenesis took one microbiologist from Melfort to Malibu and back.
Four new USask Vanier Scholars demonstrate excellence in research and leadership
University of Saskatchewan (USask) doctoral students Gilbert Adum, Lindsey Boechler, Cody Koloski, and Pezhman Zolfaghari Didani have been named 2022 Vanier Scholars.
Read the 2022 edition of Connective Issue
Connective Issue is the annual College of Medicine magazine.
Zapping brain cancer with long needles opens door to new treatments: USask research
SASKATOON – University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers have developed a new method of killing brain cancer cells while preserving the delicate tissue around it. The technique also has a remarkable side-benefit: making chemotherapy treatment of brain cancer suddenly possible.
USask research a step closer to shedding light on bacterial infection process
Before you got those nasty gut cramps that sent you scurrying to the washroom, or you came down with a fever, chills, and clogged airways thanks to pneumonia, various cells in your body were battling bacterial invaders who showed up armed with sophisticated toolbox to overcome the body’s defences.
USask research awarded $3 million help build better cities
University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers are co-leading a new pan-Canadian and international research team aiming to understand how cities of all sizes in all countries can most efficiently implement and build sustainable transportation infrastructure—such as bike lanes, bus rapid transit, and road safety projects.
Dr. Oleg Dmitriev on Copper, Platinum and Safer Chemotherapy
Colour-changing reactions and small explosions punctuated life at Dr. Oleg Dmitriev's home, when he was a boy. He loved trying out chemical reactions, and experimenting. As a teenager, he was fascinated by the science fiction novels his father brought home.
USask research investigates what can happen when immune system proteins go rogue
A specific family of DNA-modifying proteins normally function as part of the human immune system to combat viral infections. But what happens when these proteins begin to modify DNA – and go rogue?
Signature areas of research help USask highlight its strengths
The university has provided $360,000 to nine teams to assist in developing and showcasing innovative interdisciplinary research, scholarly, and artistic work
New bone imaging technique could lead to improved osteoporosis treatment
Osteoporosis takes heavy toll on Canadians in terms of physical suffering and economic burden.
What Physics Can Tell Us About Inflammatory Pulmonary Disease, with Dr. Asmahan AbuArish
Asmahan AbuArish grew up in Hebron, surrounded by military checkpoints. She knew she wanted to help people, but she had to give up her dream of being a medical doctor.
USask study links reconstructive surgery after breast cancer to changes in upper limb movement
A recently published study authored by a pair of University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers shows that reconstructive surgery after breast cancer treatment has a demonstrable impact on arm and shoulder function.
Winning ‘battle for metals’ key to defeating antibiotic-resistant bacterium: USask research
Lock up the silverware! According to new research from the University of Saskatchewan (USask), that’s how the body responds to Acinetobacter baumannii, a nasty pathogen commonly found in hospitals across the globe.
Delivering success: USask research sheds light on what makes maternity waiting homes work in low-income countries
Pregnancy- or childbirth-related death is rare in high-income, western countries, but not so in low- and middle-income countries.
Childhood diet may contribute to impacted wisdom teeth, USask research shows
Have you ever wondered why so many people end up with impacted wisdom teeth, which cause discomfort, pain and infection, and often require expensive surgical removal? A University of Saskatchewan (USask) graduate student researcher says your childhood diet may have something to do with it.
Brain differences in men and women could affect post-stroke outcomes
Strokes are the third leading cause of death in Canada and have impacted close to 880,000 Canadians over the age of 20.
USask researcher targets pain relief from diabetic neuropathy
Diabetes affects about three million Canadians, with the prevalence increasing yearly. About half of those living with diabetes experience nerve pain and sensory issues—called diabetic neuropathy—ranging from mildly uncomfortable to severely debilitating.
Sophisticated tools enable USask researchers to advance water security, human health
Three University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers have been awarded $430,000 in total by the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) to help purchase cutting-edge equipment that will advance research aimed at reducing environmental and health-care burdens for Canadians.
USask-led research team aims to develop vaccines for prion diseases
Even Dr. Scott Napper (PhD) uses words such as scary when describing the focus of his research—a group of diseases caused when otherwise innocuous proteins go rogue, creating conditions that are always fatal and currently untreatable.
Bruna Bonavia-Fisher: Invaluable Facilitator
Faculty members within the biomedical sciences departments voiced their enthusiastic support to nominate invaluable research facilitator Bruna Bonavia-Fisher in the Create-it category for the 2022 College of Medicine Staff Awards.
Young Innovators: USask researcher says pain assessment tools can be more inclusive
Have you ever been asked to rate your pain on a scale of one to 10? Or been shown a chart with different cartoon emoticons, where you are asked to choose one to describe your pain levels?
USask’s Dr. Vivian Ramsden (PhD) elected Canadian Academy of Health Sciences Fellow
University of Saskatchewan (USask) researcher Dr. Vivian Ramsden (PhD) will be inducted today as a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (CAHS), one of the highest honours for a health scientist in Canada.
USask research informing decision on national school food program
As you fret over lunches to send with your child to school, consider that Canada is the only G-7 nation—and one of only a few countries in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)—that do not have a nationally harmonized school food program.
USask research teams to test treatments for eliminating HIV infection, fibrotic diseases
Research to explore the effectiveness of innovative targeted treatments for HIV infections, and the use of protein therapy to break down fibrous scar tissue are two of five new University of Saskatchewan (USask) projects awarded a total of $3.3 million in federal funding.
Regrowing nerves, understanding severe period pain are focus of new USask research
Investigating the effectiveness of intermittent low oxygen therapy for nerve regeneration and increasing health professionals’ understanding of menstrual pain in female youth are two of five University of Saskatchewan (USask) research projects awarded a total of $3.3 million in federal funding.
New research on the risks of lead exposure from bullets used in big game hunting
For the first time, researchers have used synchrotron imaging to study both the size and spread of bullet fragments in big game shot by hunters.
USask researchers studying zebrafish to get to the heart of your heartbeat
A research team at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) has been awarded a national grant to study genetically modified fish to gain a better understanding of how a human heart beats.
Bold USask projects aim to advance MS therapy, agriculture innovation
Three interdisciplinary health and agriculture projects led by University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers have been awarded $250,000 each under a federal program that aims to foster innovative high-risk research with the potential to yield significant and impactful results.
Using CBD Oil to Treat Severe Epilepsy in Children, with Dr. Richard Huntsman
As a pediatric neurologist, Dr. Richard Huntsman sees children with the most medically complex forms of epilepsy.
USask teams to establish research programs to better understand and treat serious diseases
University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers have received more than $930,000 in provincial funding support from the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF) for research addressing pressing health challenges faced by the people of Saskatchewan and impacting global communities.
New assistant dean to strengthen mentorship program in Graduate Studies
As a University of Saskatchewan (USask) biomedical sciences professor and researcher, Dr. Erique Lukong (PhD) strives to provide and encourage strong mentorship for graduate students.
Patient-oriented research in Saskatchewan receives $25.2 million in support
The Saskatchewan Centre for Patient-Oriented Research (SCPOR) based from the University of Saskatchewan (USask) has entered a second phase of operation, thanks to a $12.6-million grant from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and matching funds provided by a group of partners.
Pewaseskwan at USask signs MOU with SFNWC to support research with Indigenous women
The Saskatchewan First Nations Women’s Commission (SFNWC) at the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) and pewaseskwan—the Indigenous Wellness Research Group (IWRG) at the University of Saskatchewan (USask)—are signing a memorandum of understanding on June 24 to commemorate the start of a research alliance.
USask researchers awarded NSERC funding for future innovation in science, health and engineering
University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers in diverse disciplines were awarded over $7 million in federal government grant funding.