Breast cancer research focused on proteins in natural killer cells Biochemistry professor Munir Rahim has been awarded a $120,000 grant from the Cancer Research Society to study how breast cancer interacts with receptors on the surface of immune cells. UWindsor’s Munir Rahim is launching ground-breaking research that could lead to new treatments for breast cancer. A professor of biomedical science, Dr. Rahim is trying to unlock the mystery of how breast cancer outfoxes the body’s immune system. Collaborating with Caroline Hamm of the Windsor Regional Cancer Centre, Rahim believes new treatments may lie in how breast cancer interacts with specific proteins, called receptors, on the surface of immune cells. “We are looking into the mechanisms that inhibit immune cells,” Rahim said. “This is brand new research. This receptor has not been studied in breast cancer.” Rahim has been awarded a $120,000 research grant through the Cancer Research Society, a registered charity that raises money for Canadian cancer research, in partnership with the…
Update to address effectiveness of medical vs. homemade masks The COVID-19 pandemic caused shortages for certified personal protective equipment needed by healthcare workers, and hospitals communicated their need for homemade masks that could be used in non-critical areas of operations for inpatients. The Windsor-Essex Sewing Force, a community volunteer network, implemented a testing and quality control program to optimize production of high-quality homemade masks for donation to Windsor-Essex health care institutions. Professor Ken Drouillard of the Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research and School of the Environment is the lead researcher on the project, funded by the University of Windsor’s Office of Research and Innovation and the WE-Spark Health Institute. Dr. Drouillard will share an update on the effectiveness of these cloth masks on Wednesday, Oct. 6, at 7 p.m. Click here to register. Courtesy: https://www.uwindsor.ca/dailynews/2021-10-04/update-address-effectiveness-medical-vs-homemade-masks
Donation to advance urban studies work Richard and Colleen Peddie have donated $12,000 to support the Windsor Law Centre for Cities. A $12,000 donation from former Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment president Richard Peddie (BComm 1970, honorary LLD 2001) and his wife, Colleen, will allow the Windsor Law Centre for Cities to continue to develop its research, teaching, and public engagement on the legal and policy tools related to municipalities and local institutions. “This support from the Peddies is an important boost for the Centre for Cities,” says its director, law professor Anneke Smit. Launched in 2019, the centre has conducted research focused on affordable housing policy and innovation, municipal climate action, municipal governance under states of emergency, and policy tools for inclusive city-building and public participation. The centre also collaborates with AM800 for a weekly radio segment with host Dan Macdonald on good city-building. The gift will support its work during the 2021-22 academic year, Dr.…
Prostate cancer research gets two-year funding boost John Trant has been awarded a $120,000 grant through the Cancer Research Society to devise a new way to diagnose prostate cancer. Oncologists may soon have a new tool to outsmart prostate cancer thanks to research by UWindsor biochemistry professor John Trant. Dr. Trant is developing imaging agents to help oncologists distinguish between different types of prostate cancer. The agents would offer better, quicker, and cheaper diagnoses than current imaging techniques. “We are developing the next generation of imaging probes so clinicians can quickly determine the location of the tumour and help determine if the cancer is progressing from one stage to another,” Trant said. “Early detection of cancer is one of the driving forces behind increased survival, however, with prostate cancer, just as it is important to learn if cancer is present, it is important to know if the cancer is changing.” Trant’s research got a $120,000 funding boost last week from the Cancer Research Society,…
Think tank to spark health research collaboration Do you like to discuss new ideas? Solve problems? Make new connections? Then WE-Spark Think Tanks are for you. The event will begin with an update on local health research activities and new funding opportunities, followed by five-minute presentations on three projects that are looking for creative input and collaborators. The majority of the afternoon takes place in breakout sessions to move each idea forward. The latest round features the following presenters and topics: New Routes into Fluoroorganics with Medical Imaging Applications Presented by UWindsor professor Marcus Drover of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, who is looking for those with a particular interest in medical imaging and chemical synthesis and drug discovery. When Signs Don’t Work: Reframing Beach Safety as a Public Health Concern Presented by Chris Houser, dean of science and professor in the School of the Environment, for those with an interest in public health and expertise in how to communicate…
Local Expert Blog: Caregiving to Loved One with Mental Illness: An Emotional Rollercoaster When was the last time you experienced a strong emotion? You might agree that those closest to us – parents, partners, siblings, children – have the deepest impact on our emotions. For the families providing support to a loved one experiencing mental illness or addiction, those emotions can be intense. Riding the Highs and Lows The best way to describe what it means to be a caregiver is by using a roller-coaster analogy. Imagine you’re on a roller-coaster ride even though you’re terrified of heights. The ride is fast and turbulent. You’re in constant panic, your stomach is in knots, you feel nauseous, anxious, and worried all the time. Sometimes, the ride slows down, and you feel better but also uneasy as you know it won’t last and you’re in constant anticipation for another unpleasant trip. Your loved one is also on the same ride. Unlike yours, their seat is falling apart, their seatbelt is not working properly, and their fear of heights is even greater than yours. So, in…
Virtual Conference Planned for Caregivers to People with Mental Illness, Addictions AM800's Kyle Horner sits down with Dr.Edward Cruz and Clementa Stan to discuss the upcoming Caring for the Caregivers conference. Hotel-Dieu Grace Healthcare, The University of Windsor and WE SPARK Health Institute will host this inaugural Caring for the Caregiver Conference on Oct. 16 and Oct. 23. The half day event will be held virtually from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at no cost to attendees. For more information about the conference visit: https://www.wesparkhealth.com/caregiver-conference. Listen to the interview here: https://omny.fm/shows/am-800-cklw/live-local-care-for-the-caergivers-conference-inte.
Erie Hack competition looks to address the lake's most pressing problems Mike McKay says Erie Hack provides shared solutions to shared problems Erie Hack, a data and engineering competition designed to generate innovative technology solutions for some of Lake Erie’s most pressing problems, is now open for registration. Since its inception in 2017, the program has leveraged the expertise of researchers, designers, engineers, developers, and creative individuals across the region to activate, cultivate, and accelerate solutions to the health of the lake. The multi-month challenge is a collaboration among Cleveland Water Alliance and partners from Toledo, Buffalo, and Windsor-Detroit, including WEtech Alliance and Tech Town Detroit. This year’s event kicks off virtually September 21st. Mike McKay, Executive Director of the Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research (GLIER) says Erie Hack provides shared solutions to shared problems, noting that one of the lake’s most challenging issues is dangerous algae bloom. These annual formations of cyanobacteria,…
Study identifies what caregivers need most Edward Cruz is leading a study focusing on caregivers of loved ones with mental illness and addictions. Many of the needs identified in the study will be addressed at an upcoming conference entitled Caring for the Caregiver The personal stories of people caring for loved ones with mental illness or addictions tug at Edward Cruz’s heart. The UWindsor nursing professor recalls the dread some said they felt at the prospect of taking ill or dying. Who would care for their loved ones then? Some never take a vacation for fear of leaving their loved one alone. Some are afraid to leave the house for even a few hours. Others spoke of putting their lives on hold, quitting their jobs, or using retirement savings for their loved ones’ care. “Caregivers make significant sacrifices in their time, finances, and even their own health in order to care for a loved one with mental illness or addictions,” said Dr Cruz. “Their dedication to their loved ones is immeasurable, but it’s heartbreaking.”…
