Research News
Togetherness: no longer a distant memory of pre-pandemic times
Photo Credit: Troy Hourie
By Mya Kidson
Performance and art can bring healing and promote social interaction, especially during times of pandemic isolation. This was the focus of a recent research project from U of G.
In the summer of 2020, Prof. Troy Hourie, from the School of English and Theatre Studies, collaborated with Puppeteers Andrew Gaboury and Colleen Snell as well as U of G student production interns Samantha Adams, Emily Brown and Liaba Nisar to create a Dom Roberto-style production called ODDITI(m)ES — A...
Mechanisms Involved In Chronic Pain Similar To Those In Memory Development, Say OVC Researchers
Dr. Giannina Descalzi
By Mya Kidson
Chronic pain is prevalent in humans and their companion animals, but there is very little research that shows how it manifests. Department of Biomedical Sciences professor, Dr. Giannina Descalzi, investigates how the brain adapts to pain and has found that there are similar mechanistic changes that occur with chronic pain, as seen with learning and development. In a recent article, SPARK writer Mya Kidson discusses the importance of this research, providing insight into chronic pain development and the subsequent changes that occur in the...
Socially responsible behaviour can protect vulnerable groups during the pandemic
By Otaiba Ahsan
People at lower risk of infection from COVID-19 are more likely to engage in socially irresponsible behaviours that put vulnerable groups at risk, says a new University of Guelph study, but a social nudge can help improve cooperation.
Dr. Tongzhe Li, a professor in the Department of Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics (FARE), is leading a team from her department and collaborators at Bocconi University in Milan, Italy.
They hope to learn why certain people fail to take public health guidelines seriously and who is more...
OVC Researchers Study Impact of Smog on Horse Lung Health
Photo Credit: OVC
By Olivia Willoughby
University of Guelph researchers are examining the effects of outdoor air pollution, or smog, on the respiratory health of horses in the Guelph-Kitchener-Waterloo area. Dr. Janet Beeler-Marfisi, a professor in the Department of Pathobiology at the Ontario Veterinary College, is looking to see if the same factors that play a role in human asthma also play a role in the development of mild equine asthma (MEA) in horses...
The susceptibility of pets to SARS-CoV-2
Photo Credit: Caitlin Ford
By Caitlin Ford
Pets can contract SARS-CoV-2 infections, according to a University of Guelph study that will help public health departments make informed recommendations for pet isolation measures during COVID-19.
Department of Pathobiology professors Dr. Dorothee Bienzle and Dr. Scott Weese worked with departmental lab technicians David Marom and Joyce Rousseau to determine the infection status of companion animals – notably dogs, cats and ferrets – in households of people with COVID-19.
Findings early in the pandemic showed pets in...
Bridging the gap between arts and science
Photo Credit: Emily Reimer
By Mya Kidson
Science and art are often viewed as different disciplines — but they have always been intertwined, and today, more so than ever before.
A University of Guelph project shows that learning skills in conducting formal analysis on works of art can help professionals, even with little arts background, to improve performance in visual observation. This form of analysis examines the elements of a work of art—including line, form, shape, space, texture, and color—that form the structure of what is perceived through human eyes.
Dr....
Promoting resilience in the Canadian humanitarian and development sector during the pandemic
Dr. Andrea Paras
By Mya Kidson
“The new norm” is the reality for many Canadian humanitarian organizations that rapidly pivoted their services online in response to COVID-19, U of G researchers have found.
During summer 2020, Dr. Andrea Paras, a professor in the Department of Political Science, and her research team studied the pandemic’s impact on NGOs in Canada’s humanitarian and development sector. They found that while the pandemic posed some challenges for these organizations, it also created some opportunities for adaptation and innovation.
“These...
U of G researchers develop, test simulation tool for fighting the pandemic
Dr. Daniel Gillis
By Otaiba Ahsan
From physical distancing to phased reopening of businesses, figuring out which mitigation strategies work best for fighting the COVID-19 pandemic is the goal of a novel simulation tool developed by University of Guelph researchers.
The team is now testing the tool, designed to help policy makers gauge which public health measures will control the spread of the disease most effectively.
“We hope to provide public health opportunities at the local and provincial levels to put into action the best mitigation strategies available...
Equine Robo-Gut Helps OVC Researchers Study Gastrointestinal Diseases In Horses
Photo Credit: Mya Kidson
An imbalance in intestinal bacterial communities can lead to gastrointestinal (GI) illness in horses. Department of Clinical Sciences professor, Dr. Luis Arroyo, investigates the underlying issues leading to GI disease through a replica of the horse’s digestive system called the equine robo-gut. In a recent article, SPARK writer Mya Kidson discusses the importance of this research in preventing equine GI diseases through a holistic lens...