Research News
U of G Prof Investigating Ethics of COVID-19 Immunity Passports
(Lukas/ Unsplash)
By Mya Kidson
As vaccines continue to be distributed to individuals globally, U of G research is looking at the possibility of giving individuals who have been vaccinated an immunity passport. This passport would give these individuals more freedoms, such as the ability to travel and attend concerts. Department of Philosophy professor, Dr. Andrew Bailey, is investigating the ethics of these vaccine passports. In a recent article, SPARK writer Mya Kidson discusses the impacts of this research and the importance of an immunity passport to reduce the spread of...
A Sonic Tapestry: U of G Researchers Curate Guelph Musicians’ Reactions to COVID-19
A poster for A Sonic Tapestry
By Caitlin Ford
Two professors in the School of Fine Arts and Music have curated a 52-minute video called A Sonic Tapestry to provide a musical commentary on the impact of COVID-19 on the music industry. SPARK writer Caitlin Ford interviewed Dr. Alyssa Woods and Dr. Kimberly Francis about the project, which aimed to creatively connect artists and strengthen ties between U of G and musicians in the community...
U of G Researchers Use AI for Rapid Bedside COVID-19 Diagnosis
Images courtesy Dr. Ukwatta
By Caitlin Ford
COVID-19 can be diagnosed with medical imaging, but this can be time consuming and subject to human error. To mitigate wait times for test results, a team led by School of Engineering professor Dr. Eranga Ukwatta has developed artificial intelligence software to provide automated diagnoses. SPARK writer Caitlin Ford explores the impacts of this research...
U of G Researchers Gathering Experiences of Grocery Store Workers for Future Pandemic Protocols
(Pexels/ Anna Shvets)
By Otaiba Ahsan
Access to grocery stores is key for food security, especially during a pandemic. Front line employees are able to see first-hand how effective public health guidelines are at mitigating the spread of the virus. SPARK writer Otaiba Ahsan spoke to Department of Geography Dr. Eric Nost and PhD candidate Emily Duncan on how they are working to provide suggestions for public policy makers on possible improvements for these guidelines...
Rapid U of G COVID-19 Test Promises Quicker Results, Better Care
The microfluidic device, with a dime for scale.
By Caitlin Ford
Rapid testing is an integral step in curbing the spread of the COVID-19 virus. To improve the current testing process, an innovative technology has been employed by University of Guelph researchers as an automated, on-site testing device that can provide an instant COVID-19 diagnosis. In her latest article, SPARK writer Caitlin Ford explores the impacts of this research, highlighting the work of Prof. Christopher Collier and his team from The School of Engineering...
U of G researcher measuring the negative impacts of pandemic on workforce
Prof. Leanne Son Hing
By Otaiba Ahsan
During the pandemic, many have had to work remotely. However, it is often said that rather than working from home, people are “living at work” and this can have detrimental effects on their physical and mental health. SPARK writer Otaiba Ahsan interviewed Department of Psychology Prof. Leanne Son Hing and learned about the negative consequences on work-life balance because of COVID-19...
U of G Partners with SVG Ventures to accelerate innovation in Canada’s agri-food sector
We are thrilled to announce a new partnership with Silicon Valley powerhouse SVG Ventures| THRIVE. This memorandum of understanding will accelerate the development and adoption of innovative technological solutions in the agri-food sector...
U of G Researcher Investigating Chronic Effects of COVID-19 Virus
Melanie Wills, director of the G. Magnotta Lyme Disease Research Lab at U of G
By Otaiba Ahsan
The COVID-19 pandemic is a rapidly changing situation with new information coming out daily. One area of interest is the chronic effects of survivors who suffered from the virus. SPARK writer Otaiba Ahsan was able to see how Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology member and director of the G. Magnotta Foundation for Vector Borne Diseases, Melanie Wills, is working to discover the long-term consequences of the virus...
Full STEAM ahead
Diana Pfeffer (left), MLA student, stands beside a sculpture she created in the IDL. Also pictured is Michael Richardson, an MFA history student. The tool between them is a haptic carving device that enables the user to feel digital objects they are modifying.
Arts gives rebranded lab a clear focus in practice and theory
By Mya Kidson
When art meets science, the result is STEAM.
At the University of Guelph’s Interdisciplinary Design Lab (IDL), rebranded from the former Digital Haptic Lab, the acronym STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) has grown to include arts.
So now, when discussions centre on the disciplines served by the IDL, directors Professor Christian Giroux and Dr. John Phillips talk in terms of STEAM.
“Arts adds an additional creative expression element to...
New technology assessment targets improved efficiency
By Otaiba Ahsan
A complete genetic and economic assessment of the current breeding structure in Canadian dairy cattle is in the process of being completed by a team of U of G researchers from the Department of Animal Biosciences.
The team’s mission is to identify new technologies for improving efficiency in the dairy sector, while keeping costs in check for consumers and farmers.
This five-year research program is led by Prof. Christine Baes, Prof. Flavio Schenkel and Dr. Gerson Oliveira, along with Ph.D. candidates Lucas Alcantara and Kerry...