Socially responsible behaviour can protect vulnerable groups during the pandemic

Monday, July 12th, 2021
An infographic that says to wash your hands, keep a safe distance and wear face masks - graphic

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...

Read more: Socially responsible behaviour can protect vulnerable groups during the pandemic

OVC Researchers Study Impact of Smog on Horse Lung Health

Monday, July 12th, 2021
People racing horses on a track in carts

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...

Read more: OVC Researchers Study Impact of Smog on Horse Lung Health

The susceptibility of pets to SARS-CoV-2

Wednesday, July 7th, 2021
A black cat sitting on stairs.

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...

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Bridging the gap between arts and science

Tuesday, June 29th, 2021
Two women standing next to a sign for the U of G’s Bachinski/Chu Print Study Collection

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....

Read more: Bridging the gap between arts and science

Promoting resilience in the Canadian humanitarian and development sector during the pandemic

Tuesday, June 22nd, 2021
A headshot of Dr. Andrea Paras

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...

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U of G researchers develop, test simulation tool for fighting the pandemic

Wednesday, June 16th, 2021
Dr. Danielle Gillis standing in front of a tree

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...

Read more: U of G researchers develop, test simulation tool for fighting the pandemic

Equine Robo-Gut Helps OVC Researchers Study Gastrointestinal Diseases In Horses

Tuesday, June 15th, 2021
A horse standing in a field

Photo Credit: Mya Kidson

By 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...

Read more: Equine Robo-Gut Helps OVC Researchers Study Gastrointestinal Diseases In Horses

CareMongering supports communities during the pandemic

Thursday, June 10th, 2021
Three people with arrows pointing towards them - graphic

Photo Credit: Dr. Alex Sawatzky

By Otaiba Ahsan

“CareMongering” - a worldwide movement that started as a Toronto-based Facebook group supporting those experiencing fear associated with the COVID-19 virus – can help address socioeconomic vulnerabilities worsened by the pandemic, according to University of Guelph researchers.

Dr. Roberta Hawkins, a professor in the Department of Geography, Environment and Geomatics, and Amy Kipp, a PhD student in U of G’s new Social Practice and Transformational Change program, wanted to understand how this global movement is playing out locally. They...

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Nutraceuticals hold promise for preventing COVID-19 from taking hold

Monday, May 31st, 2021
A headshot of Dr. Paul Spagnuolo in his lab

Dr. Paul Spagnuolo

By Mya Kidson

COVID-19 prevention could mean more than social distancing until more people can get vaccinated against this novel virus. For example, what if you could simply take a pill before going into a public space that would prohibit the virus' entry into human cells?

That’s what research underway at the University of Guelph is trying to uncover. Food Science professor, Dr. Paul Spagnuolo, and his team are looking at how COVID-19 enters and affects host cells. 

Understanding the virus' mechanisms can then enable researchers to inhibit...

Read more: Nutraceuticals hold promise for preventing COVID-19 from taking hold

Addressing the social injustice within alternative food outlets

Thursday, May 20th, 2021
A person holding three red peppers.

Photo Credit: Jodie Aldred Photography for Arrell Food Institute

By Mya Kidson

As consumers become increasingly aware of the ways in which the agriculture sector contributes to growing carbon emissions as well as a decline in soil health, we have witnessed a heightened demand for local, sustainably cultivated and ethically sourced food. Such businesses – popularly varied alternative food businesses - include organic health-food stores and farmers’ markets. But although they positively enforce moral values, they often lack consumer diversity beyond upper- or middle-class consumers.

Dr. Evan Fraser, Department of...

Read more: Addressing the social injustice within alternative food outlets