Research News
Molecular “movie” helps microbiologists better understand chronic infections associated with cystic fibrosis
By Nicholas Murphy, SPARK
In microbiology, a “movie” makes all the difference, between seeing everything at the molecular level, and seeing very little.
So says University of Guelph Prof. Cezar Khursigara, who’s seeing more than ever these days thanks to a new spinning disk confocal microscope recently acquired by Khursigara, and colleagues Joseph Lam and Chris Whitfield in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology. It’s opening up new research possibilities Khursigara and his colleagues previously only dreamt of.
...Digital Storytelling for Teens explores the relationship between media and identity
Digital Storytelling for Teens explores the relationship between media and identity
Photo by Nicholas Murphy
Flocking to create a vegan alternative to emu oil
University of Guelph Prof. Alejandro Marangoni (back), is seen analyzing the micro-structure of emu oil crystals with research assistant Saeed Ghazani.
Photo by: Nicholas Murphy, SPARK
By Elisabeth Aerts
A plant-based alternative to emu oil, a skin-softening ingredient in cosmetics and hand lotion, is being developed at the University of Guelph.
Prof. Alejandro Marangoni, from the Department of Food Science and a leading expert on fats and oils, was approached by Avaria Health and Beauty Corporation of Waterloo, Ontario to create cosmetics that are emu oil-free.
Avaria, a privately owned business, focuses on natural merchandise and wants to create a line of 100 per cent plant-based products. One of its most popular...
New non-toxic technique causes self-destruction of cancer cells
Photo by Nicholas Murphy, SPARK
By Joanne Pearce
A new, non-toxic treatment applicable to a broad range of cancers may change the way we look at cancer therapy, says a University of Guelph researcher.
Prof. Jim Uniacke, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, is studying tumour hypoxia, a condition where a tumour cell has been deprived of oxygen.
It’s found in individuals with diseases such as cancer or heart disease. As the hypoxic tumours grow, they deplete the available blood supply around them, leading to a lack of oxygen.
This physiology of tumour hypoxia...
Guelph researchers intrigued at possibilities of ‘terroir’ packaging of Ontario food
Terroir is the apple of their eye -- lead researcher Prof. Michael von Massow (left) from the Department of Hospitality, Food and Tourism Management, and research associate Rob Anderson. Photo credit: Nicholas Murphy.
Prevention is the best defence against Lyme disease
Photo by Nicholas Murphy
Dr. Christine James, left, seen here with Toby and SPARK writer Amy Westlund. James is investigating relationships among ticks and dogs in Ontario, to gather information about minimizing Lyme disease.
Improving irrigation management in Ontario’s tree nurseries
Photo credit: Owen Roberts
Prof. Mike Dixon dons sunglasses to help him handle growth chamber lights, as he readies dwarf tomato plants for space travel
By Alexandra Sawatzky
Tree nurseries are some of the largest consumers of irrigation water in Ontario’s ornamental horticulture sector. And although many are keen to develop ways of mitigating the environmental impact and cost of excessive water use, improved irrigation management strategies are elusive. They’re confounded by multiple factors - including supply and demand for moisture - that affect the relationship between a plant and its environment in an integrated fashion.
Prof. Mike Dixon of the School of Environmental Sciences...
New advances in animal welfare and housing
Prof. Tina Widowski and her team are leading studies into hen behaviour and welfare, and best practices for the management of housing systems.
New diagnostic tool identifies nasal tumour-causing virus in sheep
Prof. Sarah Wootton
Photo by Nicholas Murphy, SPARK
A retro-viral wolf in sheep’s clothing
By Kyra Lightburn
An effective, non-invasive and inexpensive method for diagnosing the nasal tumour-causing virus in sheep and goats has been developed at the University of Guelph.
The virus, known as enzootic nasal tumor virus (ENTV -1), has been the target of Prof. Sarah Wootton and her University of Guelph colleagues.
They studied a flock of 80 horned Dorset sheep with a history of Enzootic nasal adenocarcinoma in Ontario throughout 2014. Wootton developed a diagnostic technique, known as...
50 research accomplishments over 50 years - presenting the latest UofG Research magazine
50 research accomplishments over 50 years - presenting the latest UofG Research magazine