Food Evolution, a new documentary by Academy Award™-nominated director Scott Hamilton Kennedy, was screened in Toronto and Waterloo this week. The film explores the polarized debate on genetically-modified organisms (GMOs) and food, and how both pro- and anti-GMO camps claim science is on their side. The documentary, narrated by the accomplished astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson,…
News
Ontario-developed technology for screening variant libraries comes of age
January 18, 2018Ranomics is a Toronto-based genomics company specializing in high-throughput mutagenesis and functional genomics screens, for the purpose of understanding genetic variations in human health. Leo Wan and Cathy Tie, who were both researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital at the time, founded the company in 2015. Both founders were distinguished scholars. Leo received his Ph.D. from…
Funding opportunity: Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
December 14, 2017Ontario Genomics is pleased to announce the launch of Genome Canada’s Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Competition. This competition will fund projects that build tools/ methodologies for analyzing and integrating large ‘genomics’ data sets across all sectors. Total project sizes: $500,000 to $1M (50% co-funding is required).
Key dates: Draft registrations due January 24, 2018 and draft full applications due February 7, 2018 to Ontario Genomics. Full program details including the RFA and registration form can be found at 2017 B/CB Competition
Collaboration at heart and in practice
December 13, 2017Ontario Genomics connects ideas, people, and organizations for collaborative investment opportunities in genomics-based applied research, translation and application. Bringing people together to build and strengthen bridges across the ecosystem is in our DNA. We thank all of our colleagues, partners and stakeholders for participating and helping to make our recent Networking Event such a success.
Three Ontario projects awarded a total of $12.6M in funding
December 12, 2017In a recent announcement from Genome Canada, three Ontario projects were awarded funding from Round 8 of the Genome Canada Genomics and Applied Partnership Program (GAPP). Ontario Genomics was pleased to work with the teams in putting together the proposals. GAPP funds translational research and development projects that address real-world challenges and opportunities as identified…
Producing a polyphenolics-enhanced Ice Syrup
December 12, 2017Can we create a healthier Ice Syrup? Ontario Genomics is providing funding for an academic-industry partnership to do just that. Sweet & Sticky Inc. located in the Niagara Peninsula produces Ice Syrup®, a unique non-alcoholic syrup made from Vidal and Cabernet Franc icewine grapes. Sweet and Sticky harvests their grapes in the coldest months of…
How the genomics health revolution is failing ethnic minorities
December 8, 2017Canada is one of the most ethnically diverse nations in the world. However, this diversity is largely missing from our growing collections of genomic data. Because genomic information is increasingly used in health care, what does this mean for our ethnic minorities, including Indigenous Canadians?
Scientists make first ever attempt at gene editing inside the body
December 7, 2017Scientists have tried editing a gene inside the body for the first time, in a bold attempt to tackle an incurable a disease by permanently changing a patient’s DNA.
New projects to explore societal implications of genomics research
December 6, 2017Five new projects are to be funded under the Genome Canada and Social Science and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Joint Initiative on Societal Implications of Genomics Research. These projects explore the significant ethical, economic, environmental, legal and/or social challenges and opportunities engendered by the new wave of innovations in genomics, covering topics such as genetically modified foods and synthetic biology.
Low Carbon Innovation Fund
December 5, 2017Have a great genomics solution for climate change focused on mitigation of emissions? Ontario’s Low Carbon Innovation Fund (LCIF) supports proof-of-concept, prototyping and pilot demonstration projects aiming to reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. The LCIF is accepting Eligibility Assessments until Dec 10th for its Technology Validation Stream supporting proof-of-concept and prototyping.