Microbes help support all life on our planet. Although invisible to the naked eye, our survival depends on them. Microbes are the trillions of microorganisms – bacteria, viruses, fungi, protists, archaea and algae – found in and on every living thing, such as in our gastrointestinal tract, or in a plant, or in the soil…
News & Events
SynBio is booming at Western University
June 19, 2018Synthetic biology is an exciting discipline that sits at the crux of the intersection between design, biology, computing and manufacturing. This emerging field applies the “Design-Build-Test” principles of engineering to biology and leverages all that has been discovered through genomic studies and DNA sequencing. Recently, Western University announced that it will be starting degree programs…
TCAG: The genomics powerhouse with a friendly face
June 18, 2018Founded in 1998 by Canadian genomics pioneers Drs. Lap-Chee Tsui and Stephen Scherer, The Centre for Applied Genomics (TCAG) provides world-leading infrastructure, technical expertise, and experimental and informatics support for innovative research in genomics. TCAG is located on a full floor of the Research Institute of The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), in the Peter…
Genome Canada launches national initiative to bring precision health to patients
June 4, 2018Genome Canada launched a national initiative for the clinical implementation of precision health, focusing on a rare disease pilot program as a foundational step.
New BGI sequencer coming to Toronto
May 23, 2018BGI recently announced two North America partnerships, including one in Toronto that includes the first installation in North America of the BGISEQ-500. Hosting this new sequencer will be the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute (LTRI), as part of a Genome Canada-funded project between BGI and the LTRI to develop a diagnostic test for preterm birth.
Genetic Non-Discrimination Act challenged
May 22, 2018The province of Quebec is challenging the recent federal Genetic Non-Discrimination Act as unconstitutional, claiming it infringes on the provincial jurisdiction of insurance industry regulation. Yvonne Bombard, at St. Michael’s Hospital, and Bev Heim-Myers, CEO of the Huntington Society of Canada, are pushing back.
Genomics strategy for Ontario’s Ag/Agri-Food sector
May 18, 2018Ontario’s agriculture and agri-food sector is strong and growing. However, the demands and challenges the sector is faced with are also growing. In the context of enhancing a socially and environmentally responsible industry, genomics-based innovations and technologies provide significant opportunities to advance Ontario’s agriculture and agri-food sector.
National SynBio Discussion Paper now available
May 18, 2018Resulting from the inaugural Canada SynBio 2018 conference and strategic workshop held in March, the Discussion Paper, The Present and Future State of Synthetic Biology in Canada, is now available
Genomics goes primetime at the CIM Mining Convention
May 16, 2018The CIM (Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum) convention held in Vancouver May 6-9, 2018 brought together over 5000 participants from the mining industry, with technical presentations across various themes such as rock mechanics, underground mining, and safety among several others. Over the past few years, CIM has included genomics work related to mining in its…
Integrated solutions for functional genomics and proteomics at the Network Biology Collaborative Centre
May 16, 2018The Network Biology Collaborative Centre (NBCC) at the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute assists scientists with connecting information on genomic and phenotypic variation in health and disease with a functional understanding of how gene products convey biological information and how their alterations drive disease. The Centre provides critical added value to Canada’s genomics enterprise by offering an…