“We’re actively looking for more high-caliber Toronto founders to fund”, Josh Guttman writes. “The city has all the markings of a world-class hub for technology startups and reminds me a lot of how New York City felt in the early 2000s when I moved back from the Bay Area – simmering with entrepreneurial talent, opportunity and a strong foundation to support it. I think Toronto is poised to contend as one of the biggest North American hubs for technology startup activity over the next five-10 years.”
News & Events
Human blueprints from scratch
June 23, 201625 years after the Human Genome Project was initiated, scientists have announced Phase 2: the Human Genome Project – Write. The announcement, in Science, proposes the ambitious goal of synthesizing the entire human genome, all 3 billion base pairs of DNA, from scratch within 10 years. A tall order considering the practical limit for chemical DNA synthesis is currently only 200 base pairs. For larger segments, many smaller pieces must be connected together.
First DNA sequencing to be conducted from space
June 23, 2016“One of the things I’m most excited about, is called the biomolecule sequencer”, says Kate Rubins, NASA’s flight engineer. “We’re going to try to, for the first time ever, sequence DNA off the planet in the microgravity environment and I think that’s going to be an incredibly fascinating experiment.”
Does genetic risk information improve healthy behavior?
June 23, 2016In a systematic review with meta-analysis, the authors evaluated the impact of communicating genetic risk information on risk-reducing health behaviors and motivations for change. They found no significant effects of communicating DNA based risk estimates on smoking cessation, diet or physical activity.
Watch: Genomics and agriculture sector
June 16, 2016In Canada, agriculture provides an abundance of nutritious food and valuable exports as well as jobs. It’s crucial to have cutting-edge technologies like genomics to help us increase production, reduce losses and improve sustainability. Find out how.
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ASHG supports the Canadian Genetic Non-Discrimination Act
June 7, 2016Below is a statement from The American Society of Human Genetics in support of the Canadian Genetic Non-Discrimination Act: We are writing to bring your attention to Bill S-201, the Genetic Non-Discrimination Act, currently under consideration by the Parliament of Canada. The bill was passed unanimously by the Senate earlier this year, and is now…
State-of-the-art research greenhouse opens in Vineland
June 7, 2016FedDev Ontario invested up to $5.76 million in the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre to commercialize innovative horticultural and greenhouse technologies. Producers are responding to global demand for reliable food, and this funding will strengthen Canada’s position in global food supply.
CQDM launches project under Canada/Germany program
June 7, 2016CQDM is funding its first project in partnership with the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi), for a total of $1 million. Falling under the broader Canada/Europe initiative, this program aims at funding novel and transformative next-generation technologies that improve, enhance or accelerate the drug development process.
Ryerson U sets new world record for largest DNA model
June 7, 2016The largest model of DNA measures 43.5 m (142 ft 8.4 in) long and was created by Ryerson University – Faculty of Science (Canada) in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, on 7 May 2016. The attempt took place at a national festival called Science Rendezvous, where students from Ryerson University’s Faculty of Science decided to create a project that combined art and science.