CBR Spotlight: AI and the CBR
Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to computational systems that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as recognizing patterns, making predictions, organizing information, and generating new content. A rapidly growing branch of this field is generative AI, which includes tools that can produce text, images, code, and other outputs based on patterns learned from large datasets. In research, these technologies are becoming increasingly important not because they deliver scientific truths on their own, but because they can help researchers work faster, identify connections across complex datasets, and generate hypotheses for further testing in the lab.
Thinking, Making, and Asking Better Questions: A Conversation with Dr. James C. Zimring
The Centre for Blood Research recently spoke with James C. Zimring, the new Chief Scientific Officer at Canadian Blood Services and new Principal Investigator at the Centre for Blood Research. Known for his curiosity-driven approach to science, Jim’s work spans fundamental immunology, transfusion biology, and the complex questions that sit at the interface between basic discovery and patient care. In this interview, he shares his vision for research at Canadian Blood Services, his passion for critical thinking in science, and the creative pursuits that keep him busy outside the lab.
The Sanguinary Scientists: An Outreach Spotlight
It was a dark and stormy night, in true Vancouver fashion. Rain pattered against the windows. The sky outside was overcast and gloomy. Pedestrians clustered under umbrellas and shivered in the cold.
Exploring a Journey in Science with Dr. Lynn Huang
What has your journey in science been like?
I have spent more than 26 years studying and working in the field of science. My academic training began in my hometown of Taiwan, where I obtained my undergraduate degree in Medical Technology. I subsequently pursued a master’s degree specializing in Microbiology.
During this period, I developed a strong interest in scientific research. I particularly enjoyed laboratory-based work and found the process of investigating scientific questions both intellectually stimulating and rewarding. This experience motivated me to further advance my academic training. I later moved to Vancouver to pursue a PhD in Immunology at the University of British Columbia (UBC), where I continued to deepen my research expertise.
Celebrating excellence: In conversation with Dr. Ed Conway, recipient of the 2025 Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology Distinguished Achievement Award from the American Heart Association
This year’s recipient is Dr. Ed Conway, the former Director of the Centre for Blood Research (CBR) (2009-2020 and 2023-2024), a scientist at the Life Sciences Institute at the University of British Columbia (UBC), a Professor of Medicine in the Division of Hematology (UBC), and awardee of a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Endothelial Cell Biology (2009-2023).
Introducing Dr. Jerrold Levy (MD, FAHA, FCCM)
Dr. Jerrold Levy is a newly appointed Adjunct Professor in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of British Columbia, Professor Emeritus of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, and Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the Duke University School of Medicine.
CBR welcomes a new member: Dr. Jerrold Levy, MD
The CBR welcomes our newest member, Dr. Jerrold Levy, who joined us on October 20, 2025. Dr. Levy is currently an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at UBC. Dr. Jerrold Levy obtained his medical degree at the University of Miami, and is a specialist in anaesthesiology and intensive care. He is a Professor Emeritus of Anaesthesiology at Duke University (North Carolina) and was previously the Chief of Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology at Emory University (Georgia). Dr. Levy has a long and exemplary track record as a world-class physician-scientist. He currently serves as a Vice-Chair for the Scientific Subcommittees of the International Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH). Dr. Levy’s clinical and research interests are in the areas of anticoagulation and treatments for critically ill patients to prevent acute inflammatory response, acute cardiovascular dysfunction and shock. Dr. Levy has authored over 450 peer-reviewed publications, which have gathered over 100,000 citations, and an h-index of 95.
Drugging the undruggable: Scientists achieve million-fold leap in targeting elusive cancer proteins
This article was originally posted on the UBC Faculty of Medicine website and reposted here. Few medications can target disordered proteins, but new research outlines an enhanced approach that could lead to treatments for prostate cancer and other diseases Researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and BC Cancer have developed a new […]
Beyond the Success of mRNA: The Next Generation of “Self-Amplifying” Vaccines
The COVID-19 pandemic famously catapulted messenger RNA (mRNA) technology from a niche laboratory concept into a global household name. While mRNA vaccines saved millions of lives, they arrived with significant logistical baggage: they require ultra-cold storage, complex manufacturing, and a fragile delivery vehicle known as lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). Now, a recently published study in Nature Communications introduces a potential successor: the Gemini platform. This new technology promises to eliminate the need for LNPs and ultra-cold freezers while delivering longer-lasting protection.
Calcium Channel Blocker Use Associated with Better Cardiac Outcomes in MDS
The myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of blood cancers that occur when blood-forming stem cells in the bone marrow fail to mature properly. The result is the production of abnormal blood cells and persistent cytopenias. Patients with MDS often develop chronic anemia and may require red blood cell (RBC) transfusions. While transfusions can manage anemia symptoms and improve quality of life, they are accompanied by long-term consequences. Repeated transfusions may lead to iron overload (IOL), a condition in which unregulated excess iron accumulates in tissues. Over time, excess iron can generate oxidative stress and damage critical organs such as the heart. As many patients with lower-risk MDS live longer, cardiovascular complications have emerged as a major health issue.