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.
CBR Magazine: April 2026
The Centre for Blood Research (CBR) is excited to share the CBR Magazine: April 2026 issue!
Recapping the 19th Annual Earl W. Davie Symposium 2025
On November 6th, 2025, the Centre for Blood Research held its 19th annual Earl W. Davie Symposium at UBC Robson Square in downtown Vancouver on the traditional territory of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh people. This event brings together a diverse group of scientists, clinicians, and students from all over the world for a full day discussion on the latest topics related to blood research, bleeding disorders, hemostasis/thrombosis, and transfusion medicine. The symposium is in honour of the late Dr. Earl W. Davie, who co-discovered the blood coagulation cascade. This year’s symposium once again featured an outstanding lineup of keynote speakers and student presentations, in addition to poster sessions, and provided ample opportunity for networking and forging new collaborations.
Two CBR Scientists Awarded Funding for Research Infrastructure to Accelerate Discovery and Impact
Written by: Jessica Yet, CBR Admin Two CBR Investigators are among the recipients of $21 million awarded by the Government of Canada through the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) for cutting-edge research infrastructure that will accelerate scientific discovery and support economic growth. This investment provides researchers with high-impact equipment to strengthen Canada’s innovation capacity, deliver lasting […]
A Look Back at the CBR Magazine: November 2025
The Centre for Blood Research (CBR) is excited to share the CBR Magazine: November 2025 issue!
A Look Back at the CBR Magazine: April 2025
The Centre for Blood Research (CBR) is excited to share the CBR Magazine: April 2025 issue!
UBC Engineering projects receive $15.8 million investment from PacifiCan for dual-use research
This article was originally posted on the UBC Applied Science website and reposted here. Projects led by UBC Engineering researchers have received over $15.8 million in funding from Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan), the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for PacifiCan announced on February 20, alongside the the Honourable Jill McKnight, Minister of […]
Meet the Researcher: Perspectives from a trainee of Dr. Ed Pryzdial
A new “Meet the Researcher” video showcasing the expertise of Canadian Blood Services’ research network is now available on blood.ca! The video features Dr. Ed Pryzdial, a Canadian Blood Services senior scientist and clinical professor in the Centre for Blood research at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Vancouver. Dr. Pryzdial’s laboratory is located at the Centre for Blood Research (CBR) where a partnership between Canadian Blood Services and CBR is helping to train the next generation of researchers in transfusion science.
As a complement to the video and to highlight the “behind-the-scenes” view on discovery research activities that Dr. Pryzdial and his team undertake, we invited John Perrier to share his perspectives as a trainee pursuing graduate studies with Dr. Pryzdial’s mentorship.