April 2020: Notes from the CBR Director
When the Centre for Blood Research (CBR) team of editors and writers were compiling and laying all the fabulous stories, reports and photos for display in this issue of the CBR Magazine, the best parts of BC were revealing themselves.
Connecting the immunological dots: (Ca2+)n we do it?
When we think about how lymphocytes work, we tend to think that antigen presentation and signaling are the be-all and end-all of immune system activation and function.
Jobs in industry: a day in the life of a Medical Science Liaison
In early November 2019, the Centre for Blood Research proudly presented ‘Breakfast with Bayer,’ a networking opportunity for trainees to meet with representatives from the life sciences company.
Inside the CBR and LSI – basic scientists, vendors and staff band together to support health care workers on the front lines of COVID-19
The past couple of weeks has seen most of us in the CBR and the LSI rapidly curtailing research activities.
A Systems Approach to Conflict: a Workshop with Conflict Theatre
“You’re a room full of biologists – who can define homeostasis for me?”
Professor Tom Scholte of Conflict Theatre opened his workshop entitled “Difficult Conversations: A Missed Understanding” with this question.
A Novel Microfluidic Device to Aid in the Search for Red Blood Cell “Super-storers”
Donated red blood cell units are a vital component of patient care, supporting patients with a wide variety of disorders.
Lay Science Writing Competition Winner: A Story Worth Telling
On my wedding day, my grandmother was admitted to the hospital for pneumonia. Unfortunately, patients over the age of 50 years old (and especially those over 70 years old), such as my grandmother, have higher needs for support with blood products.
The CBR Outreach Program: Inspiring Generations through Science
At the Centre for Blood Research (CBR), a team of dedicated trainees who are passionate about sharing science with others, has the unique opportunity to do just that, through the CBR’s Outreach program.
New Automation Facility (B!) Opens in LSI
In September 2019, the new Biofactorial (B!) automation and screening facility opened for business in UBC. Located on the second floor of the Life Sciences Institute (LSI), the facility aims to assist UBC researchers in automation and high-throughput biology applications to help reduce experimental costs and enhance the speed of research.
Host Tissue Factor on the Virus Envelope – A New Antiviral Target?
Viruses are small genetic bundles that hijack the metabolic processes of infected cells and can make us sick. One type of virus, called “enveloped viruses”, includes influenza, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1).