Earl W. Davie Symposium 2015 – in Review
To honor the illustrious career of Dr. Earl W. Davie, the CBR hosts the annual Earl Davie Symposium, showcasing endeavors in the fields of vascular biology, hemostasis-thrombosis, cardiovascular and neurologic disease, by both local and international experts. Read the full review of the day.
Dentist with a Lab Coat
On a cold Monday morning, nearly a million health-care providers in Canada are going to see patients. A small number of them, less than one in 200, also work as a scientist. Dr. Hugh Kim of the Centre for Blood Research is one of the newest clinician-scientists in British Columbia.
Focus on Dental Pulp: the Overall Lab Discovers New Proteins
Dr. Chris Overall and his team recently published a study focused on human dental pulp, reporting the most comprehensive snapshot of any dental tissue so far. It was featured in the Editorial of the Human Proteome Project Special Issue published by the Journal of Proteome Research for the HUPO-2015 world congress.
Going Against the Flow: Self-Fuelled Microparticles Deliver Cargo through Flowing Blood to Stop Hemorrhage
James Baylis, a PhD student in Dr. Christian Kastrup lab at the CBR, spearheaded a collaborative study that was recently published in the journal Science Advances characterizing a self-propelled drug delivery system capable of penetrating deep into the wound site.
Searching for Alternative Plasticizers for Red Blood Cell Storage Bags
This comparative study suggests that the current DEHP plasticizer is best at preserving RBC quality, and DINCH, an alternative plasticizer may also be feasible for blood storage bag production.
Dr. Conway invited to co-lead a Canadian Network on Venous Thromboembolism
Ed Conway, the Director of the UBC Centre for Blood Research (CBR), will co-lead the translational/basic science platform of a new national research network focused on venous thromboembolism (VTE) — the first such network in the world.
Direct Oral Anticoagulants: CBR Researchers Join the Action
While saving countless lives, conventional anticoagulants require frequent injections and regular doctor visits to monitor clotting parameters. However, treatment options are changing with the emergence of a new generation of anticoagulants – direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs).
Emerging Pathogens: Transfusion is More Than Just Blood
We can only test for what we know – the reactive strategies of pathogen identification, testing development, and screening allows the emerging pathogen to distribute widely before clinical presentation is recognized and understood; such was the case for HIV in the 80’s.
The CBR Introducing “Blood Labs” to Local High Schools
The CBR is excited to introduce a new program that combines outreach, teaching and science communication – all into one neat package. Two months ago, four CBR graduate students formed the Outreach Founding Committee and undertook designing fun lab activities for high school students. To differentiate themselves from other similar initiatives, the CBR outreach focuses specifically on blood-related labs.
Networking that’s Right for You
One way to potentially lower this stress is to approach networking differently. Sweta Rajan, the Manager of Training Programs at the Centre for Drug Research and Development (CDRD), proposes that the goal of networking is not to “market” oneself to potential employers, but rather to discover. Networking can offer opportunities to learn about what certain jobs entail, as well as the types of jobs that even exist.