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.
How to Become a Good Mentor
Being a good mentor gives one an excellent opportunity to grow and develop ourselves in several valuable skills like communication, leadership and management. Given that mentorship is so important, what are some of the attributes of a good mentor?
Gordon Research Seminar and Conference on Matrix Metalloproteinases
There were also talks on the development of protease inhibitors (small molecules, peptides and monoclonal antibodies) and how to apply this knowledge in translational research. The topics ranged from bench side to bed side and how these proteases modulate all aspects of biology and human diseases by precisely cutting specific portions of proteins to either activate or inactive them.
CBR Research Day 2015: In Review
The annual CBR Research Day is held to celebrate the end of the Summer Studentship Program, wherein undergraduates embarked on a research project under the expert guidance of the CBR members. This year, the day began with enthusiastic summer students gathering
Insight into tumor metastasis: inner workings of the sialyltransferases
Modification of NCAM with polySia promotes migration of cells, a process that is critical for both the development of the embryonic brain and neural plasticity of the adult brain. Interestingly, elevated levels of polySia have been implicated in the malignant potential of tumors, tumor metastasis and poor clinical prognosis.
Over 30 nominations for the Neil Mackenzie Mentorship Excellence Award
Only one month ago, the Centre for Blood Research announced a new award in honor of Neil Mackenzie, recognizing mentorship excellence in the CBR community.
Don’t be a square – think outside the box!
In 1962 when Gross and Lapiere wondered what was responsible for the disappearance of a tadpole’s tail, they discovered collagenase – an enzyme responsible for degrading collagen. Following this, structurally similar enzymes were found that acted on collagens and other extracellular matrix proteins – they became known as the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family and the dogma was born…
The Way of the Dragon – CBR’s dragonboat race
On Thursday, an enthusiastic group of CBR members took to the water to learn the ancient art of dragonboat rowing. It is well known that lab work (such as vigorous pipetting) gives most scientists the upper body strength of a professional weightlifter. Armed with that knowledge, we made our way to…
Interview with an alumnus of the CBR Summer Studentship Program
Meet Mike Nosella – a CBR summer student turned Co-Op from Strynadka lab. “Though it was really cool to see the huge repertoire of equipment and gadgets available to my disposal, I would have to say what was most surprising is the degree of freedom…”