CBR Summer Students Visit NetCAD!
Did you know that only 4% of Canadians donate blood? With thousands of British Columbians needing blood every day, units for transfusions cannot simply be taken off the shelf for research…
ECOSCOPE: Engaging the Next Generation of Academic Entrepreneurs
If you are like me, exploring a world outside of academia, namely, a career in the biotechnology industry, is very appealing. ECOSCOPE is UBC’s first training program that tries to bridge the gap between research, training, and innovation within the start-up space by promoting opportunities for grad students to work with founders on R&D projects.
SCWIST Wonderwoman Networking 2018
Searching for off campus networking opportunities? Considering a career in industry in BC? This post introduces the Canadian Women in Science and Technology (SCWIST) annual Wonderwoman Networking Event.
The Work of a Bloodsmith: Progress in the Quest for Complete Blood Substitutes
There is an increasing global effort to reduce the demand for blood donations through the development of blood substitutes – synthetically derived molecules and materials which can recapitulate the functional role of blood. These substitutes, however, cannot recapitulate the full array of physiologic functions carried out by whole blood.
McNagny Lab Uncovers a New Protective Role for an Old Protein During Lung Repair
Members of the McNagny lab at the Centre for Blood Research focus their efforts on understanding CD34, a cell surface protein typically used as a marker for progenitors of blood cells. In their paper, Bernard Lo of the McNagny lab, and collaborators, investigated the role of CD34 in lung disease using mouse models of acute lung injury.
Science Mentorship: Improving Leadership in the Science Community
No matter what stage in your scientific career you are in, you can no doubt appreciate what it is like to be mentored and to mentor someone else. Hosts Kayla and Sally from the STEM-centric podcast Double Shelix entered the world of mentorship to answer the question: What is it like to be a good mentor and, in turn, to be a good mentee?
How Many Scientists Does It Take To Sink A Ferry?
Research Associates (RAs) and Post-Doctoral Fellows (PDFs) form the backbone of any lab, and the CBR boasts 25 RAs and 40 PDFs amongst its 30 or so labs. It makes sense then, to have a forum where these scientists can interact to foster peer support and collaboration, taking advantage of their expertise in an array of different areas.
Hope Beyond the Hype: The Pursuit of Longevity in Cell Therapies
After years of intensive research and development, cell therapies are finally having their moment. In the past year, the FDA has approved two cell therapies, with stem cell treatments in hot pursuit as they enter late-stage clinical trials. While regulatory body recognition is an important milestone, great challenges in long-term industry sustainability remain.
Meet the Researcher: Dr. Ed Pryzdial
Prof. Ed Pryzdial was one of the first people that I met when I joined the Centre for Blood Research (CBR). Recently, I had the opportunity to interview Ed, and discovered that he has very sage, while at the same time humorous, wisdom that makes you want to sit and listen for hours, if he lets you!
The Power of a Good Story
Annually, the CBR Graduate Award Program (GAP) students organize and host an event for CBR members and the public. This year, throughout the presentations and at the post-event reception, attendees were given opportunities to practice and discuss science communication. Congratulations to the GAP students for a successful event!