UNews - biological sciences researcher

Searching for genetic connections

trevor.kenney — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 23:03:05 +0000

Dr. Olga Kovalchuk, a biological sciences researcher at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, has received a significant award from the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – Prairies/NWT Region Research Grant program to study how something as simple as sleep disruption could make cells vulnerable to cancer.

"The disruption of circadian rhythms (a sleep-wake cycle) due to shift work or exposure to light at night has recently been suggested as a breast carcinogen, as elevated rates of breast cancer have been reported in groups of shift workers in countries all over the world, including Canada," says Kovalchuk.

Dr. Olga Kovalchuk is one of the country's leading epigenetic researchers.

Circadian rhythms are the equivalent of a person's internal clock, and help govern such things as sleep patterns, alertness and other factors. Circadian rhythms are found in most living things, from bacteria to plants and animals.

They follow a set pattern that, if shifted around, cause a number of biological processes to change, and not always for the better – as any sleep-deprived new parent or shift worker adjusting to a new schedule can attest.

To tease out the minute changes in the genetic markers that make up the road map to solving this challenge, Kovalchuk will employ epigenetics – the study of how an individual gene can go wrong or not work properly over a person's lifetime.

"The precise mechanisms of breast cancer induced by circadian rhythm disruption are elusive," says Kovalchuk, a professor and Board of Governors' Research Chair, CIHR Chair in Gender and Health. "In recent years, the role of epigenetic changes as a cause of breast cancer has been increasingly recognized, so we are going to attack this challenge from that perspective."

Epigenetics is the study of how individual genes and components of individual genes can change in response to environmental conditions or other factors.

In addition to the hard-wired traits in DNA, epigenetic changes can occur in response to a change in lifestyle or other trigger, and can be passed from one generation to another.

With colleague and neuroscientist Dr. Robert Macdonald at the Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, Kovalchuk and their respective lab teams will develop a model to test how changes in genetic structure are brought about by sleep or circadian disruption. They will also look at how those epigenetic changes affect cells, which in turn would make them a target for cancer.

The group will study mammary glands and look at the genetic switches that are turned on or off in response to the circadian pattern changes.

Kovalchuk will receive $125,000 per year for three years. Her award is part of a 19-project, $6.8 million announcement made in early November by the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – Prairies/NWT Region. The CBCF supports research projects that demonstrate high degrees of innovation or novelty in breast cancer research.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ to play major role in science fair

trevor.kenney — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 21:11:43 +0000

While Lethbridge is known to have some of the top scientists and researchers in Canada, the city will gain even more brainpower next year when more than 400 of Canada's best young scientists visit the city for the Canada-Wide Science Fair, May 11-18.

Youth Science Canada, along with federal, provincial and City representatives, announced last week that Lethbridge would host the 52nd annual Canada-Wide Science Fair (CWSF) through its local host organization, Southern Alberta Technology Council (SATC). The weeklong event will be presented at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge biological sciences researcher, Dr. Roy Golsteyn, has volunteered to be the Chief Judge.

"This is a great opportunity to showcase our facilities and technology to Canada's top-level students and their families," says Golsteyn. "Like many of us, I still fondly recall that my first steps into science started at school science fairs. The values of the Canada-Wide Science Fair are perfectly aligned with our values of education, mentorship and research. I am looking forward to engaging the U of L and broader community as judges and volunteers, and having fun with this project."

The fair will feature more than 400 outstanding science projects created by students from grades seven through 12 who have been selected from more than 100 regional competitions across the country.

The event will include project judging, social and cultural exchanges, tours to regional science and research facilities, along with visits to featured southern Alberta tourism destinations. Approximately 800 parents, judges, sponsors and dignitaries will accompany the participants.

The 2013 CWSF will showcase southern Alberta's culture, industry, research and educational facilities including the U of L, Lethbridge College and the Canada-Alberta Research Station. Its success will be enhanced by the involvement of many community organizations and individuals who will come together to make the entire science fair experience a memorable event for participants.

Volunteers will be recruited to assist with a variety of hosting duties, and there will be a specific need for those with bilingual capabilities. CWSF participants representing each province will be housed in student residences on campus at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ where many of the activities will take place. Included in the event are opening ceremonies, several rounds of judging, presentations by leading science authorities and a gala awards banquet and ceremony.

Hurly study explores hummingbird habits

trevor.kenney — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 17:40:53 +0000

By TAMERA JONES, UK (Natural Environment Research Council, with U of L Communications staff and researcher input)

Hummingbirds are a welcome sign of spring, and a colourful reminder that the flowers in your garden are not just nice to look at, but are also an important food source.

But hummingbirds don't rely on taste alone when deciding how much nectar to drink from a new flower. Instead, they wait to see how they feel after their first meal, a new study reveals.

This is unexpected, because scientists know that hummingbirds can detect minuscule changes in nectar concentrations from one flower to the next. This "choice behaviour" research is one result of nearly 20 years of hummingbird study at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Westcastle Field Station by U of L biological sciences researcher Dr. Andrew Hurly, Dr. Sue Healy and numerous colleagues and students from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Edinburgh and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of St. Andrews.

A hummingbird feeds from a constructed feeder. Photo by Dr. Andrew Hurly.

Hurly and Healy have been studying cognition, behaviour and ecology of rufous hummingbirds since 1992.

Approximately 40 undergraduate and graduate students from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Edinburgh and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of St. Andrews have been involved in the hummingbird research project.

Like their extraordinary talent for flying thousands of kilometres from Mexico to Canada, taking the right amount of nectar onboard is a bit of an art – especially for such a tiny bird that weighs just three grams.

If they drink too much weak nectar, the extra load makes flying inefficient; if they don't take on enough of the same nectar, they'll have to eat again much sooner. On the other hand, if they drink too much of a rich nectar, they could easily get fat.

"The birds will almost certainly be able to detect the change in taste, but it seems they choose to ignore it until they get post-ingestive information before altering how much they drink the next time," explains Healy from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of St. Andrews, a co-author of the study.

The researchers wanted to see how a group of wild rufous hummingbirds that breed in the Canadian Rocky Mountains responded to changes in food quality.
They dotted feeders containing different concentrations of nectar solution along the Westcastle river valley to be ready for the birds' return to the area from their overwintering grounds in Mexico.

Nectar concentrations in the flowers hummingbirds feed on vary from as low as seven per cent sugar to as high as 60 per cent. The researchers started by filling the feeders with a 14 per cent sugar solution.

Once the birds got used to this concentration, Healy and her colleagues changed to a 25 per cent solution. They found that the birds didn't change how much nectar they drank, sometimes persisting until the fourth meal.

"They take the same volume irrespective of concentration," explains Healy.

When they trained the birds to expect more concentrated sucrose in the feeders and then switched to the weaker solution, they got exactly the same result. Hummingbirds usually feed every 10 or 15 minutes, and only drink for a few seconds at a time. But because they digest nectar so quickly, they don't have to wait long to get the information they need to decide how much to drink for their next meal.

Other researchers have found that other creatures, like molluscs, wolves and cattle also rely on post-ingestive information about food before deciding how much to eat the next time. So even though hummingbirds certainly prefer sweeter nectar, it may not be surprising that taste alone is not enough to make a decision.

This story first appeared in the Legend. For a look at the Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Significant And Mentionable

trevor.kenney — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 22:54:14 +0000

HISTORIANS SCORE 100%

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge History Department celebrated 100 per cent participation in Supporting Our Students for the second year in a row.

"This is an incredible accomplishment," says Debi Sandul, who is co-chairing this year's SOS campaign. "Students have always been at the centre of what we do and this demonstrates the continued commitment of the History Department to enhance the student experience and create opportunities."

Supporting Our Students is an annual internal fundraising campaign to raise money for student awards. Faculty and staff donations are matched by the Government of Alberta's Access to the Future Fund, doubling the impact of all contributions.

The goal for this year's campaign is 300 contributions and thanks to the dedication of faculty and staff like those from the History Department, the campaign already has 255 participants.

"This year's campaign is about participation and this group has come together to demonstrate the strength of the U of L community," explains Dr. Rob Wood, the campaign co-chair.

"We are very proud of what we've been able to do as a group and I hope this is just the beginning," says History Department Chair Dr. Chris Epplett, who went on to issue a friendly challenge to other U of L departments.

GRAD STUDENTS HONOURED

When the School of Graduate Studies and the Office of Research Services handed out their Research Excellence awards recently, there were no trophies, only cold hard cash to the tune of more than $700,000, which was shared by 36 student recipients of graduate, doctoral and post-doctoral studies awards.

The investment in research funding directed toward candidates in master's and doctoral programs is critical to help grow the
U of L's research programs and its place as a comprehensive research university.

The research funding was supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and Alberta-based agencies Alberta Ingenuity Fund, Alberta Innovates Health Solutions, the Alberta Cancer Foundation, and the Alberta government-funded Ralph Steinhauer Awards of Distinction.

NATIONAL RANKING SHOWS DRAMATIC GROWTH FOR U OF L RESEARCH FUNDING

The U of L is ranked second nationally by Re$earch Infosource in terms of research income growth over the decade 1999-2009 for undergraduate universities – with an overall growth rate from $3.295 million to $15.956 million.

"This is the highest gain of any Alberta school and any Western Canadian school – and we are still growing," says U of L Vice-President (Research) Dr. Dan Weeks.

"These figures do not reflect the additional people we have attracted, the income from this past year or the many new programs that we have launched."

As assessed by RE$EARCH Infosource, the list ranks universities by their research income and research intensity (research funding per faculty member).

ACCESSIBILITY AND INNOVATION LEAD TO RECORD ENROLMENT

This September brought with it the largest student enrolment in the U of L's history. The official enrolment number is 8,472, with the growth being credited to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's dedication to being an accessible and innovative institution.

EDUCATION STUDENTS TAKE A STAND AGAINST BULLYING

The third annual ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Anti-bullying and Cyberbullying Awareness Week was held Oct. 4 to 6. Organized by the Education Undergraduate Society, the event is the only student-organized anti-bullying campaign in Alberta and aims to increase the awareness of cyberbullying and bullying in the community.

The ever-increasing use of technology among children is rapidly leading to a transformation in the traditional forms of bullying, with cyberbullying becoming more prevalent.

The anti-bullying campaign highlighted the need for schools to develop policies and procedures related to cyberbullying, while providing teachers with techniques and tools to address the issue.

STUDENTS' UNION HELPING PAINT A BRIGHTER FUTURE

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Students' Union Executive Council worked on their home-improvement skills this past summer by volunteering with Project Paintbrush.

Working with Volunteer Lethbridge and Project Paintbrush, the students laboured to fix up homes for those who are not able. Specifically, the four council members grabbed brushes and aided in painting the exterior of a local home.

Project Paintbrush focuses on assisting seniors and individuals with special needs who are physically and/or financially unable to maintain the exterior of their property. There is no cost to the homeowner and the program operation is based solely on volunteers.

Taz Kassam, SU president, believes that "making positive changes through volunteering in the community provides for greater experiences and opportunities for all. Lethbridge supports its students and it is important for students to support Lethbridge, too."

By taking part in this project, the ULSU hopes to not only spark knowledge of Volunteer Lethbridge and Project Paintbrush, but also showcase the impact volunteering has on individuals and the community.

"At the end of the day, we can look back and realize that we made a difference, and the families are more than grateful for the help," says Kassam.

IGEM TEAM CLEANS UP

A group of ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge undergraduate chemistry, biochemistry and neuroscience students has been awarded a $20,000 international research grant from the Oil Sands Initiative to find a biological solution to improving the environmental sustainability of Alberta's oil sands.

The students are members of the
U of L's multiple-award-winning International Genetically Engineered Machines (iGEM) team, which competes each year at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Boston, Mass. Regarded as the premier undergraduate synthetic biology competition in the world, the conference attracts competitors from around the world but the U of L group was the only team to receive a $20,000 award.

The money will help support the development of a petrochemical-eating bacteria that the group plans to design. If successful, the bacteria could be used to help clean up water in ponds that have been polluted in the refining process.

CONGRATULATIONS

The U of L extends sincere congratulations to the following members of our community for their awards and recognitions this fall.

U of L Chancellor Richard Davidson was named one of the 50 most influential people in Alberta by Alberta Venture magazine.

Dr. Trevor Harrison, sociology professor, was awarded a Fulbright Visiting Research Chair in Canadian Studies at Kennesaw State ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ.

The Honourable Rick Casson, who is a Member of Parliament for Lethbridge and a former U of L employee, was appointed to the Queen's Privy Council of Canada.

Dr. Susan McDaniel, director of the Prentice Institute for Global Population and Economy, was named Vice-Chair of the Council of Canadian Academies' Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC).

Dr. Joseph Rasmussen, biological sciences researcher, was appointed to the National Oil Sands Review Panel.

GLOBE & MAIL REPORT CARD

The Globe and Mail's annual report card on Canadian ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ performance is out and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge has been given high marks, ranging from B's to A's in more than 80 per cent of 17 categories.

The survey was prepared by higher Education Strategy Associates in partnership with the Globe and Mail, and asked more than 35,000 students 100 questions that were distilled down to the final 17 categories. Individual scores (such as the U of L's) are based on a minimum number of responses from U of L students.

The Faculties of Health Sciences and Management recorded high marks from students for providing a quality education, and "A" level grades were received for the number of small class sizes, the quality of student/professor interaction, and the institution's athletics and recreation services.

"This survey is a solid reinforcement of our strength as an undergraduate university, but we're moving along a new path to become a comprehensive research university – without losing sight of the very important factors that put all of our students first," says U of L President Dr. Mike Mahon.

U OF L'S CANDO PARTNERSHIP NETS STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP

Faculty of Management student Shermayn Menicoche (photo, right) is one of three people to receive a $3,000 National Indigenous Economic Education Foundation (NIEEF) scholarship from the charitable arm of the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers (CANDO).

CANDO is an Aboriginal-controlled, community-based group that builds partnerships with educational institutions, Aboriginal leaders and senior corporate and government representatives.

The U of L is now one of nine post-secondary institutions accredited by CANDO to deliver courses that help economic development officers working in First Nations communities obtain an Aboriginal Economic Developer Certificate in addition to their U of L degree.

For a look at the full issue of SAM in a flipbook format, follow this link.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ supports EDL initiative

trevor.kenney — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 15:53:41 +0000

Economic Development Lethbridge (EDL) – with community partners including the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge – has launched a marketing campaign designed to highlight the often little known but significant benefits that Lethbridge has to offer.

The campaign, which is intended to increase awareness as well as bust myths and misconceptions about Lethbridge, is built around 'mind blowing facts' which promote the excellent business, education and lifestyle opportunities in the city.

The U of L's first contribution focuses on the recent selection of Biological Sciences researcher, Dr. Olga Kovalchuk, as one of Canada's Top 40 under 40.

City of Lethbridge Mayor, Robert Tarleck, says, "Lethbridge truly has something special that can deliver real business and lifestyle results. An initiative like this is needed to promote the characteristics that demonstrate the value Lethbridge offers to our province and country."

The participation of partner organizations has contributed tremendous value to the implementation of this high-impact, high profile campaign.

"Our goal is to ensure that Lethbridge is recognized and respected as a vital player in the provincial and national marketplace," says EDL chief executive officer Cheryl Dick.

"Partnering with businesses and organizations in our community allows us to broaden the reach of this campaign and elevate the assets and strengths of Lethbridge throughout Alberta."

The campaign uses targeted media opportunities to reach both a business audience and a more general population and will remain in market until the end of 2010.

To suggest a mind-blowing fact about the U of L, send it to communications@uleth.ca

To suggest a mind-blowing fact about the community, fill out a submission form by visiting this link.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ hosts Science Fair

trevor.kenney — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 20:57:09 +0000

The best and brightest science students from Lethbridge and southern Alberta square off in a head-to-head competition at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Hall Atrium on Saturday, Mar. 27 at the Sci-fusion Lethbridge Regional Science Fair.

Organized for students in grades four to 12, the day includes a series of Science Olympics events, a presentation by U of L biological sciences researcher and U of L professor emeritus Dr. Gail Michener, and an opportunity for the public, friends and family to view the hard work done by these future scientists.

A schedule is outlined, below.

Friday, Mar. 26

4 p.m. to 6 p.m. -- Science Fair registration & project setup

6 p.m. to 9 p.m. -- Science Fair Judging

- Grades 4-6 complete

- Grades 7-12 first round

Saturday, Mar. 27

9 a.m. to 11 a.m. -- Science Fair Judging, second round Grades 7-12

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. -- Public Viewing of Science Projects

11 a.m. to 12 noon -- Presentation in Room C640 by Dr. Gail Michener - "The
Fascinating lives of Richardson Ground Squirrels"

12 noon to 12:30 p.m. -- Lunch Provided in ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Cafeteria

12:30 to 3 p.m. -- Science Olympics (Grade 4-12)

3 p.m. to 4 p.m. -- Science Fair / Science Olympics Awards

UNews - biological sciences researcher

Searching for genetic connections

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