Krembil Brain Institute Scientist Carmela Tartaglia is finding ways to diagnose Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy before its too late

Brain MRI for diagnosis

Doctor check up x-ray film of the brain by mri or ct scan brain at patient room hospital. medical concept.

Traumatic brain injuries are considered to be an invisible condition. We can’t often see the effects and 50% of patients experience personality change, irritability, anxiety, and depression after concussion. Repeat traumatic brain injuries may increase your risk for a condition called Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy.

Dr. Carmela Tartaglia’s research looks to identify diagnostic tools to predict if an individual could develop CTE after sustaining repeat head injuries. Dr. Tartaglia’s team is looking at implementing tools that target a protein called Tau, which is known to be elevated in CTE. In combination with other tests and screening methods, the hope is to be able to predict the progression of CTE, while implementing therapeutic strategies early on in the disease. Continue reading

Imaging Specialist Position at University of Manitoba

Position Title: Imaging Specialist

Employer: University of Manitoba, Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics

Salary: $60,000-70,000; salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Expected Start: December 1st, 2022 or earliest availability.

 

Job Description

The Live-Cell Imaging Facility (LCIF) is a Rady Faculty of Health Sciences (RFHS) supported core platform located within the Neuroscience Research Program on the 4th floor of the Kleysen Institute for Advanced Medicine. The LCIF includes state-of-the-art facilities for intravital multiphoton imaging from behaving small animals, in vitro multiphoton imaging, imaging with laser-capture/microdissection, confocal and super-resolution imaging. LCIF facilities are routinely accessed for day-to-day research activities of highly successful and established RFHS members probing the molecular, genetic and cellular basis of disease.

The LCIF seeks to hire a full-time Research Associate with a strong background in advanced optical microscopy who will oversee day-to-day operations of the LCIF and provide expert-level technical expertise and user support.

Responsibilities:

  • Facilitate facility access and promote increased adoption of advanced imaging and analysis techniques.
  • Offer in depth training, assistance with experimental design and advanced analysis procedures.
  • Consolidate and share collective expertise and best practices among our user base by organizing instructional seminars, tutorials and workshops.
  • Assist in the development of post-processing algorithms and software tools, including commercially available and in-house software.
  • Promote open access to imaging expertise and tools locally, nationally and internationally by networking with other facilities, curating content hosted on the LCIF website, and by further promoting discoveries and capabilities (e.g. via social media).
  • Ensure optimal operation and longevity of imaging facilities by troubleshooting system problems, undertaking routine maintenance and liaising with system manufacturers for scheduled maintenance or repairs.
  • Manage bookings, track and report system usage (number of users and hours logged), assist in billing based on usage and maintain training records (number of new users and hours of training provided).

Qualifications, skills and abilities:

  • Doctoral degree or equivalent qualifications and experience.
  • Experience with advanced optical microscopy (e.g. widefield, confocal or multiphoton imaging) including experimental design, sample preparation, image processing and analysis.
  • Experience in training and supervising trainees and staff.
  • Ability to troubleshoot and resolve technical problems with imaging equipment or software.
  • Ability and willingness to learn new techniques and skills, and to keep abreast of developments in the areas of expertise.
  • Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, and enthusiasm for sharing knowledge and expertise with others.
  • Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks to meet objectives.
  • Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team is essential.

Interested Candidates should send their CV and cover letter, including a summary of their experience and qualifications for the position described, as well as the names and contact information for academic/research references, to Dr. Michael Jackson (michael.jackson@umanitoba.ca).

Additional information:

The University of Manitoba is committed to the principles of equity, diversity & inclusion and to promoting opportunities in hiring, promotion and tenure (where applicable) for systemically marginalized groups who have been excluded from full participation at the University and the larger community including Indigenous Peoples, women, racialized persons, persons with disabilities and those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, questioning, intersex, asexual and other diverse sexual identities). All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

If you require accommodation supports during the recruitment process, please contact UM.Accommodation@umanitoba.ca or 204-474-7195. Please note this contact information is for accommodation reasons only.

An inclusive, open and diverse community is essential to excellence and fosters voices that have been ignored or discouraged. To address the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, and in recognition of the underrepresentation of members of historically and currently excluded groups, we take proactive measures including implicit bias training for all hiring panels. We strive for diversity and cultural safety throughout the hiring process (hiring panels, short-list of candidates, interviews). We encourage you to self-identify any aspect of diversity in your cover letter.

Application materials, including letters of reference, will be handled in accordance with the protection of privacy provision of The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (Manitoba). Please note that curriculum vitae may be provided to participating members of the search process.

Contact information

Dr. Michael Jackson

LCIF Director

Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics

University of Manitoba

michael.jackson@umanitoba.ca

Read CAN’s submission to the FINA pre-budget consultations

Parliament - Centre block

The CAN advocacy team is happy to share our submission to pre-budget consultations in advance of the 2023 budget of the House of Commons permanent committee on Finances (FINA)
View our submission: Increased investment in scientific research for the health and prosperity of Canadians today and tomorrow
The deadline to submit a brief is Saturday, 8 October 2022 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time – View the news release here

Saving more stroke patients

Man with heavy headache or brain stroke - conceptual artwork - 3d illustration - Gray scale Image

Man with heavy headache or brain stroke – conceptual artwork – 3d illustration – Gray scale Image

Approximately 20,000 Quebecers suffer a cerebrovascular accident every year. Nearly 90% are caused by a blood clot that blocks the brain’s blood vessels and, by the same token, its supply of oxygen and nutrients. Deprived of oxygen, some 1.9 million nerve cells die every minute following a stroke.

While no treatment can restore brain function, there is a therapeutic approach that helps limit the damage. It involves injecting a thrombolytic agent that dissolves the clot and restores blood flow. It must be administered within 4.5 hours of the stroke, after which the risk of bleeding increases. But according to the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux du Québec, 66% of stroke victims don’t arrive at the hospital in time to benefit from the medication. The result: close to 3,000 deaths annually and 130,000 people living with physical and psychological effects. Continue reading

Doctoral students with an Interest in Healthy Brain, Aging and Dementia Prevention

University of Calgary logoOpportunities: The Brain in Motion research program is looking for doctoral students with an interest in healthy brain aging and dementia prevention who wish to join a large interdisciplinary and diverse research team of over 35 scientists from Calgary, Canada and other parts of the World. There are opportunities currently available for doctoral students in neurosciences, physiological sciences, psychology and kinesiology in several areas related to this research program. Four-year doctoral stipend support is available via matching funding models, through application in March 2023, at the University of Calgary. Below you will find the thematic areas, the Brain in Motion protocol, the timeline for this opportunity, and contact information for more details.

Thematic areas within the program of research

  • Cognitive function (executive function, complex attention, processing speed, verbal memory, overall cognition), exercise and aging
  • Biomarkers (vascular, neuroendocrine, inflammation)
  • Proteomics, lipidomics, metabolomics
  • Genetics (genetic variants related to ADRD, neuronal integrity, growth factors and clearance enzymes, lipid and vascular function modulators)
  • Neuroimaging
  • Sleep and novel biomarkers of cognitive decline
  • Maintenance of health behavior
  • Role of lifestyle factors on cognitive function
  • Machine learning and artificial intelligence
  • Healthcare system costs and quality of life measures
  • Exercise physiology
  • Sex and gender differences

Summary of Brain in Motion

Background: There remains no effective intervention capable of reversing most cases of dementia. Current research is focused on prevention by addressing risk factors that are shared between cardiovascular disease and dementia (e.g., hypertension) before the cognitive, functional, and behavioural symptoms of dementia manifest. A promising preventive treatment is exercise. This study describes the methods of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) that assesses the effects of aerobic exercise and behavioural support interventions in older adults at increased risk of dementia due to genetic and/or cardiovascular risk factors. The specific aims are to determine the effect of aerobic exercise on cognitive performance, explore the biological mechanisms that influence cognitive performance after exercise training, and determine if changes in cerebrovascular physiology and function persist one year after a 6-month aerobic exercise intervention followed by a 1-year behavioural support program (at 18 months).

Methods: We will recruit 264 participants (aged 50-80 years) at elevated risk of dementia. Participants will be randomly allocated into one of four treatment arms: (1) aerobic exercise and health behaviour support, (2) aerobic exercise and no health behaviour support, (3) stretching-toning and health behaviour support, and (4) stretching-toning and no health behaviour support. The aerobic exercise intervention will consist of three supervised walking/jogging sessions per week for 6 months, whereas the stretching-toning control intervention will consist of three supervised stretching-toning sessions per week also for 6 months. Following the exercise interventions, participants will receive either one year of ongoing telephone behavioural support or no telephone support. The primary aim is to determine the independent effect of aerobic exercise on a cognitive composite score in participants allocated to this intervention compared to participants allocated to the stretching-toning group. Secondary aims are to examine the effects of aerobic exercise on a number of secondary outcomes and determine whether aerobic exercise-related changes persist after a one-year behavioural support program (at 18 months).

Significance: This study will address knowledge gaps regarding the underlying mechanisms of the pro-cognitive effects of exercise by examining potential mediating factors, including cerebrovascular/physiological, neuroimaging, sleep, and genetic factors that will provide novel biologic evidence on how aerobic exercise can prevent declines in cognition with aging. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03035851); protocol paper published (Kruger et al., 2021).

Timeline for these opportunities:

By December 15, 2022– Deadline for prospective students to submit i) a letter of interest, ii) a curriculum vitae, iii) a list of publications and awards, and iv) the names of 3 referees who have agreed to be contacted to bimstudy@ucalgary.ca. Prospective supervisors, co-supervisors and doctoral students will complete the application process for matching funds with support from the Brain in Motion team. The start date for the doctoral program will be between May – September 2023.

Contact information

For more details please contact:

Dr. Marc Poulin, Lead Investigator for the Brain in Motion team
Department of Physiology & Pharmacology
Cumming School of Medicine
University of Calgary
Calgary, Alberta

Email: poulin@ucalgary.ca
Email: bimstudy@ucalgary.ca

Read CAN Connection – Fall 2022

Catch up with CAN in our latest newsletter, CAN connection – Fall 2022

Table of content

UofT news: Canada must boost support of science and tech: President Meric Gertler and Alan Bernstein in the Globe and Mail

Meric Gertler and Alan Bernstein

Canada must step up its support of R&D in science and technology if the country’s innovation economy is to remain competitive globally.

That was the key message of a Globe and Mail op-ed by University of Toronto President Meric Gertler and Alan Bernstein, president and CEO of CIFAR (Canadian Institute for Advanced Research), who noted substantial recent investments by the U.S. government in the country’s AI, robotics, clean electricity and green energy sectors.

“The U.S. initiatives demand a commensurate response from Canada both in size and breadth. Otherwise, our economic performance will continue to lag behind other advanced economies,” Bernstein and President Gertler warn in the op-ed published Sept. 5. Continue reading

Graduate student position – University of Lethbridge

Description: We are looking for graduate students (Master’s and/or Ph.D. levels) to help build UHF-based Internet of Things (IoT) system that will be used as a Brain-Machine Interface device. Projects will be related to our recent work:

 

Challenges of a small world analysis for the continuous monitoring of behaviour in mice. Neuroscience and Behavioral Reviews 2022 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0149763422001105

Miniaturized head-mounted microscope for whole-cortex mesoscale imaging in freely behaving mice. Nature Methods 2021 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41592-021-01104-8

The project is a collaborative effort between the research groups of Majid Mohajerani (http://lethbridgebraindynamics.com/majid-mohajerani/) and Dr. Robert Sutherland. Successful candidates will join the highly collaborative and interdisciplinary Canadian Centre for Neuroengineering Solutions and Brain Dynamics Group. We are located close to the Rocky Mountains, Lethbridge has the largest number of sunny days in Canada, and it is the most affordable city for young people in Canada (https://dailyhive.com/calgary/alberta-city-most-affordable-young-people ).

Requirements: Only applicants with previous experience working in UHF-based antenna design and software-defined radio systems are encouraged to apply.

The applications review will start on Oct 1st till the positions are filled. Interested applicants must send an email to Dr. Mohajerani (mohajerani@uleth.ca) and include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a brief statement of research interests, and the contact information of three references.

CAN Outreach & Advocacy Award: The Peaceful Brain

The Canadian Association for Neuroscience is pleased to support the  “The Peaceful Brain, a celebration against hate, discrimination, and prejudice” series of events organized by the Convergence initiative. These events has also leveraged support from Heritage Canada, Brain Canada, the McGill University Health Centre Research Institute, Native Immigrant, Concordia University Centre for Creative Reuse.

The Convergence Initiative is an independent Canadian non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the knowledge of neuroscience and art and the Canadian Association for Neuroscience has been a long-time supporter of this initiative that promotes cross-talk between artists, neuroscientists and the public to further our understanding of how our brain works. Convergence has always favored the approach of two-way engagement, which promotes knowledge sharing between presenters and the public, and not simply one-way teaching.

The four events proposed in the current proposal aim to address a very important issue: How to combat hate, discrimination and prejudice. The approach used is to try to expose some of the unconscious biases and ideas that each of us carry, to understand how they happen in our brains, and more importantly, how we can overcome these.

By bringing together scientists, artists, and people from different cultural and social backgrounds, these events will lead to a better understanding of what happens in our brains when we interact with people that come from different backgrounds, who have different faiths and ways to view the world, with the objective of increasing our acceptance of these differences.

We are happy to provide our support for the Convergence initiative once again.

Visit the event webpage for full details: https://www.convergenceinitiative.org/about-3