Author: Julie

A study by Martin Lévesque and his team explains the role of dopaminergic neurons in hyperactivity and suggests a mechanism of action for Ritalin

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Martin LévesqueRead a new article by Université Laval news on a discovery by Martin Lévesque’s team

Cellular cogs of hyperactivity uncovered – Study clarifies the role of dopaminergic neurons in hyperactivity and suggests a mechanism of action for Ritalin

The cellular mechanism uncovered by the researchers could explain the mode of action of Ritalin in humans. The drug is believed to block the reuptake of dopamine by neurons, thereby prolonging the effects of this neurotransmitter.

Although about one in 10 people will suffer from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in their lifetime, the cellular causes of this health problem are still very poorly understood. A study published in Cell Reports by a team from Laval University’s CERVO Research Centre now sheds some light on the subject. The researchers were able to determine which type of neurons are involved in the development of hyperactivity in mice and the cellular mechanisms involved. This breakthrough suggests a plausible mode of action for Ritalin, a drug widely prescribed for ADHD, but whose mechanism of action is unknown. Continue reading →

McGill researchers end decade-long search for mechanical pain sensor

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Reza Sharif-Naeini, image from McGill.ca
Reza Sharif-Naeini

Discovery brings hope for novel pain treatment

Researchers at McGill University have discovered that a protein found in the membrane of our sensory neurons are involved in our capacity to feel mechanical pain, laying the foundation for the development of powerful new analgesic drugs.

The study, published in Cell, is the first to show that TACAN, a highly conserved protein among vertebrates whose function remained unclear, is in fact involved in detecting mechanical pain by converting mechanical pressures into electric signals. Continue reading →

Pain hypersensitivity: problem at the pump

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Yves De Koninck
Yves De Koninck

Pain hypersensitivity and many other diseases could be associated with a protein that acts as an ion pump in neurons.

The research team led by  Yves De Koninck, at Université Laval’s Faculté de médecine and the CERVO Brain Research Centre had already targeted a protein called KCC2 as a key player in the mechanism leading to pain hypersensitivity.  A new study published in Nature Communications confirms confirms this lead and reinforces the idea that this protein could be a target of choice for the creation of a new class of analgesics to treat this problem that medicine is often powerless to address. Continue reading →

Previous advocacy award winners

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Learn about our 2020 winners:

September 15, 2020: CAN-ACN has revoked the 2020 Advocacy award that had been awarded to Roger Hudson and First Person Science, following an incident during which CAN-ACN’s values were not adhered to. A statement regarding this incident by former members of the group can be found here.

Learn about past winners:

2019

2018

2017

2016

CAN participation in SfN’s Hill Day

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CAN participation in SfN’s Hill Day

Charles Bourque, CAN VP, with Michael Heintz, Director of Advocacy & Training at SfN and fellow neuroadvocates on Capitol Hill
Charles Bourque, CAN VP, with Michael Heintz, Director of Advocacy & Training at SfN and fellow neuroadvocates on Capitol Hill

CAN was invited by SfN to participate once again in SfN’s Hill Day, on Capitol Hill in Washington DC on March 5, 2020.  CAN Vice-President Charles Bourque and CAN Past-President and current member of SfN’s GPA committee Jaideep Bains were present for this important event. Each was paired with a group of neuroadvocates from different states and to meet with elected officials and their staff to advocate for more funding for NIH and NSF. It was an opportunity to network with fellow neuroadvocates, to learn from our colleagues at SfN effective advocacy strategy.

“Support for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) on Capitol Hill is bipartisan and strong.  Republican and Democrats equally recognize the importance of investing in health research – this is truly inspiring. We have work to do in Canada to increase the support for our NIH equivalent, CIHR, but the example of the our US colleagues shows us how to do this, and the importance of being mobilized towards this goal.”

-Charles Bourque

 

Jaideep Bains on Capitol Hill
Jaideep Bains on Capitol Hill – photo  credit: SfN

“Visiting US senators and representatives during Capitol Hill Day was a great experience. It confirmed that face-to-face contact and open discussion can have a real impact on the support elected officials have for science, and help build lasting relationships between scientists and politicians.”

-Jaideep Bains

We wish to thank Charles Bourque and Jaideep Bains for representing CAN at Hill Day.

The support CAN receives from SfN, both in terms of in-kind training and exchange, and funds for advocacy in Canada that we receive through our Memorandum of Understanding with SfN are of critical importance to allow us to pursue our advocacy goals in Canada.

Neurologist – Southlake Regional Health Centre, Ontario

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Life. Career. Balance.
EXPERIENCE IT. ONLY AT SOUTHLAKE.
At Southlake, we’ve created something special … A big city hospital that hasn’t lost its community heart. A place where teamwork is the norm and new leaders are continually discovered. An environment where you can put your skills to work today, while advancing towards your goals for tomorrow. A collegial workplace focused on achieving work-life balance.

If you are committed to excellence, passionate about making a difference, and looking for a place where your career can flourish, come join us.

Southlake has some of the highest staff and physician satisfaction scores in the province. The latest data by NRC Picker confirms that we are providing the premium practice environment that you deserve.

Newmarket is located in York Region, part of the Central LHIN, on the northern edge of the Greater Toronto Area, allowing easy access to city activities as well as a short distance to cottage country and ski resorts. Residents of York Region enjoy access to an array of real estate options and public and private schools, making the area a choice location for many young families.

Neurologist

We are seeking an additional Neurologist to meet the demands of our unprecedented regional growth, population demographics and Southlake’s expanding comprehensive regional cardiac, cancer and surgical programs. Inpatient consultations will be shared equally amongst members, which, at minimum, is 10 to 15 new patients per week, and outpatient office referrals for consultation are endless. With the high demand, the successful candidate will have a fully established practice within weeks.

Anticipated time commitment for hospital vs. office practice will depend largely on the interests of the successful candidate. There is opportunity to provide consulting services to patients with movement disorders, epilepsy, neuromuscular diseases and stroke. Remuneration is fee-for-service, with unlimited outpatient referrals. Southlake has full medical diagnostics, including two 64-slice CT scanners (7/24 for head scans), 2 MRIs, Peripheral and Cardiac Angiography, Ultrasound, Nuclear Medicine, and Doppler, as well as full inpatient laboratory services with access to EEG. Southlake is a premier practice destination with outstanding facilities and outcomes, and an unrelenting focus on quality.

Southlake is a Centre of Excellence with a full complement of subspecialty medical staff. Join our team of exceptional individuals who are providing leading-edge care for their patients and families. Candidates must hold, or be eligible to hold, an Independent licence with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario and be Royal College-certified in Neurology.

To join our team, please forward a letter of interest and your curriculum vitae to:

Michele Skerratt
Manager, Medical Affairs
Southlake Regional Health Centre
596 Davis Drive
Newmarket, ON L3Y 2P9
mskerratt@southlakeregional.org

We thank everyone for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Posting end date 2020/03/24

New Principal Investigator position in addiction / mental health – CRCHUM in Montreal

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Job description

The Research Center of the Center hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM) and the Department of Psychiatry and Addictology of the Université de Montréal (UdeM) are seeking to recruit a principal investigator in brain imaging and / or artificial intelligence with an interest in clinical research in addiction and related mental health issues.

The new principal investigator will join a rich research environment with cutting-edge technologies and a highly stimulating learning institution. Competitive recruitment conditions will be offered according to the experience of the candidate. The position could start as early as fall 2020.

Functions

  • Establish and implement an innovative and productive research program in the field of brain imaging and/or artificial intelligence applied to addiction and psychiatric comorbidities, consistent with ongoing research activities at the CRCHUM;
  • Supervise graduate students,
  • Teach in programs of the Université de Montréal,
  • Contribute to the academic life of the CRCHUM and the University department,
  • Participate in the knowledge translation mandates of the CRCHUM and the Faculty of Medicine, in particular by disseminating research results.

Requirements

  • The candidates must have a doctorate in clinical research, epidemiology / biostatistics, neuroscience or a related field, and have completed relevant postdoctoral training. Early or mid-career candidates are sought.
  • The candidates should have a competitive track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals, and have demonstrated their potential to obtain research grants from recognized funding agencies.
  • Applicants must demonstrate relevant imaging expertise (PET, MRI or others) applicable to interventional and translational research in the fields of addiction and mental health. Skills in deep learning or artificial intelligence will be considered assets.
  • Applicants should have a solid academic record, excellent skills in interdisciplinary collaboration and good teaching skills are prerequisites for this position.
  • Applicants will ultimately have to be able to function in French and English.

Those received by March 31, 2020 will be given priority consideration. A complete application will consist of a cover letter, a complete CV, a detailed research plan (3 pages limit) as well as three letters of support to be submitted separately by the referees by email, preferably in electronic format.

Contact information

Applications must be submitted electronically to
minh-noi.achille.chum@ssss.gouv.qc.ca

View a PDF version of this advertisement here 

 

Posting end date: 2020/03/31

Post-Doctoral Position Available – TCNLab (Dr. Lisa Saksida) – University of Western Ontario

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A postdoctoral position is available immediately under the supervision of Dr. Lisa Saksida at the Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, and in collaboration with Dr. Mark Brandon and colleagues at McGill University, to work on molecular and cellular mechanisms of information storage and neurogenesis in the hippocampus. The work will involve recording neuronal activity using miniscopes and fiber photometry and the successful candidate will have the opportunity to take advantage of the exceptional research core facilities at Western. This BrainsCAN-funded project will provide training for an early-stage investigator on advanced imaging, high-throughput touchscreen cognitive testing using touchscreens and fiber photometry. The candidate will also have excellent opportunities to interact with researchers and core facilities funded by Western’s BrainsCAN, the Canada First Research Excellence Fund recently awarded to Western.

Robarts is one of the premier research institutes in Canada with a vibrant research community and many opportunities for collaborations. The University of Western Ontario (www.uwo.ca) is a major educational and research center in Ontario with over 25,000 undergraduate and 5,000 graduate students. Cognitive neuroscience in health and disease is a major research focus at Western. London, also known as the Forest City, is an affordable and lively community close to the Great Lakes and two hours from Toronto. The city offers many options for outdoor and cultural activities.

Qualified applicants should have a PhD degree in Neuroscience or related disciplines with significant expertise in studying mouse models. Prior experience in mouse surgery, fiber photometry, in vivo electrophysiology, data analysis using MatLab, Python and R, documented in peer-reviewed publications will be an asset. We are looking for a highly-motivated individual within 2 years of receiving a PhD with advanced mathematical and analytical skills. Salary will be paid commensurate with experience.

Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

Contact information:

Please send a statement of interest, Curriculum Vitae, and the names of at least two references to:
Dr. Lisa Saksida,
Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario
Email: lsaksida@robarts.ca

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