March 2021 - Robarts Community Newsletter

March 2021

. .

Difficulties with communication – the ability to use language and to comprehend what others are saying – are among the earliest symptoms of psychosis. Dr. Lena Palaniyappan believes language may be the key to understanding the illness. He’s using high-powered magnetic resonance imaging to scan the brains of patient volunteers with acute psychosis to get a better picture.

Rethinking cell therapy for cancer

John Ronald, PhD, is engineering cancer cells in the lab to test their ability to circulate around the body and deliver therapeutics right to the site of tumours.

Precision medicine for kidney disease

Dr. Dervla Connaughton works in the labs at Robarts and is investigating how to provide personalized and precision medicine for people living with kidney disease.

A focus on cardiac care

Internationally recognized cardiologist and researcher Dr. Geoffrey Pickering was named the inaugural Neil McKenzie Chair in Cardiac Care. The Robarts scientist will continue his research work in vascular cell biology and blood vessel restructuring, in addition to this role.

Antibodies and immunity

A team of researchers across Canada, including Gregory Dekaban, PhD, is shedding light on how our bodies develop immunity to the COVID-19 virus. Their research highlights the importance of specific antibodies made early on in infection and may help to assess how effective current vaccines are at conferring long-term immunity.

Investigating the effects of COVID-19 on the brain

Researchers and physicians have been observing the neurological and cognitive symptoms associated with COVID-19. Using an ultra-high field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner at Robarts that is more than twice as powerful as a clinical MRI, the research team can see a clear picture of how the disease is affecting the brain.

Director’s Message

Mapping out the future of research: A Q&A with Robert Bartha, PhD

Robarts’ new vision will support the Institute’s goal to increase the societal impact of its research by producing science that provides new insights into disease and leads to new treatments, training and commercialization.

Next Generation

Using your genes to detect arrhythmias

Julieta Lazarte is investigating the underlying genetic causes of atrial fibrillation to improve early diagnosis. As an MD/PhD Candidate training with Dr. Robert Hegele, she is also learning how to communicate effectively with patients.