CIHR across Canada

Researchers discover compounds made by gut bacteria that can treat inflammation
The compound can be harnessed to reduce inflammation and other symptoms of digestive issues.
The University of Toronto – Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research

Researchers uncover how cells change when faced with Salmonella
Discovery gives new insight into why Salmonella infects humans so quickly.
The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids)

A promising new avenue for cancer immunotherapy
Researchers use a certain type of cell that shows promise in being able to stop tumours from growing.
The University of British Columbia

Meet the new Scientific Director of the CIHR Institute of Population and Public Health
Dr. Katherine Frolich welcomes her new role.
Université de Montréal

‘Fiery’ cell death ignites immunity: A new hope for cancer treatment
Study suggests harnessing an ‘explosive’ kind of cancer cell death as a therapy for hard-to-treat cancers.
University of Guelph

How a master neuron controls movement in worms with implications for human disease
Part of the nervous system plays a key role in controlling a worm’s ability to shift between forward and backward movement.
University of Toronto

Boosting immunotherapy efficiency
Tweaking a certain cell’s metabolism may enhance immunotherapy and offer longer-lasting benefits for patients.
University Health Network

Research projects focused on child and family development
Projects aim to improve the lives of women and children affected by violence, adversity, and depression.
The University of Calgary

Two decades in the making – world-first trial aims to heal the lungs of preemies
Stem cells from the umbilical cord to be used to prevent premature and low-weight babies from developing a chronic lung disease.
The Ottawa Hospital Foundation

Researchers uncover DNA repair mechanism that could yield treatments for cancer, premature aging
Research gives insight into how human cells stay healthy.
The University of Toronto

Researchers discover natural compounds that selectively kill parasites
The compounds stall a process parasites use to survive in the human gut.
The University of Toronto – Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research

New tools help teams share research evidence with communities
Guidance tools help build trust and transparency.
Michael Smith Health Research BC

How frailty can impact lung disease
Until now, the impacts of frailty on hospitalized patients, particularly those experiencing flare-ups, were largely unknown.
University Health Network

New patient registries for rare diseases
Registries will improve health care and outcomes for children and families.
CHEO Research Institute

Researchers find a new way to potentially activate neurons that deplete in Parkinson’s disease
Research suggests a possible approach to treating the disease.
The University of Toronto

Patients with neurological disease are likelier to die after COVID
Study also shows higher numbers of neurological disorder diagnoses among people with pre-existing conditions in the months after they have COVID.
The University of Alberta

Dal scientists find repeated, small hits to head in football players can damage blood vessels in the brain
Damage may contribute to brain dysfunction in some athletes years later.
Dalhousie University

Healing faster: Unveiling the future of tissue and organ repair
Scientists create a jelly-like material that could offer on-the-spot repair of damaged organs and tissue.
The University of Ottawa

New models for eye disease
Transplanted cells from the retina offer a promising avenue to deliver therapies directly to damaged areas of the eye.
University Health Network

Study reveals that molecular changes are the reason why arteries harden with age
Targeting the molecular changes could lead to treatments for cardiovascular disease.
The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute

Unravelling the link between pesticide exposure and Parkinson’s disease
Research sheds light on possible disease triggers.
The University of British Columbia

Groundbreaking advance in lupus research
Recent discovery could pave the way for future therapies.
The Montreal Clinical Research Institute – Université de Montréal

Study underscores new strategies to fight drug-resistant bacteria
Researchers conduct one of the largest genetic studies looking at cholera bacteria, bacteria killers and antibiotics.
McGill University

World-first trial shows benefits of finding, treating undiagnosed asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
As many as 70 per cent of patients go undiagnosed
The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute and McGill University Health Centre

Hope for a cure for an often-fatal infectious disease
Leishmaniasis is a tropical disease with a growing number of cases being diagnosed each year.
Institut national de la recherche scientifique

CHILD-BRIGHT members ‘connect the dots’ at research community event
Research networks help researchers address the needs of people with lived and living experience.
The CHILD-BRIGHT Network and the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC)

Designing and testing a new app to help palliative care families access care
The iRespite app aims to match families in need with trained respite care providers.
McGill University

New research centre focuses on quality-of-life improvements for people affected by trauma and mental health issues
The Centre for Trauma and Mental Health Research aims to develop approaches to prevent, detect and treat different forms of trauma and related mental health issues.
Vancouver Island University

Research to improve kidney care
Research projects to tackle challenges in the healthcare system.
Lawson Health Research Institute

Researchers identify a protein that could help treat obesity and metabolic disorders
The protein helps regulate body weight and how much food is consumed.
The University of Saskatchewan

Expert explainer: Ethical approaches to mitigate H5N1 bird flu
Restrictions and testing of livestock among efforts to slow spread of H5N1
Western University

Making kids’ heart surgery safer
Researchers test an imaging technique to monitor the brain during surgery.
Toronto Metropolitan University

Treating eye tumours with light
In a world-first, researcher develop a laser-based treatment for a type of cancer
University Health Network

Tackling in-hospital cardiac arrest with advanced AI
Research explores using AI to predict which patients are most at risk and recommend life-saving interventions.
The University of Ottawa

Researchers discover ‘trojan horse’ virus hiding in human parasite
The virus is associated with severe inflammation in humans
The University of Toronto – Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research

A recipe for safety
Researchers explore how to make allergy-friendly foods more accessible and affordable for Canadians.
The University of Manitoba

Building trust in population health information and interventions
Applied Public Health Chair to address vaccination barriers.
The University of British Columbia

Can Alzheimer’s disease be passed on through transplants?
Researchers discover that Alzheimer's disease may also be produced outside the brain.
The University of British Columbia – Michael Smith Labs

Advancing holistic healthcare
Research team working to integrate traditional and non-traditional approaches to healthcare.
Carleton University

Improving stroke research
Researcher aims to improve imaging methods to better see the damage caused by a stroke.
The University of Manitoba

Rare disease network for children to help researchers work together and improve health outcomes
RareKids-CAN network to help diagnose and treat children with rare disease more quickly.
The University of British Columbia

Restricting the use of benzodiazepines
Study shows that limiting the medication benzodiazepine reduces the risk delirium after an operation.
McMaster University – Population Health Research Institute

Researcher tackles global challenges of antimicrobial resistance
Researcher explores how DNA sequencing and AI can be used to treat drug-resistant bacteria.
Western University

Understanding the human genome
Study reveals the underlying factors that open the genome and create new genes, a discovery that could lead to treatments for diseases such as diabetes or Parkinson's disease.
The Montreal Clinical Research Institute – Université de Montréal

Diabetes prevention program rolls out across Canada
Canadians at risk of Type 2 diabetes encouraged to take small steps toward better health.
The University of British Columbia

Support for stroke recovery
Research team launches first-of-its-kind study in Canada that will connect volunteers with stroke survivors for at-home practical support.
Sinai Health

Helping people with spinal cord injuries improve their balance
Study looks at a training system that uses a sensor to improve balance and posture.
University Health Network

Supercharging Canada’s biomanufacturing capacity
Research team develops a biomanufacturing process that could support future cancer treatments.
The University of Ottawa  

Furthering our understanding of cerebral palsy
Canadian-led study reveals that cerebral palsy may be caused by both genetic and environmental factors.
McGill University

Covid-19’s ability to slow the body’s response to infection
Study reveals how SARS-CoV-2 disrupts the manufacture of proteins.
The University of Toronto

Using evidence to drive health policy
Canada Research Chair to examine key areas of substance use health.
Memorial University

Mirroring the heart
Researchers create a model that helps us better understand the role of certain heart cells in both heart development and disease.
University Health Network

Understanding bleeding disorders
Study focuses on inherited bleeding disorders to help those whose conditions often go undiagnosed.
Queen’s University

How human cells stay healthy
Study discovers a DNA repair mechanism.
The University of Toronto

Improving early childhood music education
Researchers develop tool that allows music to be more accessible and enjoyable.
The University of Toronto

Research finds strategies to help diagnose and treat a rare, aggressive syndrome that often leads to cancer
Study finds that the type and severity of the syndrome depends on variations in certain inherited genes.
The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids)

Mapping protein movement  
Study maps, for the first time ever, how proteins move and change through a cell cycle.
The University of Toronto – The Donnelly Centre

Targeted treatment for heart failure in children
Study shows promise in treating children with cardiomyopathy, the leading cause of heart failure in children.
The Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research

Researchers investigate health issues for vulnerable and underrepresented groups
Different research phases examine topics from substance use to access to health services.
The University of Manitoba

Children’s social circumstances dictate outcomes in emergency care
The social determinants of health affect risk of disease and access to care.
The University of Alberta

Researchers can now predict kidney failure more accurately
New digital tool helps inform treatment decisions for chronic kidney disease.
The University of Calgary

Racism leads First Nations patients to leave emergency departments without completing care
First Nations patients face anti-Indigenous stereotypes and language.
The University of Alberta

Postpartum depression therapy and our genes
Researchers study whether changes in one’s behaviour and environment turn certain genes on and off and affect the success of treatment for postpartum depression.
Brock University

Which cells have the greatest potential to repair the lungs of pre-term babies?
Clinical trial begins to test a new cell therapy.
The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute

How a master neuron controls movement in worms with implications for human disease
Part of the nervous system plays a crucial role in controlling a worm’s ability to shift between forward and backward movement.
Sinai Health

AI-powered digital imaging system to speed up biopsy results
Technology to deliver faster results and enable swift treatment decisions.
The University of Waterloo

Mobilizing students, researchers and robots to help kids thrive
Using technology to improve the quality of life for kids with movement impairments.
The University of Calgary

The essential role of a protein in proper cell function
Researchers identify a vital protein necessary for the body’s cells to work.
Université de Montréal

A new target for cystic fibrosis treatment
A rare cell type in the airways of the lungs could be the key to new types of treatments.
The University of Saskatchewan

Closing the palliative care gap
Research reveals disparities in end-of-life care for people with opioid use disorder.
University Health Network

The economic impact of eating disorders in children and youth
Study highlights the need for national surveillance.
CHEO Research Institute and the University of Calgary

Improving recruitment to clinical trials
Program connects cancer patients in smaller centres with critical and potentially live-saving clinical trials.
Western University

Social factors affect dialysis choice for kidney patients
Study highlights barriers to a particular type of treatment.
The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute

Friendship skills for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (story available only in French)
A coaching program for parents helps kids with ADHD.
The Montfort Hospital

Unlocking Cardiac Repair
Researchers explore the role of a protein in repairing tissue after a heart attack
University Health Network

Immune response: SLAM receptors confirm their protective role against several serious diseases
NK (natural killer) cells are capable of memory and can help protect against viruses.
Montreal Clinical Research Institute — University of Montreal

The Messages in Your Cells
Study reveals how blood vessel cells directionally communicate with surrounding cells.
University Health Network

Furthering research on late-onset Alzheimer’s in women
Researchers explore how estrogen levels are connected to developing late-onset Alzheimer’s.
Brock University

University of Alberta researcher advancing HIV research
Postdoctoral fellow Shima Shahbaz’s research studies natural protective immunity against HIV infection
The University of Alberta

Fast-tracking pediatric cancer classification
Researchers develop a way to quickly identify and classify some pediatric cancers, giving doctors the information needed to offer timely treatment options.
University Health Network

Resolving inflammation
Researchers uncover potential targets for treating neurodegenerative inflammation.
University Health Network

Research discovery improves our understanding of the brain
Researchers uncover how specific neurons in the brain trigger movements during defensive behaviours to protect against a perceived threat.
The University of Calgary

Clinical trial results could redefine cervical cancer treatment
Research shows that simple hysterectomies are a less invasive treatment option for people with early-stage cervical cancer.
The University of British Columbia

Walking well for active aging
Study reveals how neighbourhood walkability and outdoor walking habits promotes health and well-being among older adults.
University Health Network

Targeting post-cancer treatment and rehabilitation
Researchers explore movement and functional abilities for post surgical treatment of breast cancer patients.
The University of Saskatchewan

Blueprinting Lupus flares
Researchers uncover different ways that Lupus can manifest.
University Health Network

Hamilton Health Sciences researcher leads uniquely Canadian blood cancer study
Researchers launch a national clinical trial to determine better and cost-effective treatments for older adults with multiple myeloma.
Hamilton Health Sciences

Concussion research focused on brain injuries from intimate partner violence
Brain injury is a significant challenge that many intimate partner violence survivors face.
The University of Victoria

Lessons from COVID-19
Research suggests that a vaccination approach that combines vaccines administered through the nose and injection can improve immune response.
CHU Sainte-Justine

Financial strain is bad for our health
Canada Research Chair Candace Nykiforuk's study reveals the impact that financial strain has on people's health and how we can address these concerns.
The University of Alberta

A multi-disciplinary approach to researching deafness
Researchers launch an international study to further understand sensory experiences with cochlear implants.
Université Laval & New York University

New research highlights health risks for pregnant teenagers
Study finds that pregnant Ontario teens are at a higher risk of premature death.
Unity Health Toronto

Providing support for pregnant and parenting teens
Programs provide support and resources for future and current teen parents to help address a recent study that found pregnant teens are at a greater risk of premature death.
The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids)

Nicotine use in adolescents and the mental health impacts
Study finds that adolescents that regularly use nicotine have an increased risk of developing mood and anxiety disorders later in life.
Western University

Disparities in end-of-life care
Research shows how COVID-19 impacted palliative care and amplified socioeconomic disparities.
University Health Network

Decoding sleep to reveal our state of health
How does the amount of sleep we get affect our health?
Université de Montréal

New research pinpoints an issue with a common chemotherapy drug
Researchers discover two enzymes that work against the drug and allow cancer cells to grow.
The University of Toronto Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research

Advancing research of a rare brain disease in children
Researchers uncover how gene mutations lead to the ultra-rare Borjeson-Forssman-Lehmann Syndrome.
The University of Ottawa

New tool predicts premature menopause in childhood cancer survivors
The modelling tool helps predict risk so that health professionals can provide personalize care options.
The University of Alberta

Research discovery redefining rare disease
Discovery has potential to change how patients are tested for Zellweger Spectrum Syndrome.
IWK Health

Decoding diabetic kidney disease
Uncovering the different ways that diabetic kidney disease develops in males and females.
University Health Network

Lésion de la moelle épinière : stimuler la plasticité des neurones pour améliorer la marche (story available in French only) [Spinal cord injury : Stimulating the brain to improve walking]
Une nouvelle région cérébrale a été identifiée comme cible thérapeutique pour permettre la récupération spontanée de la marche après une lésion de la moelle épinière. [Researchers identify a new region of the brain to target with therapies to help patients walk after a spinal cord injury.]
Université Laval

Improving newcomer access to diabetes screening
Researcher aims to improve newcomers' access to programs that screen for and treat Type 2 diabetes.
Brock University

Students develop app to support aging Canadians
Alberta students win the Healthcare for Aging Canadians Challenge with app that matches seniors with technology and students to help them learn how to use it.
NorQuest College

Promoting healthy eating for young Canadians
Study on creating a healthy eating environment calls for a ban on junk food marketing to children.
Université Laval

The science of psilocybin-assisted treatment for alcohol use disorder
Exploring how psychedelics combined with therapy can help someone reduce or stop drinking.
The University of Calgary

How fat in the brain could be the key to better understanding Parkinson’s disease
Researcher looks at how changes to lipids play a role in the neurodegenerative disease.
The University of Alberta

Exploring an unrealized treatment approach for disease
Researchers develop a new platform to find proteins that can be used to help treat different diseases.
The University of Toronto

Research finds a direct communication path between the lungs and the brain
Findings show that communication can affect the way the brain functions and the way someone behaves.
The University of Calgary

AI model used to design superbug-fighting antibiotics
A new AI model called SynthMol can create new antibiotics that stop the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
McMaster University

Researcher recognized for her contributions in the field of chronic pain management
Dr. Jennifer Stinson earns prize for her iCanCope project, a mobile app for young people that live with Sickle Cell Disease.
The University of Toronto

Une avancée majeure pour contrer les infections respiratoires (story available in French only) [A major step forward in the fight against respiratory infections].
Chercheurs publient une étude sur un nouveau nanovaccin [Researchers publish study on new nanvaccine.]
Université du Québec à Montréal

Researchers a step closer to HIV cure
New study shows virus-like particle can ‘shock and kill’ latent HIV reservoir in those living with chronic HIV.
Western University

Study reveals how worrying about the return of mental health episodes impacts people’s lives
Fear of illness recurrence (FIR) is a reality for many people in remission from depression, but how they cope varies.
Concordia University

How some heart medications impact gut health
Study finds that certain medications affect micro-organisms in the gut, which impacts overall health.
The University of Calgary

Tailored approach to stroke recovery
Post-stroke depressive symptoms disproportionately impact women and rehabilitation programs should be tailored to meet different needs.
University Health Network

Research reveals that Cerebral Palsy in children may be caused by both genetic and environmental factors
Until recently, genetic contributors to Cerebral Palsy were largely unknown.
The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids)

Research identifies genes that may be partially responsible for the development of Cerebral Palsy
One in ten children with Cerebral Palsy have a genetic variant associated with their condition.
The McGill University Health Centre

Surgeons’ choice of skin disinfectant impacts infection risk
Canadian-American study shows that using a certain cleaning agent could prevent surgical site infection.
McMaster University and Maryland School of Medicine

NeuroVISION-2 Biobank Initiative: Age-related cognitive impairment research
The initiative explores risks and how to detect or predict brain injury throughout a patient’s surgical journey.
Population Health Research Institute – McMaster University and Hamilton Health Sciences

University of British Columbia study offers new hope for treating relapsed childhood leukemia
Research uncovers how pediatric leukemia changes in cases where it returns.
University of British Columbia

Dr. Humphry Fonge is making a difference at the University of Saskatchewan
His research is improving imaging tools to better diagnose deadly cancers.
University of Saskatchewan

University Health Network KITE researchers create a specialized toolkit to help long-term care teams navigate challenges.
Toolkit fosters communication, collaboration and staff engagement.
The University Health Network

Immune response can cause neurological damage following an infection, McMaster researchers discover
How our immune system responds to viral infections like Zika or Covid-19 is responsible for neurological diseases, not the infections themselves.
McMaster University

PhD student aims to raise awareness of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy among Black Canadian women
The impact of race and ethnicity on women’s cardiovascular health is at the heart of Deborah Baiden’s ;doctoral research.
The University of Toronto

Targeting a cancer driver
Researchers discover how a protein can help treat cancers.
University Health Network

New ‘spatial’ biomarkers could better predict treatment outcomes for Hodgkin lymphoma
Discovery helps researchers better understand how cancer cells and nearby tissue interact.
The University of British Columbia

University of Calgary researcher develops new tool to diagnose genetic mutations
Device helps to receive genetic analysis faster and easier than current methods.
The University of Calgary

The sickest long COVID patients face symptoms identical to chronic fatigue syndrome
Researchers uncover that amino acid deficiencies may be causing long covid symptoms.
The University of Alberta

Sinai Health team enlists AI to untangle cellular diversity
Researchers develop a way to streamline identifying cell types, which could help drive personalized medicine and disease research.
Mount Sinai Hospital

Researchers discover one million new components of the human genome
A method called ‘exon trapping’ helped identify the previously unknown stretches of DNA.
The University of Toronto

Revolutionizing pediatric pneumonia care
Researchers aim to reduce antibiotic overuse in Canadian emergency departments.
McMaster University

Unravelling the mystery of weight regain in youth
Researchers launch study that explores how kids burn calories after weight loss.
McMaster University

Breathing new life into premature baby care
Research strives to enhance respiratory support without tubes.
McMaster University

National study seeks to close research gaps for kids with chronic gastrointestinal inflammation
Researchers compare two treatment options for paediatric Crohn’s disease.
The University of Calgary

COVID-19 rapid tests: how good are they?
Researchers find that COVID-19 self-tests are effective at preventing transmission.
The McGill University Health Centre

Humber College research leads to a health-care clinic for underserved communities
Innovative model offered in Guatemala comes to Toronto.
Humber College

It’s never too late to quit smoking
Study reveals that quitting smoking at any age brings major long-term health benefits.
The University of Toronto

Researchers mark new chapter in fight against muscular dystrophy
The research project will help advance understanding and treatment for muscle diseases.
University of Toronto – Mississauga

A drug used to treat multiple sclerosis boosts cancer-fighting virus in lab models
Immune-based therapies show promise as potential cancer treatments.
The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute

Treating liver cancer with microrobots piloted by a magnetic field
Research develop treatment for liver cancer using magnet-guided microrobots in an MRI device.
Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal

When hormones hurt the heart
Study unveils connection between hormone disorder and possible negative cardiovascular outcomes.
The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute

Researchers seek clues to how monkeypox virus may infiltrate brain cells
Study is the first to examine how the virus may be causing neurological symptoms.
The University of Alberta

Using cannabis can ease cravings for street-level drugs
Study shows cannabis could be a harm reduction strategy to address the opioid overdose crisis.
The University of British Columbia

Viagra to treat oxygen-deprived newborns
Currently, there are limited options for treating babies who run out of oxygen during pregnancy or birth.
The McGill University Health Centre

Beyond treatment: Online wellness program ‘a game-changer,’ say patients
EMPOWER program helps patients living with chronic conditions adopt daily coping and movement habits.
University of Alberta

New class of antivirals works against broad range of RNA viruses including the virus that causes COVID-19
The new class of drugs have the potential to prevent or treat infections.
The University of Alberta

Cardiac-resynchronization defibrillators still saving lives after 14 years
Long-term follow-up study shows that devices known as ‘biventricular pacemakers’ continue to save the lives of many people facing heart failure.
University of Alberta

Exploring cannabidiol (CBD) as treatment for mental health
First of its kind clinical trial to determine the effectiveness of CBD for bipolar depression.
The University of British Columbia

Recherche pour aider à développer de nouveaux traitements pour le cancer pédiatrique (article available in French only) [Research to help develop new treatments for pediatric cancer]
Des chercheurs étudient les extrémités des chromosomes pour développer de nouveaux traitements. [Researchers are exploring the ends of chromosomes to develop new treatments.]
Université de Sherbrooke

New study links placental oxygen levels to fetal brain development
Researchers use MRI to show how health of placenta may influence childhood cognition, behaviour.
Western University

Liver health and brain function
Researchers have discovered that molecules secreted by the liver play a significant role in brain function.
University Health Network

Whole genome sequencing reveals new genetic marker for cardiomyopathy
Using methods developed at SickKids, researchers lay the groundwork for early detection and future precision medicine.
The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids)

Building an inclusive clinical trial community
An innovative new unit supports health researchers in launching and conducting impactful clinical trials.
The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre

University of Saskatchewan researchers seek to develop new breast cancer treatments
Research to focus on improving treatments and reducing side effects.
The University of Saskatchewan

Clinical trial results could transform cervical cancer treatment
Study shows that a simple hysterectomy is effective when treating low-risk, early-stage cervical cancer.
Queen’s University

Researchers revolutionizing understanding of nicotine’s effect on adolescent brain
Study to explore nicotine’s link to mood and anxiety disorders in youth.
Western University