In OBI’s goal to improve brain health, research data are one of the basic building blocks. Data are assets that hold value because they can be shared, analysed, and reused in different ways to support new discoveries and reduce the loss of resources. One opportunity to reuse data and uncover new insights is the linking of routinely collected population and healthcare data, or ‘broad’ data, with ‘deep’ research data (e.g., imaging, genetics, etc.). To harness data’s full potential, OBI has developed several initiatives including an informatics platform, an international workshop, and internships to address linking and sharing data in new ways. Continue reading “Joining Global Discussions on Data Sharing”
Tag: technology
Filling Gaps in Ontario’s Neurotechnology Sector with Phantoms
Imagine you are treating someone with a suspected traumatic brain injury—what if you could have a non-invasive look inside their brain to assess the damage and decide on treatment? Ontario-based Tessonics Inc. developed a device that could do just that, but the next challenge was how to properly calibrate the device to ensure reliable and consistent measurements. This question drew Adrian Wydra and Dr. Roman Maev of Tessonics Inc. into a partnership that would enable two companies to drive innovation in Ontario’s neuroscience landscape. Continue reading “Filling Gaps in Ontario’s Neurotechnology Sector with Phantoms”
Alzheimer’s Awareness Month: Influential Discoveries of 2014
By Bryan Jenkins, OBI Intern, Research Programs
At the end of 2014, many of us – with the help of certain social media websites – were reflecting upon the past year of our lives. It was a big year for neuroscience and brain health, following from our proclaimed ‘Year of the Brain’. In this post for Alzheimer’s Awareness month we will reflect upon some of the most influential discoveries of 2014 related to Alzheimer’s research, and from this assess the current and future state of this ever-progressing field. If you’re interested in learning more about Alzheimer’s disease, tune in to the Facebook chat we are hosting with the Ontario Science Centre from 12:00-1:00 pm on January 20, 2015. Continue reading “Alzheimer’s Awareness Month: Influential Discoveries of 2014”
NeuroTech Ontario: Province-Wide Innovation
Three years ago the Ontario Brain Institute and the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) partnered to accelerate the development of a neurotechnology cluster in Ontario. Since then, the program, named NeuroTech Ontario, has fostered the development of game-changing technologies including devices, diagnostics, and health applications to improve the lives of people living with brain disorders. This past spring, the $13M program wrapped up a successful initial phase of building NeuroTech Ontario with 12 innovative projects from Ontario research institutions supported by $5.1M from the Government of Canada’s FedDev Ontario and $7.9M from industry partners. Continue reading “NeuroTech Ontario: Province-Wide Innovation”
Looking at New Ways to Improve the Patient Experience
By: Tiffany Scarcelli, MSc, OBI Management Fellow
When a child becomes seriously ill, there are many concerns, thoughts, and fears that arise in both the child and their family upon their first hospital visit. Will my child respond to treatment? Will they get the best care possible? What many people do not realize is that a child’s care goes beyond medications and procedures to encompass the child’s mental well-being. And often times, this is overlooked as part of their care. To address these concerns, the Hospital for Sick Children – one of the largest centres dedicated to improving children’s healthcare in North America – is doing something innovative. Continue reading “Looking at New Ways to Improve the Patient Experience”
Three Must See Technologies from the CP-NET Workshop
By: Nathalie Goodfellow, PhD, OBI Management Fellow
On March 24, I had the pleasure of attending the Childhood Cerebral Palsy Integrated Neuroscience Discovery Network( CP-NET), investigator workshop. The workshop was held at the Ontario Investment and Trade Center which had a spectacular view and even more impressive innovations. Attendees of the workshop were world-class researchers, clinicians, and entrepreneurs all passionate about improving our understanding and care for those living with cerebral palsy. Continue reading “Three Must See Technologies from the CP-NET Workshop”
Celebrating Ontario’s Neurotech Cluster
By: Anna Han, PhD, OBI Management Fellow
Even the most innovative idea can lose its value if it has no applicability. Bringing scientific discovery into the market place is a very fascinating, yet challenging process that requires strong collaboration between many players. I recently witnessed the results of great teamwork in action – brilliant scientific discoveries turned into tangible products that address the needs of many Ontarians. Continue reading “Celebrating Ontario’s Neurotech Cluster”