BEaTS Research Radio's Podcast

In this episode, your host, Emily Schraeder, speaks to Dr. Christian Vaillancourt, Full Professor with the Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Ottawa, and Senior Scientist at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute. His research looks at pre-hospital care, specifically improving care and survival for cardiac arrest and trauma victims. He implemented a multi-phase protocol to allow nurses to use automated external defibrillators (AEDs) during in-hospital cardiac arrest and studied its impact on survival. His research has a major impact on the care and treatment of cardiac arrest victims in our hospitals. We also hear from Julie Considine, Deakin Distinguished Professor, who is Chair of Nursing at Eastern Health and Director of the Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research, who gives her point of view on this protocol.Learn more: https://www.ohri.ca/profile/cvaillancourt1:23 | What is an AED? Why is an AED important? 3:16 | Why is the 3-minute time frame so important? Why can it take up to 12 mi

Batoul Jomaa from the University of Ottawa interviews Dr. Marisa Azad and Dr. Robin Patel on behalf of her team for the TMM4950 Science Communication course about improving the diagnostic methods for periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs). Dr. Azad is a senior scientist and physician of infectious diseases at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute and a cross-appointed assistant professor at the University of Ottawa. Dr. Azad's research focuses on exploring PJI to develop more efficient diagnostic methods. Dr. Robin Patel is a director of the Infectious Disease Research Laboratory and a clinician at the Mayo Clinic. In this episode, Dr. Azad and Dr. Patel present their findings from their research on new diagnostic methods for PJI, how diagnostic methods can improve, and important considerations regarding PJI. Learn more: https://www.uottawa.ca/faculty-medicine/dr-marisa-azad0:05 | Introduction to podcast1:15 | Introduction to Dr. Azad1:44 | Why is diagnosing PJIs so difficult and what are the current st

Giselle Joseph of the University of Ottawa interviews Dr. Deborah M. Siegal of the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute about how a simple change in blood collection practices in ICUs could significantly improve patient care. Dr. Siegal is a hematologist, clinician-scientist at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, and Associate Professor of Medicine at the School of Epidemiology and Public Health at the University of Ottawa.Learn more: https://www.ohri.ca/profile/dsiegal0:06 | Introduction0:56  | Motivation behind using small-volume tubes in ICUs3:15  | Study design and challenges 6:19  | COVID-19 and adaptations to the study 8:46  | Limitations and interpretation of results11:23  | Next steps Soundtrack by The Underground Drive. All rights reserved. Listen more:https://music.apple.com/ca/artist/the-underground-drive/1571062779https://open.spotify.com/artist/4sCJG8TMQyTZ9FDd1JjJmRNatasha Trehan (Producer), Giselle Joseph (Host), Emma Mahoney (Content Writer), Angela Guevara (Post-Production)

Serena George, a student from the University of Ottawa, interviewed Dr. Melissa Fernandez, an assistant professor at the School of Nutrition Sciences at the University of Ottawa. Her research focuses on understanding the impacts of digital food environments on health and nutrition, with a particular interest in food literacy, eating practices, dietary intake, and mental health. In this episode, Dr. Fernandez gives insights into the research behind one of her studies that suggests that improving cooking skills and reducing processed food use may support healthier diets and overall well-being. Following this, Serena sits down with Nicholas Goulet, a Ph.D. candidate in the School of Human Kinetics at the University of Ottawa, who shares his perspective on Dr. Fernandez's research and the insights discussed in the interview. 00:19 | Main guest introduction00:46 | What inspired Dr. Fernandez to focus on nutrition research01:22 | Main findings of the study, 01:58 - Dr. Fernandez on her research study04:18 | Fo

Iman Kashif from the University of Ottawa interviewed Dr. Barbara Vanderhyden, a senior scientist in ovarian cancer research and a professor at the University of Ottawa. In this insightful episode, Dr. Vanderhyden discusses her groundbreaking research pertaining to how immune regulator NLRC5 can reshape the tumor microenvironment and increase T-cell reactivity to better recognize and respond to cancer cells. She explains the mechanisms of immune evasion in ovarian cancer and discusses how her work could pave the way for novel therapeutic approaches. Learn more: https://www.ohri.ca/profile/vanderhydenlab/profile1:47 | Immune Evasion and NLRC5.4:49 | Clinical Applications of NLRC5.6:28 | Combination Therapy with NLRC5.9:23 | Tumor Adaptation Challenges. 12:26 | Advice for Early Career Professionals.Music Credit/Copyright information: Copyright free, Youtube video: “DEATH NOTE - L THEME SONG (RIFTI BEATS REMIX) [No Copyright Music]”. Account: Kingdom Power Music. Published January 18, 2021. https://www.youtube.c

Sahib Moga from the University of Ottawa interviews Dr. Jean-François Couture. Dr. Couture is a Full Professor and Chair in the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology at the University of Ottawa. He has published over 90 papers in prestigious journals and is a leading structural biology and epigenetics expert. In this episode, Dr. Couture shares his research on the role of a non-canonical zinc finger in stabilizing Cfp1’s integration into the H3K4 methyltransferase complex COMPASS and its implications for epigenetic signaling and cancer biology.Learn more: http://jfclab.ca/0:05 | BEaTS and host introduction1:00 | Introduction to Dr. Couture1:58 | Introduction to epigenetics and structural biology5: 55 | COMPASS complex and its role8:14 | Novel zinc finger discovery12:20 | Future treatments and drug development 13:15 | ConclusionSoundtrack by The Underground Drive. All rights reserved. Listen more:https://music.apple.com/ca/artist/the-underground-drive/1571062779https://open.spotify.com/artis

Joyce Lu from the University of Ottawa interviews Dr. Céline Aguer. Dr. Aguer is an assistant professor at McGill University in the Department of Physiology and principal investigator in her muscle metabolism laboratory at the Institut du Savoir Montfort in Ottawa. In this episode, Dr. Aguer shares her research on how bisphenol A (BPA), an environmental pollutant, disrupts muscle metabolism. This episode also features additional commentary by Dr. Ella Atlas, adjunct professor at the Department of Biochemistry, Microbioloy and Immunology and Health Canada Research Scientist on environmental pollutants.Learn moreDr. Céline Aguer: https://www.uottawa.ca/faculty-medicine/dr-celine-aguerDr. Ella Atlas: https://www.uottawa.ca/faculty-medicine/dr-ella-atlas0:16 | BEaTS, Host introduction, and Background information.0:55 | Introduction to Dr. Aguer1:26 | How Dr. Aguer started research on pollutants and muscle metabolism,2:54 | Current issues with BPA exposure and why studying BPA is important?5:51 | Special Guest Dr.

Omar Moghrabi from the University of Ottawa interviews Dr. Marceline Côté about using Sphingosine Kinase (SK) Inhibitors to treat enveloped viruses like Ebola. Dr. Côté is an associate professor at the University of Ottawa and the director of the Centre for Infection, Immunity, & Inflammation, where her research and practice involve antiviral treatments. In this episode, Dr. Côté weighs in on the emerging research that suggests that the use of SK inhibitors may be the future of broad-spectrum antiviral treatments. Omar and Dr. Côté discuss the mechanism, breadth, and safety of SK inhibitors in detail and the future of this post-entry approach to viral combat. Learn more: https://www.uottawa.ca/faculty-medicine/dr-marceline-cote0:03 | Introduction to the speaker1:04 | Lay Summary/intro to the topic1:54 | How do viruses like Ebola enter cells in the first place?4:50 | What are sphingosine kinases, and why are they such a good target for blocking viruses?6:00 | How effective is this approach across these vir

Larissa Yakoub from the University of Ottawa speaks with Dr. Betty Li, a researcher at the Human Health Therapeutics Research Center and an adjunct professor in the Department of Systems and Computer Engineering at Carleton University. In this episode, Dr. Li shares her recent findings in the development of 3D-printed materials for their application in vascular research and the creation of disease models.Access to Dr. Betty Li and her team’s publication in Elsevier: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bprint.2023.e00258Learn more about Dr. Li: https://carleton.ca/sce/people/li-2/ 0:03 | Introduction 1:23 | What motivated Dr. Li to advance bioprinting technology?4:47 | Who can benefit from 3D bioprinted blood vessels? 6:40 | Innovation of AGC bioink- How Dr. Li created a special type of ink (bioink) that can mimic real living tissue to be used in 3D bioprinting8:50 | 3D bioprinted vascular networks in drug discovery- How using 3D bioprinted blood vessels can help test new medicines10:24 | AGC bioink and ECM remodeling-

Tracy Xie, a student from the University of Ottawa, interviews Dr. Stephanie Willerth, a full professor and Tier II Canada Research Chair in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Victoria. In 2019, Dr. Willerth's group pioneered a new way to 3D print neural tissues using fibrinogen, a natural substance that helps our blood clot.In addition, Dr. Willerth is the CEO and co-founder of Axolotl Biosciences, a women-led biotech company. They have created the world's first commercial neuro-ink by bringing her 3D bioprinting technology to the market with Axolotl Biosciences! In this episode, we discuss the journey behind creating this versatile bioink, the advancements it helped lead to, and the exciting future of 3D bioprinting. Learn more about Dr. Willerth's work here: https://www.engr.uvic.ca/~willerth/Learn more about Axolotl Biosciences here: https://www.axolotlbiosciences.com/                 0:05 | BEaTS Research Radio and host introduction0:26 | Background on 3D bioprinting0:51 | Introdu

As part of the BEaTS Research Radio Translational and Molecular Medicine Sci-Comm Podcast series, our host, Daniel Anderson, interviews Dr. Ruel and NP Ponnambalam. In this episode, Daniel, Dr. Ruel, and Ms. Ponnambalam discuss the promise of minimally invasive coronary bypass grafting (MICS CABG) and how it is a less invasive and safer option for patients who require coronary bypass surgery. Dr. Marc Ruel (MD, MPH) is the endowed chair of minimally invasive cardiac research at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. He is also a Professor in the Division of Cardiac Surgery at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. He is a Professor in the Department of Surgery and Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine at the University of Ottawa. Menaka Ponnambalam (RN-EC, MN, NP-Adult) is a nurse practitioner in the Division of Cardiac Surgery at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. Learn moreDr. Marc Ruel: https://www.ottawaheart.ca/profile/ruel-marcMenaka Ponnabalam: https://www.ottawaheart.ca/patients-a

Hosein Hosseini Abardeh, from the University of Ottawa, interviews Dr. Kusum Menon, a senior scientist at the CHEO Research Institute, to explore her research into pediatric septic shock. In this episode, we dive into critical topics such as the use of corticosteroids in managing pediatric septic shock and the challenges and benefits of using a deferred consent model for patient recruitment in clinical studies. Special guest Katie O’Hearn joins to provide additional insights into the complexities of conducting research in pediatric critical care.Learn more: https://www.cheoresearch.ca/research/find-a-researcher/kusum-menon/0:06 | Host introduction.0:27 | Introduction to Dr. Menon and Katie O'Hearn1:15 | Walking through Dr.Menon's scientific journey2:41 | Katie O'Hearn's role in the lab3:44 | Why are corticosteroids used for pediatric septic shock?5:28 | Challenges faced during the double-blind septic shock pilot study.6:14 | How were the challenges with steroid usage addressed for the stud

Anastasia Fahlman and Sarah Damiani from the University of Ottawa speak with Dr. Erin Mulvihill, Scientist and Director of the Energy Substrate Metabolism Research Laboratory at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. Tune in to learn more about her recent work published in CellPress, which explores the potential mechanisms underlying the cardioprotective benefits of metabolic surgery and GLP-1RA-based therapies. It also discusses recent evidence and emerging therapies in this dynamic area of research. Learn more: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1043276024001930                                                                     Credits for music: Soundtracks by the Underground Drive. All rights reserved. Listen more: https://music.apple.com/ca/artist/the-underground-drive/1571062779https://open.spotify.com/artist/4sCJG8TMQyTZ9FDd1JjJmRPodcast by Sarah Damiani (Voice, Producer, Show Co-Host, Writer Editor, Audio Master) and Anastasia Fahlman (Voice, Show Co-Host, Writer Editor, Audio Mast

Matteus McCulloch from the University of Ottawa interviews Dr. Michele Ardolino, a senior scientist in cancer research at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Ottawa. In this episode, Dr. Ardolino discusses a recent paper published by his lab about PD-L1 and its inhibition of the Type I IFN pathway during oncolytic virus infection, how the research came about, and the relevance of the work to advance cancer treatment.  Learn more about Dr. Ardolino and the work of the Ardolino Lab: https://www.uottawa.ca/faculty-medicine/dr-michele-ardolino https://ardolinolab.ca/0:00 | Introduction to PD-L1 and the type I IFN pathway and its relevance to recent research by Hodgins, J.J. et al. 1:40 | BEaTS, host, and guest introduction2:18 | What inspired the Ardolino Lab's exploration of PD-L1 and the type I IFN pathway?5:01 | What setbacks were encountered over the course of this study?6:35 | What is the me

In this episode, Ali Abdalbari from the University of Ottawa's Translational and Molecular Medicine (TMM) program speaks with Dr. Morgan Fullerton, Professor in the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Ottawa. This episode features a discussion surrounding Dr. Fullerton’s most recent paper, published in the Atherosclerosis Journal (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2024.117608). Dr. Fullerton provides an in-depth overview of his team’s discoveries and offers his expertise in the field of metabolic research, highlighting the importance of model systems of disease and the implications of his research in this field.Learn more: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2024.117608 Fullerton Lab: https://www.fullertonlab.com/0:10 | BEaTS and host introduction0:39 | Introduction to Dr. Fullerton1:39 | Podcast topic introduction1:56 | Guest welcome2:08 | Introduction to atherosclerosis3:44 | Focus of the Fullerton lab: metabolism and AMPK6:32 | Interlude: a study

In this episode, Celina Tanbari from the University of Ottawa interviews Dr. Adam Rudner about the fascinating world of bacteriophages—viruses that target and kill bacteria. Dr. Rudner is the coordinator of the University of Ottawa’s Phage Hunters program, a member of the SEA-PHAGES and SEA-GENES programs, and an Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology. Dr. Rudner shares with us his expert opinion on a study that isolated bacteriophages from human skin to kill infection-causing bacteria. The discussion delves into the therapeutic potential of phages, their involvement in biofilms and lysogeny, and the challenges associated with utilizing phages in medicine. This episode was produced and written by Emma Etchells Foisy, hosted by Celina Tanbari, and audio edited by Sam Rogers. Copyrights are reserved to BEaTS Research Radio and the University of Ottawa.If you are interested in learning more about the paper we discussed today, you can find it through the following link

Maheen Khanotia from the Translational Molecular Medicine program interviews Dr. Barabara Vanderhyden, a distinguished researcher at the Ottawa Hospital and a professor at the University of Ottawa. She is a leading researcher in ovarian cancer, focusing on the BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. In this podcast, Maheen discusses with Dr. Vanderhyden her key findings in her 2023 paper "BRCA1 and BRCA2 deficient tumor models generate distinct ovarian tumor microenvironments and differential responses to therapy," where they delve into the world of cancer, Dr. Vanderhyden's lab findings, potential treatments, and research advice.Learn more:  https://www.ohri.ca/profile/vanderhydenlab/profile0:05 | BEaTS and host introduction.1:17 | Introduction to Dr. Barbara Vanderhyden.1:39 | How did you come to study ovarian cancer?2:48 | What led you to believe the BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations are different?3:50 | What is the tumor microenvironment? 4:57 |  What do the research findings mean to the general public?6:05 | W

Lia Morton from the University of Ottawa interviews Dr. Marisa Azad. Dr. Azad is a physician-scientist at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute and an Assistant Professor of medicine in the division of infectious diseases at the University of Ottawa. In this episode, Dr. Azad shares her insight and expertise on implant-associated infections (IAIs), notably the challenges of detecting and diagnosing IAIs and emerging diagnostic methods.Learn more: https://www.ohri.ca/newsroom/story/view/1543?l=en   0:00 | BEaTS and host introduction.0:38 | Introduction to Implant-Associated Infections (IAIs)1:40 | Introduction to Dr.Azad.2:11 | Why is IAI diagnosis so difficult, and what makes it particularly challenging?3:39 | Implant types that are notably hard to detect.4:29 | How do biofilms contribute to the formation of IAIs, and what makes them dangerous?7:41 | Limitations associated with microbiological analyses.11:09 |Future work and new approaches considered to identify IAIs.12:59 |The diagnostic methods currently b

Join Kahliana Nguyen and Khaled Najjar, Translational and Molecular Medicine students, as they speak with Dr. Baptiste Lacoste, a neuroscience researcher at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute whose recent work focuses on the critical role of the brain’s vascular system in development.  The episode explores a new perspective on autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and how problems with the brain’s blood vessels in early development may contribute to challenges seen in autism. Dr. Lacoste goes into depth on how these blood vessels play a role in brain growth, energy use, and behavior. By studying these interactions alongside neural and genetic factors, his research opens new avenues in how we understand autism and find better ways to address ASD. Whether you’re a researcher, student, or simply curious, this episode offers an exciting new lens to the field. Learn more: Dr Baptiste Lacoste Dr Baptiste Lacoste | Faculté de médecine https://bsky.app/profile/blacoste.bsky.socialhttps://www.ohri.ca/profile/lacostelab0

Maryam Yassin from the University of Ottawa interviews Dr. Anna Jezierski and Dr. Alex MacKenzie. Dr. Jezierski is a research officer at the Department of Translational Biosciences in the Human Health Therapeutics Research Center at the National Research Council of Canada. She is also an adjunct professor for the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology at the University of Ottawa. In this episode, Dr. Jezierski shares her research on modeling the human blood-brain barrier using induced pluripotent stem cells and the various applications of this model in studying therapeutics for diseases of the central nervous system. We're also joined by Dr. Alex Mackenzie, an attending pediatrician and senior scientist at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO). He has served as the CEO and Scientific Director of CHEO Research Institute and is a cross-appointed member of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Ottawa. Dr. Mackenzie comments on how this model is revolutionizing drug