At work for the economy

PAPER STRIP DETECTS WATERBORNE BACTERIA
Researchers at McMaster University create a rapid test strip that identifies E. coli in water

Public swimming areas are the perfect breeding ground for germs such as E. coli, which can cause severe illness. John Brennan at McMaster University has developed a rapid test strip that can quickly and accurately test E. coli levels in recreational and drinking water to reduce the number of water-related outbreaks around the world. McMaster is in negotiations to commercialize the device in the next two to three years. After additional testing, Brennan hopes a similar strip can be made to not only test drinking water but clean it too. Read more…

BUILDING CANADA’S KNOWLEDGE INFRASTRUCTURE
The Canadian Research Knowledge Network expands access to digital research content for Canadian universities

To build on existing knowledge, researchers must have convenient and timely access to research literature. Gaining access to a broad spectrum of academic literature, however, is both resource intensive and costly. Established in 2000, the Canadian Research Knowledge Network (CRKN) negotiates large-scale licenses for digital content with publishers for its more than 1.2 million users from 75 member universities. If member universities had to negotiate content licences with publishers individually, their costs would be two to three times greater than the cost through the CRKN. This has meant an estimated savings to members of $1.43 billion since the network’s inception. Read more…

LIGHTS, CAMERA, RESEARCH!
Sheridan College centre gets high-tech gear to support Ontario’s screen industries

When animated characters and live actors appear together on screen, their movements should be seamlessly synchronized.
The same is true of 3-D cinema. Getting this technology just right involves detailed research and testing of specialized hardware and software — a process that can be prohibitively expensive for one, two or even three small companies working together. Which is why Sheridan College’s Screen Industries Research and Training Centre (SIRT), established in 2009, partners with small- and medium-sized movie, gaming and television production companies across Ontario to master the most efficient technologies and workflow systems. Read more…

Spotlight on research

HEAVY HITTERS
UNB researchers are testing the limits of materials to protect against big impacts
 

John Spray is trying to figure out how to better protect soldiers from roadside bombs, astronauts from hurtling space junk and aircraft from becoming crippled by bird strikes. The answers could literally be out of this world. From a warehouse in the woods on the fringes of Fredericton, Spray and a team of engineers from the University of New Brunswick are translating their knowledge of planetary science and meteorite impacts to test how different materials can withstand the strain when small objects are fired at them at speeds comparable to those of falling meteorites. Read more…

CFI-funded research in the news

MEDIA — Canada’s first social media research lab opens its doors at Dalhousie University
(dal.ca, April 16, 2013)
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SANTÉ — Nouvelles possibilités pour le traitement de la maladie de Lou Gehrig à l’Université de Montréal (UdeMNouvelles, le 16 avril 2013)
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LABORATOIRE  — Nouveau laboratoire en 3D à l’Université de Sherbrooke
(usherbrooke.ca, le 16 avril 2013)
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ENERGY — Applied research team to lead clean energy technology development at SAIT
(sait.ca, April 16, 2013)
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