A new partnership positions British Columbia for growth in biomining, a process which uses microorganisms to extract valuable metals from ores, low-grade minerals, mine waste, and industrial residues. Supported by an investment of up to $1 million over three years, the strategic collaboration between Genome BC and the University of British Columbia’s Bradshaw Research Institute […]
Genome BC
Research Project Gathers Genetic Data to Protect Sensitive Ecosystems in B.C.
A project funded by Genome BC is filling information gaps for the conservation and management of kelp forests in British Columbia, local experts report. The project, dubbed KelpGen, was launched to help researchers better understand the populations and attributes of two keystone kelp species: bull kelp and giant kelp. These kelp are part of ecosystems […]
Researchers Analyze Local Marine Life to Learn More About Climate Adaptation
Changes in climate could impact food sources for marine life, affecting natural ecosystems. This problem is under the microscope at Genome British Columbia, which announced recently that it is supporting four targeted research projects in the wheelhouse of marine life conservation. “We have a strong dependence on fisheries and aquaculture, for our health, culture, and […]
Novel Therapeutics Innovator to Tackle ‘Silent Epidemic’ of Bed Sores in Canada
Lying or sitting in one position for too long can disrupt blood flow and even damage tissue. As a result, in hospitals and long-term care homes across Canada, people with limited mobility often develop pressure injuries known as bed sores. Such non-healing wounds—among the most common type of wound encountered in healthcare—are a “silent epidemic” […]
Genome BC Provides Growth Capital to Two Local Startups Innovating Agtech
Two startups based in the Vancouver area have garnered funding from Genome British Columbia. Genome BC is a not-for-profit organization that has advanced genomics research and innovation for 25 years. The organization is funding the startups through its Industry Innovation Fund, known as I². “The I² fund is bridging the gap between innovation and commercialization […]
Genome BC Funds Research as UBC and SFU Study Impacts of Wildfire Smoke Exposure
Genome BC is funding three research projects oriented around genetic-level impacts of wildfire smoke exposure. The not-for-profit organization, which supports genomics innovation in British Columbia, says the projects aim to help vulnerable populations. Suzanne Gill, who serves Genome BC as chief executive officer, says the projects are “specifically designed to uncover what makes our vulnerable […]
Genome BC Launches Collaborative Research Project to Boost Resilience of Wine Industry
British Columbia’s wine industry employs more than 14,000 workers in the province, contributing nearly $4 billion to the economy per annum. However, shifts in climate typicalities are challenging wine producers in the region. Genome British Columbia points to “rising temperatures, changing rainfall and frost patterns, and smoke from wildfires” among potential factors causing “catastrophic crop […]
Genome BC Invests in eDNA Technology to Protect Biodiversity Across Province
Genome British Columbia this week unveiled new investments to expand Canada’s capacity for environmental DNA monitoring. The investments, announced on World Environment Day, are being injected into regional projects leveraging a rising technology, eDNA. Environmental DNA is like a blood test for the environment, in which a single scoop of water, soil, sediment, or air, […]
Genome BC Secures $49M for Personalized Health Research in BC
Genome BC has helped secure more than $49 million to support five cutting-edge genomics projects aimed at advancing personalized healthcare in British Columbia. The funding is part of the Canadian Precision Health Initiative (CPHI), a national effort led by Genome Canada to harness genomic data for more personalized, preventative, and cost-effective healthcare. Genome BC contributed […]
Genome BC Funds Research to Combat Avian Influenza
Genome BC is funding research to address the risks of the H5N1 avian influenza strain following BC’s first domestically acquired human case. The BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) will lead the projects in partnership with government agencies and UBC researchers. While the public risk remains low, recent human cases in North America highlight the […]