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
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 […]
UBC, Genome BC, and STEMCELL Partner to Advance Stem Cell Therapies
A new collaboration between Genome BC, STEMCELL Technologies, and researchers from the University of British Columbia (UBC) aims to accelerate stem cell research, with hopes to unlock faster and more effective treatments for a wide range of diseases. Stem cells, renowned for their ability to develop into various cell types, hold promise for medical research […]
Genome BC Launches New Initiative to Integrate Genetic Counsellors into Primary Care
Genome British Columbia (Genome BC) has announced an innovative initiative aimed at integrating genetic counsellors into primary care settings across the province. This project, led by Dr. Jehannine (J9) Austin of the University of British Columbia, is set to transform patient care by addressing health inequities and providing personalized care through precision medicine. The ACCESS-GC […]
BC to Lead Groundbreaking Genomics Project to Improve Kidney Transplants in Canada
British Columbia has been selected as the test bed for a potentially game-changing genomics project to improve kidney transplant outcomes across Canada in partnership with Canadian Blood Services. This project, funded by Genome British Columbia, Genome Canada, Michael Smith Health Research BC, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute and others, seeks to significantly reduce organ rejection […]
How Genomics Could Boost Resilience of Province’s Fragile Shellfish Industry
The shellfish industry is a salient component of British Columbia’s economy. This is particularly true in the Comox and Deep Bay area, a region which produces two-thirds of the province’s oyster production. But if fecal pollution is detected in BC waters, harvesting areas are shut down immediately. It’s a problem, and one exasperated by the […]