This is a roundup of relevant news and media stories involving the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry. We appreciate you relaying information that is relevant to faculty members in your respective areas.
TOP STORIES
CTV News: University of Alberta research could restore spinal function
Vivian Mushahwar, the Canada Research Chair in Functional Restoration at the U of A, says her research could restore standing and walking functions to those with damaged spinal cords. She helped develop an electrical spinal implant as well as an improved map of the spinal cord. Story also ran on Science Focus, CBC News, CBC News Edmonton, Radio Canada, Global News, Global News Edmonton, 630 CHED, Newstalk 770, CityNews, iNews 880, Metro (UK), China Gene Network and FARS News Agency. Coverage also appears on multiple other CTV, City TV and Global news stations across the country.
The U of A has formed a partnership with Atlas Biotechnologies, to explore and research using medical cannabis to treat a variety of neurological conditions, specifically multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's and Huntington's diseases. Additional coverage appears on Global News and in multiple markets on CTV News, CBC News and CityNews. Stories also found on Edmonton Journal, 680 News, iNews 880, CBC Radio Active, Culture Magazine, Mugglehead, Daily Hive, Technology.org, The Growth Op, Ganjapreneur, Multiple Sclerosis News Today and Education News Canada.
Toronto Star: Study suggests infants be tested for autism if older siblings diagnosed
Canadian researchers have led a study suggesting infants be tested for autism spectrum disorder before symptoms appear if an older sibling has already been diagnosed with the neurobiological condition. One of the researchers, Lonnie Zwaigenbaum, a professor of pediatrics at the U of A, is interviewed. The Canadian Press story appears in several other newspapers across Canada and on Talk Radio programs nationwide.
RESEARCH
Discover Airdrie: Ryan Straschnitzki happy to be home for Christmas
Ryan Straschnitzki, the former Humboldt Broncos player who was paralyzed from the chest down in a bus crash, has returned home after having an epidural stimulator implanted into his spine in Thailand. In the article, Straschnitzki's parents respond to the news of U of A research to map the spinal cord, which could advance the procedure Straschnitski underwent in Thailand.
Daily Mail: Controversial cancer drug may offer hope to millions of women battling endometriosis as scientists find it can reduce size of painful lesions
Article on dichloroacetate (DCA) mentions U of A research from 2007 that stated the agent showed promise in shrinking tumours in laboratory rats and human cells in the lab.
John Lewis, CEO of Entos Pharmaceuticals and professor of oncology at the U of A, is interviewed about a recent agreement with a U.S. biopharmaceutical company to develop new therapies to treat autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Coverage also appears on CBC Edmonton AM, and in the Edmonton Journal and Calgary Herald.
The shell of the HIV-1 virus may have a different shape than previously thought, according to a new study by the U of A that has significant implications for understanding how the virus functions. The work was led by U of A endocrinologist Marcelo Marcet-Palacios. The story also appears on News Medical and Technology.org.
Edmonton Journal: Watch: Father and son participate in cancer exercise program
Terry Leskiw, 73, and James Leskiw, 42, participated in the Alberta Cancer Exercise program at the U of A's Cancer Rehabilitation Clinic in Corbett Hall. Terry was invited to train alongside his son, who has been recovering from surgery to remove a brain tumour. Margaret McNeely, an assistant professor of oncology at the U of A, said the program is part of a study looking at customized workout plans for cancer patients. Related coverage appears in several other Edmonton media outlets.
Fox News (Huntsville, Alabama): New study suggesting link between screen time and ADHD in children
Kids are spending more and more time watching screens, and new research shows lots of screen time could be linked to higher risk for ADHD. The study was conducted by U of A researchers on preschool-aged kids.
The Government of Alberta is investing $1 million into a research project that will follow for years a group of people with multiple sclerosis-with varying disease types and at differing stages-to better understand progression in MS. The initiative brings together almost 50 leading MS researchers across Canada, and is centred at five sites, one of which is the U of A.
The National: Healthy on holiday: weight loss tips for your next trip
A 2017 U of A study is cited in the story. It found that one reason people tend to pile on the kilos in colder climes is a lack of sunlight. Related coverage appears on KSBI: Your health with Dr. Richard and Cindy Becker.
It's fallacy to believe your DNA is a good predictor of your health, say U of A scientists who examined two decades of data. David Wishart, a U of A professor in the departments of biological sciences, computing science and laboratory medicine & pathology, is quoted. Coverage appears in Global News, CBC Radio One, Newstalk 770, iNews 880, MSN, Technology.org and in numerous other Canadian and U.S. outlets.
EXPERTS
Canada's health-care system is simpler than America's patchwork of public and private plans, but there are drawbacks. Lee Green, chair of the Department of Family Medicine at the U of A, who was a professor at the University of Michigan for 26 years, is interviewed.
CTV Edmonton: University of Alberta dental students donate thousands of pairs of socks
Students and staff from the U of A School of Dentistry amassed 9,374 pairs of socks destined for the Boyle McCauley Health Centre. Fourth-year dental student Kelsey Won is interviewed. Coverage also appears on Global Edmonton and CTV Montreal.
Ani News: 'Obesity a chronic disease, maintaining lost weight more important'
At a symposium at the International Diabetes Federation Congress, Arya Sharma, a professor of medicine at the U of A, commented that countries should recognize obesity as a chronic condition. Coverage also appears on The Saxon, Hindustan Times and NewKerala.com.
Grandin Media: Debate over conscience rights hasn't cooled off in Alberta
"We are already protected by the (Alberta College of Physicians and Surgeons) to allow conscience rights, but we must refer and counsel our patients on the options available to them," comments U of A clinical professor of medicine Shelley Duggan in the article.
Edmonton Journal: Opinion: Restricting where doctors practise in Alberta could drive them away
An unidentified U of A medical student is quoted in an op-ed about Bill 21, the Ensuring Fiscal Sustainability Act. The bill would give the health minister the power to put limits on a doctor's licence or billing number, so doctors can only practise in certain parts of Alberta. Coverage also appears in the London Free Press.
660 News: IPF is spotlighted during lung health month
Meena Kalluri, an associate professor of medicine at the U of A, said the often misdiagnosed idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis requires early treatment, but inconsistencies in treatment practices between provinces and a lack of experts in Alberta create barriers that need to be addressed.
NPR: Soupy Study: Minestrone could be a secret weapon against malaria
Stephanie Yanow, an assistant adjunct professor of medical microbiology and immunology at the U of A gives expert comment in a story about the efficacy of homemade soup recipes for treating illnesses such as malaria. Coverage also appears on Release Soon.
National Post: Yes, middle age-spread is real-and dangerous
Obesity researcher Arya Sharma explains that after age 20, the body burns 10 to 15 fewer calories every day and that compounds annually. "By the age of 50, we could be burning nearly 400 fewer calories a day. If you're still eating the same amount of food as when you were 20, you'll gain weight." The story also appears on MSN and in other Postmedia papers across Canada.
Chatelaine: Everything you need to know about colds
It seems like sick people are everywhere in the winter, which leaves us with questions: Does echinacea really help boost your immunity? What exactly is the difference between the flu and a cold? And how can you feel better faster? Chatelaine turned to Lee Green, chair of the Department of Family Medicine at the U of A, for answers. The story also appears on MSN.
CBC Radio Saskatchewan: Naps are a great way to start valuing sleep
Naps are a wonderful supplement to sleep, but nothing is as restorative as a regular night's sleep within the target hours, according to Atul Khullar, an associate clinical professor of psychiatry at the U of A. Coverage appeared on CBC Radio in several markets across Canada and on Radio Canada International.
CBC News: Former teen vaper warns others to quit after her lung spontaneously collapses
Alberta and other provinces are tracking a very specific and severe lung disease related to vaping following an outbreak of similar illnesses reported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control last summer. But some physicians, including Edmonton-based lung specialist Dilini Vethanayagam, have reported to their local public health office other types of respiratory problems and adverse effects they believe to be related to vaping.
The Star: Canadian skin banks ready to help New Zealand treat volcanic eruption victims
International tissue banks have mobilized to help New Zealand meet its need for an estimated 1.2 million square centimetres of skin to be grafted onto victims of the eruption on White Island, which killed 16 people. Edward Tredget, director of the University of Alberta Hospital's burn unit and a professor of surgery at the U of A, gives expert comment. The Canadian Press story appears in several daily newspapers across Canada.
PEOPLE, PARTNERSHIPS AND EDUCATION
St. Albert Gazette: Gold medal artist
Profile of post-doctoral fellow Brad Necyk, who recently won the Governor General's Gold Medal for his doctoral thesis in psychiatry.
Op-ed by second-year medical student Susan Muncner argues that more is needed than presumed consent for organ and tissue donation rates to truly rise. Coverage also appears in several other Postmedia newspapers across Canada.
The Gateway: U of A Medical students react to new provincial organ donation bill
For the Medical Students' Association, Bill 205 is a "great start" for Alberta, but more needs to be done to inspire larger-picture change. Medical students Susan Muncner and Naik Arbabzada are quoted.
CBC Edmonton AM: Lost your dental benefits? U of A can help
Radio interview mentions affordable dental options offered by U of A student groups.
Opinion piece by McGill medicine professor John Bergeron mentions that U of A virologist Michael Houghton and cell biologist Richard Rachubinski are world-renowned leaders in their respective fields.
Edmonton Journal: More than two front teeth: U of A School of Dentistry offers free service
More than 80 patients got free dental work as the U of A School of Dentistry provided charitable care prior to Christmas.