London, Ontario – Can implantable technology help deliver targeted therapies for brain cancer? Can exercise during pregnancy for diabetic mothers reduce the instances of congenital heart defects? These questions, along with hundreds more that may have impacts on human health, have been answered by top graduate trainees and postdoctoral scholars at Lawson Health Research Institute and at Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry.
For the 6th year, London Health Research Day will bring together more than 400 presenters on March 28 at the London Convention Centre to share how their research is helping to answer these important questions.
Dr. Andrea Di Sebastiano, a postdoctoral scholar, and her team have pioneered a new electrotherapeutic strategy that utilizes implantable hardware to deliver chronic, targeted therapy for a brain cancer called Glioblastoma. This proof-of-concept study used preclinical models to demonstrate that the device was effective in reducing the cancerous tumour in the living brain.
Tana Saiyin, a master’s of science candidate, and her team showed for the first time that maternal exercise during pregnancy may be an effective way to mitigate negative effects of diabetes on the offspring. Women with diabetes have been shown to be four times more likely of to produce offspring with congenital heart defects, and this pre-clinical study demonstrates that exercise may be a feasible intervention to counteract these negative effects.
Both Dr. Di Sebastiano and Saiyin will be giving oral presentations on their work as part of London Health Research Day.
Media are invited to attend the poster and oral presentations – presenters will be available for interviews as well as Dr. Douglas Jones, Vice Dean, Basic Medical Sciences, Schulich Medicine & Dentistry, Western University.
EVENT DETAILS
Tuesday, March 28, 2017, London Convention Centre
8:30 - 10:15 a.m.
Poster Presentations - Morning Session
10:30 - 11:45 a.m.
Platform Presentations - Morning Session
Feature Presentation by Andrea Di Sebastiano, Salon B, at approximately 11 a.m.
11:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Lunch
The Lucille & Norton Wolf Health Research Lecture Series Featuring: Dr. Paul Thagard "Explaining Mental Illness"
1:15 - 3:00 p.m.
Poster Presentations - Afternoon Session
3:15 - 4:30 p.m.
Platform Presentations - Afternoon Session
Feature Presentation by Tana Saiyin, Salon B, at approximately 3:45 p.m.
5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Awards Reception
-30-
MEDIA CONTACT
Crystal Mackay, Media Relations Officer
Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University
t. 519.661.2111 ext. 80387, c. 519.933.5944
@email
@CrystalMackay
EVENT HASHTAG: #LHRD17
Western delivers an academic experience second to none. Since 1878, The Western Experience has combined academic excellence with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social and cultural growth in order to better serve our communities. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Western attracts individuals with a broad worldview, seeking to study, influence and lead in the international community.
The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at Western University is one of Canada’s preeminent medical and dental schools. Established in 1881, it was one of the founding schools of Western University and is known for being the birthplace of family medicine in Canada. For more than 130 years, the School has demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence and a passion for scientific discovery.
Lawson Health Research Institute is one of Canada’s top hospital-based research institutes, tackling the most pressing challenges in health care. As the research institute of London Health Sciences Centre and St. Joseph’s Health Care London, our innovation happens where care is delivered. Lawson research teams are at the leading-edge of science with the goal of improving health and the delivery of care for patients. Working in partnership with Western University, our researchers are encouraged to pursue their curiosity, collaborate often and share their discoveries widely. Research conducted through Lawson makes a difference in the lives of patients, families and communities around the world. To learn more, visit www.lawsonresearch.ca.
Senior Media Relations Consultant
Communications & Public Engagement
T: 519-685-8500 ext. 73502
Celine.zadorsky@lhsc.on.ca
