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.
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Platform Presentations – Morning Session
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| 11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.
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Lunch
The Lucille & Norton Wolf Health Research Lecture Series |
| 1:15 – 3:00 p.m.
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Poster Presentations – Afternoon Session
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| 3:15 – 4:30 p.m.
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Platform Presentations – Afternoon Session Feature Presentation by Tana Saiyin, Salon B, at approximately 3:45 p.m. |
| 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
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Awards Reception
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MEDIA CONTACT: Crystal Mackay, Media Relations Officer, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, t. 519.661.2111 ext. 80387, c. 519.933.5944, crystal.mackay@schulich.uwo.ca @CrystalMackay
EVENT HASHTAG: #LHRD17
ABOUT WESTERN
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.
ABOUT THE SCHULICH SCHOOL OF MEDICINE & DENTISTRY
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.
ABOUT LAWSON HEALTH RESEARCH INSTITUTE
As the research institute of London Health Sciences Centre and St. Joseph’s Health Care London, and working in partnership with Western University, Lawson Health Research Institute is committed to furthering scientific knowledge to advance health care around the world.
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