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CBC
18 minutes ago
- CBC
What's slimy, green and flourishing thanks to climate change?
If you guessed algae, you're right. New research published in Communications Earth & Environment suggests algae growth is increasing in Canada's lakes — even remote ones — and climate change is the main culprit. A team led by researchers at McGill University in Montreal and Université Laval analyzed sediment cores taken from 80 lakes across the country and found that algae has been increasing in the majority of them since the mid-1800s. For lead author Hamid Ghanbari, the most interesting finding was a spike in the rate of the increase in algal growth: since the 1960s, it increased sevenfold. "This was something very surprising for us and when we compared our data with other historical records, we found out that rising temperature is a major factor," Ghanbari said. Aside from climate change, excess nitrogen and phosphorus can also contribute to algal growth when they are carried into waterways through runoff from animal manure and chemical fertilizers, stormwater and wastewater. Algae, along with bacteria and phytoplankton, are essential for the aquatic food web. But too much algae can be a bad thing. The recently published peer-reviewed study looked at algal growth overall and didn't analyze for blooms. While some lakes see some algae as a part of their cycle, Ghanbari said the concern is what will happen if the increase in algae leads to growth outside of what's normal. "That's where the problem starts," he said. "We don't know at the moment what that threshold is, but we know the increasing chlorophyll or algae levels in the lakes could lead to several problems." Ghanbari said excess algae growth can harm aquatic life and even human health — reducing water quality, depleting oxygen in the water and creating blooms that can release dangerous toxins, as residents along the shores of Lake Erie know all too well. Daryl McGoldrick, head of water quality monitoring and surveillance for the Great Lakes for Environment and Climate Change Canada, said while increasing algal growth doesn't necessarily mean more toxic blooms, there is a risk to aquatic life. "The study is in line with what we see and [what we] suspect are impacts of warming," McGoldrick said. Global and local action can help Maëlle Tripon, a project manager with Quebec freshwater advocacy group Fondation Rivières, said her team has noticed first-hand that when it's warmer, they see more algae on lakes. She said her takeaway from the research is that tackling algal growth cannot solely rely on local action. "We already knew we need to change locally — like farming practices and also, for example, we need less paved and waterproof surface in the cities," she said. "But what the study shows is that we also need global policies to alleviate climate change." Ghanbari agreed, but added that individual choices can still help reduce algal growth. "Simple acts such as reducing the fertilizers … or properly disposing of household chemicals, these simple acts could really help the lakes," he said.
CTV News
3 hours ago
- CTV News
Kingston, Ont. hospital the first in Canada to use AI heart imaging technology
The Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC) will be the first hospital in Canada to use artificial intelligence to diagnose coronary artery disease on CT scans, thanks to a $100,000 donation. The hospital in Kingston, Ont. is launching Heartflow, a 'revolutionary AI-based technology' that will allow radiologists and cardiologists to measure how the blood flows through a patient's coronary arteries, using a CT scan. 'This AI tool is a game changer for the way we triage patients,' Dr. Omar Islam, head of diagnostic radiology at Kingston Health Sciences Centre, said in a statement. 'Before, we had to send everyone with a possible significant blockage to the cardiovascular catheterization (cath) lab just to see if the flow was reduced. Now, we can do that non-invasively with Heartflow. If the flow is normal, the patient avoids an invasive procedure entirely. It helps our capacity in the cath lab and saves the health-care system money. From a patient perspective, it spares them a procedure they may not have needed.' Traditionally, many patients had to undergo cardiac catheterization, which is an invasive test that involves threading a wire into the arteries to measure blockages. The Kingston Health Sciences Centre says Heartflow can reduce unnecessary catheterizations by up to 30 per cent, as doctors can make the measurement directly from a CT scan. 'For patients living with chest pain and suspected coronary artery disease, Heartflow provides a safer, faster and more accurate diagnosis of low blood flow,' the hospital said in a media release. 'It also helps medical teams determine how severe a blockage in a patient's artery may be—without having to undergo an invasive procedure. Heartflow will be fully operational at the hospital this month. Officials credit a $100,000 donation from local donor Stephen Sorensen for allowing the hospital to launch the technology. 'Thanks to Stephen Sorensen's visionary support, KHSC is able to invest in state-of-the-art technology that is improving care for our patients,' says KHSC CEO Dr. David Pichora. 'His belief in the power of innovation, particularly in the field of medical imaging, is creating a healthier future for our patients—and we are grateful for his remarkable leadership and generosity.' Sorensen added, 'I'm always looking for innovative tools that can have an immediate impact on patients' lives and Heartflow fits the bill.' The Kingston Health Sciences Centre is the first hospital in Canada to use the AI heart imaging technology.
National Post
5 hours ago
- National Post
SPEC Labs Announces Board Transitions to Support Next Phase of Expansion
Article content MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — SPEC Labs, a national provider of coworking wet lab facilities for Canada's life sciences sector, today announced the appointment of two new distinguished leaders, Abdullah Snobar and Bob Hill, to its Board of Directors. Article content Bob Hill brings decades of experience in life sciences, commercialization, and strategic operations. A seasoned executive and advisor, Bob's leadership has helped guide numerous early-stage life sciences companies through scale-up, regulatory navigation, and partnership growth. His strategic insight will support SPEC Labs as it expands its footprint and deepens its value to life sciences residents and partners across the region. Article content 'I am excited to join the Board of Directors of SPEC Labs and work with such a talented leadership group,' Article content said Bob Hill. Article content 'We have a vibrant life sciences sector in Canada and I am delighted to play a role in helping to address such a critical need for our ecosystem.' Article content Abdullah Snobar is the Executive Director of the DMZ at Toronto Metropolitan University, one of Canada's top startup incubators, and a nationally recognized leader in entrepreneurship and innovation policy. His expertise in ecosystem building, equity in innovation, and supporting high-growth startups aligns seamlessly with SPEC Labs' mission to empower the next generation of life sciences entrepreneurs. Article content 'Canada's life sciences sector needs bold infrastructure and bold vision. SPEC Labs is delivering both,' Article content said Abdullah Snobar. Article content 'I'm honoured to support its mission of helping emerging biotech founders scale breakthrough innovations right here at home.' Article content These appointments come at a pivotal moment as SPEC Labs prepares to open its flagship location in Mississauga, Ontario. The facility will serve as a launchpad for graduation-stage biotech and life sciences companies, providing critical lab infrastructure and a supportive commercialization environment. Article content 'Abdullah and Bob bring unique and highly complementary strengths to the Board,' Article content said Doris Qamar, CEO of SPEC Labs. Article content 'Abdullah's leadership in building high-performance Article content growth strategy as we expand across Canada.' At the same time, SPEC Labs is announcing the departure of two long-standing board members: Dr. Pamela Plant and Dr. Leyla Soleymani. Both played foundational roles in guiding SPEC Labs from its inception through to its current launch phase. Article content 'Pamela and Leyla have been instrumental to our success,' Article content said Doris Qamar. Article content guidance, energy, and belief in SPEC Labs' mission helped shape the organization into what it is today. We are deeply thankful for their contributions and wish them the very best in Article content their next chapters.' Article content As SPEC Labs moves forward, the expanded Board will help steer the organization through its first facility opening and national growth. The new appointments underscore SPEC Labs' commitment to strong governance, strategic partnerships, and mission-driven leadership in Canada's life sciences ecosystem. Article content SPEC Labs is a not-for-profit operator of coworking wet lab facilities purpose-built for Canada's graduation-stage life sciences companies. With a model inspired by global best practices, SPEC Labs provides flexible, affordable lab space and wraparound support to help emerging biotech ventures thrive. Article content Article content Article content
