Latest news with #UniversitéLaval
CBC
3 days ago
- Health
- CBC
Search is on for new water source in Umiujaq, Que., as local spring dries up
The community of Umiujaq, Que., is looking for a new source of drinking water, after its water reservoir was found empty last year. Next to the village's water treatment plant is a large reservoir to store water collected during the summer. When it's full, it can hold roughly two years' worth of water for the community. Hossein Shafeghati, the Kativik Regional Government's municipal public works director, said he was notified in March 2024 that the reservoir had no more water. He brought in researchers from Université Laval to investigate. The researchers' theory is that the spring that Umiujaq draws water from has dried up, and thawing permafrost could be to blame. "They believe that the permafrost might have degraded and changed the slope. So that water is going somewhere else [away from the reservoir]," Shafeghati said. Last summer, the researchers flew in pumps to extract water from a part of the river further north, to ensure there is sufficient supply. In the coming months, some of the researchers will be back in Umiujaq to look for a new, permanent water source near the community. Challenges of location Richard Fortier is one of the researchers involved in the search for a new source. His team has identified several possible sites, but all have logistical challenges. One section of a local river, for example, is near a landfill. "If you want to use the surface water in the river, you have to pump the water uphill of the dump and the wastewater pump. Otherwise if you take it downhill, you are vulnerable to the contamination from the dump and the wastewater pump," Fortier said. That would mean a more complex — and costly — construction job. Another researcher, Jean-Michel Lemieux, also floats the idea of underground water as a possible source, like in the other Nunavik communities of Salluit and Kuujuaraapik. The warmth from a body of water can create taliks – layers of unfrozen ground within a permafrost region. Lemieux, who's studied the area for a decade, said there is a valley with groundwater, though it's several kilometres away from the village. But he believes it could be worth it, given groundwater is better quality – and tastes better — than surface water. "The soil naturally filters the water, so there's bacteria, there's viruses. So the rock quality of the water that could be pumped from an aquifer is much better." Once a viable new water source is identified, the Kativik Regional Government will need to get it approved with Quebec's Environment Ministry. It will also take time to build new infrastructure, so Shafeghati anticipates the entire process could take up to five years. Other impacts of climate change Thawing permafrost, on areas with a slope, can cause active layer detachment. "That is when that active layer sitting on the slope loses the attachment to the permafrost and then it slides down the slope. That's where you have landslides," Shafeghati explained. The road to Umiujaq's airport could be at risk, he said, though he doesn't believe other parts of the village will need to be relocated because of permafrost degradation. However, it will be a factor in where they choose the new water source to be situated. Last week, the Quebec government announced $1.85 million for landslide research in Nunavik. The province said that money will help Université Laval to map out landslide-prone areas in the region, and funding is also being provided to the Kativik Regional Government to improve risk management. In an email to CBC News, Umiujaq Mayor Jack Niviaxie said he's seeing the effects of climate change already in his community. About 460 kilometres east of Umiujaq, climate change is also threatening the water in Tasiujaq. That village, situated near Ungava Bay, is renowned for its high tides. Shafeghati said the tidal fluctuation there is greater than the Bay of Fundy, and rising sea levels could be pushing water further up the community's river. "There are times in the year that there is salt water intrusion and there are sensors in the system that will shut down the pumping when there is salinity in the river," he said. He said the system in Tasiujaq is fine for now, but in the new few decades, the community may have to consider moving the water pumping station further upriver.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
This discovery in Cannabis DNA will change how you see weed forever; 33 genetic markers explained
Université Laval in Québec has made a significant breakthrough in cannabis research and breeding by identifying 33 genetic markers in marijuana that influence the plant's cannabinoid production . The discovery opens new doors to developing custom cannabis strains for specific medical and recreational purposes. Published in the peer-reviewed journal The Plant Genome , the study could significantly advance the science of cannabis cultivation by allowing breeders to fine-tune the plant's chemical profile with greater precision. The research team studied 174 cannabis samples and used high-density genotyping to analyze over 23,000 molecular markers. From this dataset, they pinpointed 33 specific markers strongly associated with the production of 11 cannabinoids, compounds like THCA, CBDA, and CBN , which are known for their therapeutic and psychoactive properties. Among the most notable findings was a large cluster of genes on one chromosome region that spans approximately 60 megabases. This region was strongly linked to THC-dominant strains of cannabis, confirming the role of specific DNA segments in driving potency levels. Live Events What does this mean for breeders? Historically, cannabis breeding has been a time-consuming process that involved growing plants to maturity, harvesting them, and analyzing their chemical content. This method can take months and is prone to variability. The new genetic markers now provide a reliable way to predict cannabinoid content early in the breeding process. This allows breeders to select plants with the desired genetic traits without waiting for full plant maturity. The process becomes faster, cheaper, and more efficient. 'These markers offer powerful tools for improving cannabis through molecular breeding,' the researchers wrote. 'They help overcome barriers that have limited the development of elite strains due to decades of prohibition and lack of genetic infrastructure.' A boost for medical marijuana This development is particularly promising for the medical cannabis industry. It targets genetic traits responsible for producing non-psychoactive cannabinoids like CBD and CBG, breeders can create strains tailored for pain relief, inflammation, anxiety, epilepsy, and other conditions, without inducing a high. The ability to develop strains with precise chemical balances can also help standardize dosing, which has long been a challenge in medical marijuana use. Global research momentum This study adds to a growing wave of scientific interest in cannabis. Recently, researchers in South Korea identified a new cannabinoid compound, cannabielsoxa, which has sparked further investigation into the plant's unexplored genetic complexity. As more countries legalize cannabis and invest in research, experts say these kinds of discoveries will become more common and more valuable. The discovery of these 33 genetic markers marks a significant step toward modernizing cannabis cultivation. As genetic tools become more widely adopted, the industry can expect to see faster development of high-quality, purpose-driven cannabis strains. Researchers believe that with continued investment in plant genomics, cannabis could soon join other major crops like corn, wheat, and soybeans in benefiting from cutting-edge breeding techniques.
Cision Canada
12-05-2025
- Health
- Cision Canada
Powering the Future of Brain Research, One Platform at a Time
QUÉBEC, May 12, 2025 /CNW/ - Brain Canada is pleased to announce that Dr. Marie-Eve Paquet, Director of the COVF, researcher at the CERVO Center, and professor in the Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care at the Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, and Dr. Yves De Koninck, Director of Research, CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale and Scientific Director, Brain Research Centre CERVO, have been awarded a 2024 Platform Support Grant (PSG) in recognition of their leadership of the Canadian Optogenetics and Vectorology Foundry. Their work is part of a national initiative to transform how brain research is conducted in Canada. "Université Laval is proud of the financial support it has received from Brain Canada for this platform. In addition to highlighting the expertise of our professors, this grant is in line with our research vision, which aims to support and promote diversified and innovative research approaches and methods. Brain Canada's contribution catalyzes an already highly successful platform, which will undoubtedly be transformative and have a lasting impact on neuroscience research and, ultimately, on society." — Frédéric Picard, Associate Vice-Rector, Research, Creation and Innovation, Université Laval About the Platform Support Grants Program Brain Canada's signature PSG program accelerates innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration by strengthening Canada's technical and research capabilities. These shared tools — including facilities, equipment, databases, and biobanks — are essential for bold scientific discovery across neuroscience and mental health. "Unlocking the brain's complexities requires robust platforms and shared scientific resources," said Dr. Viviane Poupon, President and CEO of Brain Canada. "With this funding, we are supporting the infrastructure that allows researchers to ask — and answer — the big questions, while advancing a culture of Open Science that promotes transparency, collaboration, and real-world impact." The PSG program fills a critical gap by expanding access to state-of-the-art technology and expertise that individual labs could not sustain on their own. Funding helps researchers collaborate, share data, and generate insights into the most complex organ in the human body — the brain. Through the Canada Brain Research Fund (CBRF) — a public-private partnership with the Government of Canada (Health Canada) — Brain Canada is investing over $18 million, matched by recipient-secured contributions for a total of more than $36 million. The full list of 14 funded platforms will be announced in the coming weeks — a major step forward in Canada's capacity to support brain research and improve outcomes for those affected by brain-related conditions. About the Canadian Optogenetics and Vectorology Foundry Dr. Marie-Eve Paquet, and Dr. Yves De Koninck, University of Laval Total grant amount: $4.75M Optogenetics is a technique where light-sensitive genes are introduced into brain cells to control and monitor their activity with light that allows researchers to precisely control and decode nerve cell communication. The Canadian Optogenetics and Vectrology Foundry (COVF) places Canada at the forefront of this field by accelerating the development of new light-responsive genes and proteins. With renewed Platform Support Grant support from Brain Canada, COVF will expand its capabilities by increasing the diversity and quality of optogenetic tools, enhancing viral vector properties, and scaling up production to meet the growing demand for research and clinical applications. It will ensure that COVF remains a leader in optogenetics, driving the development and democratization of transformative tools for the global neuroscience community. About Brain Canada Brain Canada plays a unique national role in convening and advancing brain research. Better understanding the brain leads to improved prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cures for brain disorders. Visit and follow @BrainCanada to learn more. About the CBRF Since 2011, the Government of Canada has committed $280 million through the CBRF. Matched by Brain Canada, this represents a $560 million total investment in Canadian brain research. CBRF supports high-potential neuroscience projects that deepen our understanding of brain health and accelerate new therapies.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Powering the Future of Brain Research, One Platform at a Time
QUÉBEC, May 12, 2025 /CNW/ - Brain Canada is pleased to announce that Dr. Marie-Eve Paquet, Director of the COVF, researcher at the CERVO Center, and professor in the Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care at the Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, and Dr. Yves De Koninck, Director of Research, CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale and Scientific Director, Brain Research Centre CERVO, have been awarded a 2024 Platform Support Grant (PSG) in recognition of their leadership of the Canadian Optogenetics and Vectorology Foundry. Their work is part of a national initiative to transform how brain research is conducted in Canada. "Université Laval is proud of the financial support it has received from Brain Canada for this platform. In addition to highlighting the expertise of our professors, this grant is in line with our research vision, which aims to support and promote diversified and innovative research approaches and methods. Brain Canada's contribution catalyzes an already highly successful platform, which will undoubtedly be transformative and have a lasting impact on neuroscience research and, ultimately, on society." — Frédéric Picard, Associate Vice-Rector, Research, Creation and Innovation, Université Laval About the Platform Support Grants ProgramBrain Canada's signature PSG program accelerates innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration by strengthening Canada's technical and research capabilities. These shared tools — including facilities, equipment, databases, and biobanks — are essential for bold scientific discovery across neuroscience and mental health. "Unlocking the brain's complexities requires robust platforms and shared scientific resources," said Dr. Viviane Poupon, President and CEO of Brain Canada. "With this funding, we are supporting the infrastructure that allows researchers to ask — and answer — the big questions, while advancing a culture of Open Science that promotes transparency, collaboration, and real-world impact." The PSG program fills a critical gap by expanding access to state-of-the-art technology and expertise that individual labs could not sustain on their own. Funding helps researchers collaborate, share data, and generate insights into the most complex organ in the human body — the brain. Through the Canada Brain Research Fund (CBRF) — a public-private partnership with the Government of Canada (Health Canada) — Brain Canada is investing over $18 million, matched by recipient-secured contributions for a total of more than $36 million. The full list of 14 funded platforms will be announced in the coming weeks — a major step forward in Canada's capacity to support brain research and improve outcomes for those affected by brain-related conditions. About the Canadian Optogenetics and Vectorology Foundry Dr. Marie-Eve Paquet, and Dr. Yves De Koninck, University of Laval Total grant amount: $4.75M Optogenetics is a technique where light-sensitive genes are introduced into brain cells to control and monitor their activity with light that allows researchers to precisely control and decode nerve cell communication. The Canadian Optogenetics and Vectrology Foundry (COVF) places Canada at the forefront of this field by accelerating the development of new light-responsive genes and proteins. With renewed Platform Support Grant support from Brain Canada, COVF will expand its capabilities by increasing the diversity and quality of optogenetic tools, enhancing viral vector properties, and scaling up production to meet the growing demand for research and clinical applications. It will ensure that COVF remains a leader in optogenetics, driving the development and democratization of transformative tools for the global neuroscience community. Learn more about the project: About Brain CanadaBrain Canada plays a unique national role in convening and advancing brain research. Better understanding the brain leads to improved prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cures for brain disorders. Visit and follow @BrainCanada to learn more. About the CBRFSince 2011, the Government of Canada has committed $280 million through the CBRF. Matched by Brain Canada, this represents a $560 million total investment in Canadian brain research. CBRF supports high-potential neuroscience projects that deepen our understanding of brain health and accelerate new therapies. SOURCE Brain Canada View original content to download multimedia: Sign in to access your portfolio
CBC
17-02-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
Antonine Maillet, award-winning Canadian novelist inspired by her Acadian roots, dead at 95
Antonine Maillet, novelist, playwright and proud Acadian, has died at 95 at her home in Montreal, her publisher said. Pierre Filion, editor and director of Quebec publishing house Lemeac, announced Monday on social media that she died overnight. Born in New Brunswick, Maillet became the first Canadian writer to receive the prestigious French literary award Prix Goncourt in 1979, for her novel Pélagie-la-Charrette. Maillet was born on May 10, 1929, in Bouctouche and earned a PhD in literature in 1970 from Université Laval in Quebec City. Her work was deeply inspired by the history, language, folklore and traditions of the Acadian people, with more than 20 novels and 12 plays to her name. Maillet was a companion of the Order of Canada, a member of the Order of New Brunswick and a commander of the Order of the Legion of Honour of France, among other titles.
