Research

‘We are not that great’: Gain-of-function research highlights our hubris

Gain-of-function research entails modifying pathogens in ways that can make them more dangerous. The pandemic shows us what the fallout of such research could look like.

Episode 27 – Rapid Fire Cardiovascular Disease!

Episode 26 – Rapid Fire Metabolic Syndrome!

Recent stem cell transplant raises hope for sickle cell cure

A recent stem cell transplant has cured a man of sickle cell disease, raising hopes among patient advocates. However, they emphasize that, for now, improving care for most patients requires removing racist barriers in health care.

The learning health system: An R and D department for local solutions

Health-care organizations don’t usually have R&D departments; instead, researchers typically apply for grants for one-off studies. That’s a problem—but one that could be changing.

North York Cares: Health team proving value of innovation

The siloes in Canadian health systems can decrease the quality of care patients receive. But Ontario Health Teams are trying to address this problem by bringing primary care, hospital and community providers together.

Planetary health: The missing priority in CIHR’s new strategic plan

The government agency CIHR released two documents meant to address issues important to the health of Canadians and direct research toward them. But both are unforgivably ignorant of the importance of the ecological determinants of health.

Vivid dreams and COVID arms: The weird vaccine ‘side effects’ you’re experiencing are likely harmless

Though COVID-19 vaccines are reported to have more intense side effects than a regular flu shot, this is merely a sign that your immune system is doing its job.

Breaking down barriers: Learning health system connects researchers, health professionals and communities

Too often, health-care innovations don’t actually improve health systems – the innovators haven't collaborated with patients, and doctors, and other stakeholders. But a different approach, the learning health system, is trying to change that.

Could AI make health care more human?

An AI program in a Toronto hospital seems to be saving lives. Does it also offer a glimpse of a future in which AI makes health care more human, not less?

A call for inclusive health research

We need an inclusive approach to health research, one that engages the affected communities in all aspects of the research and that meets them where they are.

Episode 24 – Rapid Fire ID!

Broad-brush criticisms ignore benefits of integrative medicine

Dear critics of integrative medicine, some of your critiques do have merit. But we do not support demonizing an evolving field of health care that could significantly improve patient outcomes.

‘Do you care about disabled people or not?’

Why aren't we gathering data about the effect of COVID-19 on adults with developmental disabilities? Is it because of underlying attitudes in health care that their lives matter less?

Episode 23 – Rapid Fire!

Cost, access are barriers to mental health services in Canada, international survey shows

The Canadian Institute for Health Information released a report that uses survey data to compare how Canadians experience the health-care system and their health behaviours to those of people abroad.

When research goes viral: Funding on COVID-19 variants is misdirected

As designed, the CIHR's funding opportunities to study the emergence of COVID-19 Variants of Concern (VoCs) are unlikely to achieve actionable results in a timeframe that could save lives.

Fighting fire with fire: Managed Alcohol Programs need to be widely implemented

I park my car but before I get out of the parking lot I need to check on the man and woman under their cardboard box to ensure they are still breathing.

Intermittent Fasting: Changing the tides of dementia

IF has been shown to be an effective intervention against obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and chronic diseases such as diabetes and cancer. But what about dementia?

Canadian researchers looking into COVID ‘long-haul’ effects