Neuroscience

News

	Dr. Catherine Tsilfidis retires after a remarkable career in vision science and equity leadership October 22, 2025 - A leader in retinal gene therapy research and a champion for equity in academia, Dr. Catherine Tsilfidis is retiring after more than two decades as a senior scientist at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (Neuroscience Program) and Associate ...
	Honouring our top researchers of 2025 October 6, 2025 - Each year, The Ottawa Hospital and its Research Institute honour a select number of outstanding researchers for discoveries and innovations that are improving patient care at TOH and advancing science around the world.
	Hope for Huntington’s: New gene-targeted therapy trial opens in Ottawa August 7, 2025 - The Ottawa Hospital’s Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders clinic is bringing new hope to people with Huntington’s disease (HD) through an innovative clinical trial of a gene-targeted therapy.
	Researchers at The Ottawa Hospital awarded 10 CIHR grants worth more than $7 million July 21, 2025 - Researchers at The Ottawa Hospital have been awarded more than $7 million from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) to lead 10 cutting-edge research projects.
	The Ottawa Hospital joins landmark bipolar disorder research network BD2 July 8, 2025 - The Ottawa Hospital’s Research Institute has been awarded US$ 2.3 million to join Breakthrough Discoveries for thriving with Bipolar Disorder (BD²).
	Dr. Mark Freedman receives Giants of Multiple Sclerosis award June 12, 2025 - Dr. Mark Freedman has received the international Giants of Multiple Sclerosis Award for his groundbreaking research and unwavering dedication to the field
	New therapy helps cancer patients find strength in shared experience June 5, 2025 - A cancer diagnosis is a life-changing moment. While the physical effects often take priority, the emotional and mental toll can be just as profound. A new study published in Psychooncology explores a novel approach to addressing this gap in care: ...
	Could Parkinson’s disease start in the nose? New scratch-and-sniff test to make it easier to find out May 1, 2025 - When it comes to early signs of Parkinson’s disease, many individuals experience a significant reduction in their sense of smell long before their motor symptoms.
	Up to one in five patients with minor stroke or TIA will suffer another stroke in the long term April 14, 2025 - The risk of another, more severe stroke remains elevated for at least 10 years after a minor stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), according to a new study published in JAMA.
	Two new trials advance our understanding of stroke treatment March 4, 2025 - Researchers at The Ottawa Hospital are continuing to play a key role in advancing endovascular therapy for stroke, as major contributors to two new international clinical trials.

2025
March 3, 2025 -	ELEVATE seed grants help researchers at The Ottawa Hospital launch new ideas and collaborations
February 11, 2025 -	Trial tests different ways to reduce depression in Parkinson’s disease
February 3, 2025 -	Researchers at The Ottawa Hospital awarded 16 CIHR grants worth more than $8 million
January 30, 2025 -	What does loss of one’s sense of smell say about Parkinson’s disease? Groundbreaking research continues with US$6 million ASAP grant
2024
November 14, 2024 -	New Canada Research Chairs to advance regenerative medicine, thrombosis and stroke research at The Ottawa Hospital
November 13, 2024 -	Psychedelic use linked to increased risk of schizophrenia, study finds
October 22, 2024 -	New scientist profile: Dr. Vignan Yogendrakumar aims to improve stroke care with next-generation therapies
October 18, 2024 -	‘Stroke in a dish’ reveals new recipe for brain repair
September 17, 2024 -	Abnormal electrolyte levels in people with eating disorders may increase risk of death, poor health outcomes
August 13, 2024 -	Nearly 1 in 5 physicians experienced PTSD during the pandemic
July 23, 2024 -	New book chapter by our experts reveals secrets of the blood-brain barrier
July 18, 2024 -	Researchers at The Ottawa Hospital awarded 14 CIHR grants worth more than $10 million
July 2, 2024 -	Specialized therapy helps teacher with traumatic brain injury make remarkable recovery
May 28, 2024 -	New scientist profile: Dr. Dargél is dedicated to enhancing early detection and care in bipolar disorder
April 23, 2024 -	Study strengthens link between Epstein-Barr virus and multiple sclerosis
March 15, 2024 -	Can a blood test predict if MS attacks will come back after stopping treatment?
March 1, 2024 -	Eating disorders: what do outcomes look like world-wide?
February 5, 2024 -	Heavy cannabis use increases risk of developing an anxiety disorder, study suggests
February 2, 2024 -	Researchers at The Ottawa Hospital awarded 9 CIHR grants worth more than $5 million
January 29, 2024 -	Treatment-resistant depression: mouse study reveals surprising new insights
January 26, 2024 -	Experts call for tighter standards to speed emergency treatment of intracerebral hemorrhage
January 24, 2024 -	The Ottawa Hospital uses breakthrough stroke technology to improve patient care
2023
October 25, 2023 -	Global research trial for ICH stroke a major step forward for patients
October 25, 2023 -	Sci-fi developments and rock ’n’ roll
September 27, 2023 -	Emergency department visits for substance use linked to higher risk of developing schizophrenia
September 12, 2023 -	The Ottawa Hospital and partners create new Living Concussion Guidelines to improve patient concussion care
September 1, 2023 -	How do developing brain blood vessels and nerves link up? New study has some answers.
August 22, 2023 -	Power over Pain Portal supports patients living with chronic pain
August 18, 2023 -	Am I still a safe driver? This 5-min test could start the conversation
July 21, 2023 -	Researchers at The Ottawa Hospital awarded 13 CIHR grants worth more than $7 million
July 12, 2023 -	With autism, the brain adapts to blood vessel problems by changing how it uses energy
July 6, 2023 -	Take a peek inside the brain with prize-winning artwork inspired by research at The Ottawa Hospital
May 11, 2023 -	How a heart attack drug is revolutionizing stroke treatment
April 28, 2023 -	Brain Heart Interconnectome to lead a paradigm shift
April 5, 2023 -	Discovery reveals how Parkinson’s-linked gene protects the brain
April 5, 2023 -	New Scientist Profile: Dr. Giulia Fadda investigates poorly understood neuroinflammatory conditions
April 2, 2023 -	Stem cell treatment banishes disease for MS patient
April 2, 2023 -	After 18 years with MS—“I really feel like I’m cured.”
March 22, 2023 -	The Ottawa Hospital’s future neuroscience institute ‘a game changer’ for ground-breaking treatment
February 28, 2023 -	“Every day is a struggle for me”: A new study is evaluating the effectiveness of a digital app in treating people suffering from long COVID
February 3, 2023 -	Researchers at The Ottawa Hospital awarded 15 CIHR grants worth more than $8.4 million
January 26, 2023 -	Life-altering stroke treatment and care from a “gym rat”
January 18, 2023 -	New scientist profile: Dr. Gauruv Bose aims to use AI and big data to predict the course of MS
2022
December 14, 2022 -	Saviour siblings: surprising discovery reveals the staying power of stem cells from older brothers
September 23, 2022 -	Predicting Parkinson’s: mathematical model could help with earlier diagnosis and treatment
September 1, 2022 -	MS stem cell transplant gives priceless second chance
July 27, 2022 -	“Dream team” of researchers tackles leading cause of vision loss
July 20, 2022 -	Researchers at The Ottawa Hospital awarded 19 CIHR grants worth more than $12 million
June 29, 2022 -	Breakthrough could revolutionize stroke treatment
June 7, 2022 -	Do changes in brain metabolism play a role in autism? Prestigious grant to help researchers find out
April 29, 2022 -	The Ottawa Hospital’s push to demystify Parkinson’s disease
April 29, 2022 -	Meet Dr. Michael Schlossmacher
April 4, 2022 -	Researchers at The Ottawa Hospital awarded five grants for high risk, high reward and interdisciplinary research
March 22, 2022 -	Men and women process pain signals differently
March 9, 2022 -	Research on brain blood vessels could lead to new treatments for brain diseases
March 3, 2022 -	The Ottawa Hospital Joins Michael J. Fox Foundation’s Expansion of the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI), Landmark Study toward Better Treatments and Prevention of Disease
February 17, 2022 -	Study reinforces new treatment option for stroke prevention
January 21, 2022 -	Getting the clot out on first try improves outcomes for basilar artery stroke patients
2021
November 26, 2021 -	Five scientists at The Ottawa Hospital ranked among world’s top researchers
October 26, 2021 -	Does Parkinson’s start in the nose? International team awarded US$9 million ASAP grant to find out
September 15, 2021 -	$2.4 M grant to help researchers develop gene and cell therapies for a leading cause of blindness
September 8, 2021 -	Could a drug that controls appetite also treat schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s? Mouse studies show promise.
August 18, 2021 -	A glimpse inside the mind of neurosurgery expert, Dr. Fahad Alkherayf
August 18, 2021 -	A conversation with Dr. Jess Fiedorowicz
August 1, 2021 -	Is there a link between suicide and epidemics?
June 28, 2021 -	Small study shows promising results with app for concussion recovery
June 16, 2021 -	Melding mind and machine: Ottawa trial could lead to new technologies to help people with paralysis
May 31, 2021 -	Researchers at The Ottawa Hospital awarded three grants for high risk, high reward and interdisciplinary research
April 30, 2021 -	Beyond the brain: how autism impacts the body
April 22, 2021 -	Experts on call: Parkinson’s care and research
April 6, 2021 -	Parkinson’s discovery points to possible future treatment approaches
March 17, 2021 -	Patient gets life-changing diagnosis thanks to Open Science
March 10, 2021 -	Researchers at The Ottawa Hospital awarded 17 CIHR grants worth $7.5 million
March 10, 2021 -	Ottawa Hospital Research Institute and Faculty of Medicine support three translational research projects through Blueprint Excelerator
March 10, 2021 -	New scientist profile: Dr. Jess Fiedorowicz brings an interdisciplinary vision to mental health research
March 10, 2021 -	Study in mice reveals possible new target to treat schizophrenia
2020
December 11, 2020 -	Dr. Eve Tsai and Dr. Adam Sachs work in very different ways to improve the lives of people with spinal cord injury
October 21, 2020 -	Drug can treat Parkinson’s-related drooling, study shows
September 1, 2020 -	Two researchers at The Ottawa Hospital receive Ontario Early Researcher Awards
July 13, 2020 -	Vascular development may be at risk in autism
July 10, 2020 -	Decoding the mystery of Parkinson’s disease
June 3, 2020 -	New Frontiers in Research Fund supports trailblazing research on autism, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s
May 27, 2020 -	New scientist profile: Dr. Robert Fahed wants more people to benefit from life-saving stroke therapy
March 2, 2020 -	Study in mice reveals possible new target to treat autism
February 25, 2020 -	Patient engagement in health research: 10 tips from people with lived experience
February 14, 2020 -	New neuromuscular network brings patients, scientists and clinicians together
February 3, 2020 -	The Ottawa Hospital awarded nine grants worth $5.6 million from Canadian Institutes of Health Research
January 23, 2020 -	Study in mice reveals a new target to treat Alzheimer’s disease
2019
October 21, 2019 -	How a lucky accident helped spark a new era of depression research
September 25, 2019 -	Unravelling the mystery of how one gene contributes to Parkinson’s, Crohn’s and leprosy
August 8, 2019 -	Research could improve diagnosis of dangerous increase in brain pressure
July 25, 2019 -	Researchers bridge the gap between animal studies and new treatments for chronic pain
July 8, 2019 -	Dr. Hanns Lochmüller receives Canada Research Chair in Neuromuscular Genomics and Health
July 8, 2019 -	Researchers discover new kind of brain tumour
June 27, 2019 -	Common supplement being tested as potential treatment for progressive MS
June 26, 2019 -	New scientist profile: Dr. Fahad AlKherayf aims to improve minimally invasive brain surgery
May 29, 2019 -	Researchers get $745,000 boost from NSERC
May 16, 2019 -	Clinical trials offer strong foundation for better patient care
April 24, 2019 -	First step towards a database linking rare diseases with treatment options
April 11, 2019 -	Researchers honoured for outstanding work in Parkinson’s, critical care and surgery
March 15, 2019 -	New scientist profile: Dr. Hanns Lochmüller investigates rare neuromuscular disorders
March 15, 2019 -	Researcher brings made-in-Ottawa approach to Parkinson’s care to Europe
March 13, 2019 -	Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recommended as a standard of care for certain kinds of MS in the U.S.
February 14, 2019 -	Researchers to advance science and improve health with new CIHR funding
January 9, 2019 -	Provincial innovation award for a computer tablet that could help stroke patients recover
2018
November 28, 2018 -	Engaging patients in research every step of the way
November 21, 2018 -	Depression linked to “junk DNA” in the serotonin receptor gene
November 21, 2018 -	Worm study points to similarities in how neurons maintain their shape in old age and after damage
November 21, 2018 -	Researchers get $788,000 boost from NSERC
October 31, 2018 -	First responders to get mental health help at new research clinic
October 25, 2018 -	Study shows which stroke patients benefit most from clot-busting drug
October 10, 2018 -	Brain Health Awareness Week: October 15-19
October 2, 2018 -	Researchers awarded $1.7 M to tackle stroke and heart attack from multiple angles
August 30, 2018 -	Could leaky blood vessels be a target for treating migraines? Study opens up promising new area of research
June 7, 2018 -	Top Research Papers from The Ottawa Hospital 2015-2017
2017
December 15, 2017 -	Researchers to test patient-centered approach to Parkinson’s care
2016
April 12, 2016 -	Ottawa researchers shine in SPOR funding announcement
March 31, 2016 -	Levodopa pumps new life into Ottawa Parkinson’s patient
March 9, 2016 -	Fighting back against chronic nerve pain: researchers get $295K to test combination therapy
January 27, 2016 -	Can smartphone-assisted therapy help prevent suicide? Researchers get $1.7M grant to find out
2014
July 9, 2014 -	Silent strokes more common than thought; and a major cause of dementia