Ottawa Hospital Research Institute

Brain and neuromuscular disease

The Ottawa Hospital is conducting cutting-edge research to improve our understanding of brain and neuromuscular diseases and develop better approaches for treatment and prevention. This page includes selected news stories about our research and links to researchers working in this area. Please also visit our Neuroscience Program and Regenerative Medicine Program.

Research News

	‘Rising star’ explains his path from a broken bone arm wrestling to mental health discovery March 13, 2025 - Emerging researcher and psychiatry resident Dr. Nicholas Fabiano was profiled as a “rising star” in the new journal Brain Medicine.
	Mouse study further supports role of muscle stem cells in Duchenne muscular dystrophy March 13, 2025 - “This study confirms that we’ll need to target both muscle fibres and muscle stem cells in order to treat this disease."
	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.
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	ELEVATE seed grants help researchers at The Ottawa Hospital launch new ideas and collaborations March 3, 2025 - The grants, worth a total of $198,000, will advance research on muscle disease, stroke, ovarian cancer and scleroderma.
	Why one gene has an outsized impact on neurodevelopmental disorders February 26, 2025 - “ADNP is a significant gene in neurodevelopmental disorders. With this new tool to study its function, we can work towards finding and testing new treatments."
	Trial tests different ways to reduce depression in Parkinson’s disease February 11, 2025 - “Psychotherapy is an important option for treating depression in Parkinson’s. Healthcare providers should consider recommending it alone or in combination with antidepressants."
	Researchers at The Ottawa Hospital awarded 16 CIHR grants worth more than $8 million February 3, 2025 - Researchers at The Ottawa Hospital are leading 16 new projects funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) through the most recent operating grant competition.
	What does loss of one’s sense of smell say about Parkinson’s disease? Groundbreaking research continues with US$6 million ASAP grant January 30, 2025 - “Understanding the loss in sense of smell in Parkinson’s is having its moment right now. Our interdisciplinary team is on the leading edge of this topic, making discoveries that could one day impact diagnosis, prevention, and possibly, patient care.”
	Spinal muscular atrophy: Lab study shows importance of treating the liver to benefit a neuromuscular disorder January 7, 2025 - “Our study suggests that treating the liver may be just as important as treating the neuromuscular system in patients with SMA. This is important because some of the approved SMA therapies are better at reaching the liver than others.”
	Researchers discover postal code that allows proteins to hitch a ride around the body December 11, 2024 - Researchers at The Ottawa Hospital and the University of Ottawa have discovered an 18-digit code that allows proteins to attach themselves to exosomes - tiny pinched-off pieces of cells that travel around the body and deliver biochemical signals.
	Blood transfusions for brain bleeding: Large trial in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage patients adds to debate about optimal threshold December 9, 2024 - Blood is one of the oldest drugs in the world, but after many decades of research, it is still not always clear when a blood transfusion should be given. A large trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine is adding to the debate for patie
	New Canada Research Chairs to advance regenerative medicine, thrombosis and stroke research at The Ottawa Hospital November 14, 2024 - The federal government announced a new round of Canada Research Chairs this week, including three based at The Ottawa Hospital.
	Psychedelic use linked to increased risk of schizophrenia, study finds November 13, 2024 - “While there is enormous enthusiasm for psychedelic-assisted therapy as a new mental health treatment, we need to remember how early and limited the data remains for both the benefits and the risks."
	New scientist profile: Dr. Vignan Yogendrakumar aims to improve stroke care with next-generation therapies October 22, 2024 - “My goal is to be able to offer as many patients as possible stroke treatments that will let them go home disability-free."
	‘Stroke in a dish’ reveals new recipe for brain repair October 18, 2024 - Researchers at The Ottawa Hospital and the University of Ottawa have found a new way to create neurons – a discovery that could be a major step forward in developing treatments for stroke and traumatic brain injury.
	Abnormal electrolyte levels in people with eating disorders may increase risk of death, poor health outcomes September 17, 2024 - A new study found that 32% of individuals with an eating disorder had abnormal electrolyte levels, which were associated with a higher risk of death from any cause.
	Clinical trial to test muscular dystrophy therapy developed at The Ottawa Hospital September 10, 2024 - Researchers at The Ottawa Hospital, the University of Ottawa and Satellos Bioscience have developed an innovative regenerative therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) that is now being tested in people as part of a world-first clinical trial.
	Lab study provides new hope for people with rare muscle disease August 29, 2024 - Researchers from The Ottawa Hospital and uOttawa played a key role in a study that could lead to a new understanding of facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD).
	Nearly 1 in 5 physicians experienced PTSD during the pandemic August 13, 2024 - “We hope that our findings will inspire health-care leaders and physicians to work together to understand and address these mental health impacts."
	Lab discovery suggests possible new approach for treating progressive multiple sclerosis July 26, 2024 - A new study from The Ottawa Hospital and uOttawa shows that a microRNA molecule called miR-145-5p could be key to developing new treatments for progressive multiple sclerosis (MS).
	When research inspires care: Patient partners spearhead brain aneurysm recovery guide July 23, 2024 - Survivors of brain aneurysms and their family members are the driving force behind a new guide for patients at The Ottawa Hospital on what to expect when recovering from this kind of stroke.
	New book chapter by our experts reveals secrets of the blood-brain barrier July 23, 2024 - “World-wide, this is the chapter researchers cite if they mention the blood-brain barrier in a paper. We completely revamped it with everything new that we’ve learned in the past decade.”
	Researchers at The Ottawa Hospital awarded 14 CIHR grants worth more than $10 million July 18, 2024 - “Success at CIHR underscores the creativity, dedication and collaboration of our researchers and their teams. Funding for these innovative projects paves the way for groundbreaking advancement in biomedical sciences, improved patient care and progres
	Specialized therapy helps teacher with traumatic brain injury make remarkable recovery July 2, 2024 - “We’ve been really active in brain injury and trauma research and this study was brought here to truly provide the best care possible to our patients.”
	After major traumatic brain injury, more blood transfusions could mean better outcomes June 13, 2024 - "By improving oxygen transport to the brain during the acute phase of care, it may be possible to save more nerve cells in the days following a traumatic brain injury, preventing secondary brain damage."
	Treating sleep apnea for improved mental health in children June 4, 2024 - While not much is known about the link between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and mental health problems in children, researchers from The Ottawa Hospital and CHEO have discovered that addressing OSA in children can have positive effects on their ment
	New scientist profile: Dr. Dargél is dedicated to enhancing early detection and care in bipolar disorder May 28, 2024 - "My research aims to fundamentally improve the lives of those at risk of or living with bipolar disorder, especially youth and their families."
	Satellos Bioscience wins top company award and rings TSX bell May 24, 2024 - Satellos Bioscience, a start-up company founded by Dr. Michael Rudnicki, received the prestigious Company of the Year Award from Life Sciences Ontario and opened the Toronto Stock Exchange last week.
	4 areas to consider when implementing a trauma-informed care program May 17, 2024 - Healthcare staff, youth and caregivers identified four main aspects to consider when implementing a trauma-informed care program in a pediatric mental health unit,
	Study strengthens link between Epstein-Barr virus and multiple sclerosis April 23, 2024 - “Our findings help confirm a strong relationship between MS and the Epstein-Barr virus across the lifespan, which could be a new target for treatment and prevention.”
	Non-invasive brain stimulation shows promise in reducing psychological distress in advanced illness April 8, 2024 - A small clinical trial at The Ottawa Hospital and Bruyère has shown for the first time that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) holds promise as a treatment for psychological distress in people with advanced illness.
	Can a blood test predict if MS attacks will come back after stopping treatment? March 15, 2024 - Some people prefer to stop immune-suppressing treatment if their disease has been stable for years, but there’s no way to know whether their symptoms will return.
	Eating disorders: what do outcomes look like world-wide? March 1, 2024 - Eating disorders are severe mental health conditions where altered eating behavior harms the body and impairs social and cognitive functions. Dr. Marco Solmi led the most extensive study to date on eating disorder outcomes.
	Heavy cannabis use increases risk of developing an anxiety disorder, study suggests February 5, 2024 - Twenty-seven percent of individuals who had an emergency department visit for cannabis use developed a new anxiety disorder within three years, according to new research.
	Treatment-resistant depression: mouse study reveals surprising new insights January 29, 2024 - Dr. Paul Albert’s team found that not one, but two systems of neurotransmitters play a key role in mouse models of treatment-resistant depression.
	Cancer + past stroke increases stroke risk nearly 3-fold January 29, 2024 - A study co-led by Drs Deborah Siegal and Rinku Sutradhar found that people who had a stroke prior to a cancer diagnosis were nearly three times more likely to have a future stroke compared to other cancer patients.
	Experts call for tighter standards to speed emergency treatment of intracerebral hemorrhage January 26, 2024 - Most experts agree that “time is brain” when it comes to treating stroke, but this principle hasn’t always been applied evenly to different kinds of stroke.
	The Ottawa Hospital uses breakthrough stroke technology to improve patient care January 24, 2024 - Using the world’s smallest camera, physicians can see inside blood vessels during patient procedures for the first time
	Gene editing strategy shows promise in mice with spinal muscular atrophy December 20, 2023 - Dr. Rashmi Kothary’s team played a key role in identifying a new gene-editing strategy that could someday be used to treat spinal muscular atrophy.
	The quest for a good death November 9, 2023 - Dr. Colleen Webber is receiving the Clinical and Applied Health Researcher in Training Award from The Ottawa Hospital for her rigorous and empathetic palliative care research
	Global research trial for ICH stroke a major step forward for patients October 25, 2023 - Dr. Dar Dowlatshahi is leading the Canadian site of the research trial and hopes it will change the way we treat the deadliest and least treatable form of stroke.
	Sci-fi developments and rock ’n’ roll October 25, 2023 - Meet Dr. Dar Dowlatshahi, stroke researcher and literal rock star at The Ottawa Hospital
	Emergency department visits for substance use linked to higher risk of developing schizophrenia September 27, 2023 - People visiting the emergency department (ED) for substance use—particularly cannabis—are at high risk of developing schizophrenia, according to new research.
	The Ottawa Hospital and partners create new Living Concussion Guidelines to improve patient concussion care September 12, 2023 - Through evidence-based recommendations, the Guideline fills an information gap around persistent concussion symptoms and their management.
	How do developing brain blood vessels and nerves link up? New study has some answers. September 1, 2023 - Dr. Baptiste Lacoste is fascinated by how blood vessels in the brain contribute to brain and mind health.
	When the hangman isn't hanging: how cell death proteins might protect against ALS August 18, 2023 - For more than 30 years, caspases have been known as tiny cellular executioners, just waiting for a signal to chop up a cell’s proteins and initiate what is known as “programmed cell death.”
	With autism, the brain adapts to blood vessel problems by changing how it uses energy July 12, 2023 - Dr. Baptiste Lacoste wants to find out what’s going wrong with the blood vessels in the autistic brain.
	Take a peek inside the brain with prize-winning artwork inspired by research at The Ottawa Hospital July 6, 2023 - Patients, visitors and staff at TOH’s General Campus can now experience what it might be like to float through the human brain, thanks to a unique collaboration between local artist Svetlana Swinimer and neuroscientist Dr. Michael Schlossmacher.
	Start-up company raises $55M to fuel development of new therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy June 8, 2023 - Satellos Bioscience, a start-up company founded by Dr. Michael Rudnicki, has closed $55 million in financing to support the development of its lead drug candidate for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
	CT scan results help predict which mini-strokes lead to major strokes June 8, 2023 - This is the first study to confirm the additional risk of stroke related to these findings. It also suggests that adding these CT findings to TIA decision tools would further improve physicians’ ability to predict a patient’s future stroke risk and p
	How a heart attack drug is revolutionizing stroke treatment May 11, 2023 - A clot-busting drug developed to treat heart attack is now being used as a standard treatment for acute ischemic stroke, thanks in large part to research at The Ottawa Hospital.
	Brain Heart Interconnectome to lead a paradigm shift April 28, 2023 - From cognitive impairment to heart failure, brain and heart conditions pose one of the world’s biggest health-care challenges, exceeding all others in disease burden and mortality.
	Physicians struggled more with mental health during the pandemic than the general population April 19, 2023 - Outpatient mental health and substance use visits in physicians increased by 23%, compared to only 10% for the general public in the first 18 months of the pandemic, according to a new study from ICES and The Ottawa Hospital.
	Molecule triggered by running could help with stroke recovery April 18, 2023 - Research suggests that VGF plays a key role in healing the brain after stroke
	Discovery reveals how Parkinson’s-linked gene protects the brain April 5, 2023 - For more than 20 years, researchers have known that young-onset Parkinson’s disease is often caused by mutations in the parkin gene, but the exact function of this gene has been hotly debated.
	New Scientist Profile: Dr. Giulia Fadda investigates poorly understood neuroinflammatory conditions April 5, 2023 - Neurologist Dr. Giulia Fadda wants to know what causes widespread brain damage in neuroinflammatory conditions like progressive multiple sclerosis (MS). Patients with this kind of MS relentlessly get worse over time.
	Stem cell treatment banishes disease for MS patient April 2, 2023 - John Chafe had a job in a bank with the goal of running it one day. But his plans were sidetracked by an aggressive form of multiple sclerosis (MS). In 2001, he became the second person in a world-first clinical trial of its kind that virtually elimi
	After 18 years with MS—“I really feel like I’m cured.” April 2, 2023 - “It’s now 12 years since my stem cell transplant. I really feel like I’m cured,” said Heather Harris, who has no symptoms of the disease. She works full-time as a school principal, and is back to camping, skiing, running and driving a manual shift ca
	The Ottawa Hospital’s future neuroscience institute ‘a game changer’ for ground-breaking treatment March 22, 2023 - Merging cutting-edge research with frontline clinical treatments
	Prenatal exposure to low doses of methylmercury causes autism-like behaviors in mice March 9, 2023 - A study co-led by Dr. Jing Wang and Dr. Laurie Chan is the first to show that exposing pregnant mice to low doses of methylmercury causes autism-like behaviors in their offspring.
	ELEVATE seed grants to help researchers at The Ottawa Hospital develop better treatments and improve patient care February 1, 2023 - The Ottawa Hospital’s Research Institute is awarding five ELEVATE seed grants to early-career researchers to spur the development of innovative treatments and better patient care.
	Life-altering stroke treatment and care from a “gym rat” January 26, 2023 - Meet Dr. Robert Fahed, one of only four interventional neurologists in Canada
	New scientist profile: Dr. Gauruv Bose aims to use AI and big data to predict the course of MS January 18, 2023 - Neurologist Dr. Gauruv Bose wants a crystal ball to see the future of his patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).
	Electrolyte levels could help with early detection of eating disorders November 16, 2022 - A discovery led by Dr. Gregory Hundemer could help people with eating disorders get treatment sooner.
	Neurologist blazes new trails in stroke research November 2, 2022 - For a neurology resident who spent the last five years sleeping in hospitals and saving lives, Dr. Ronda Lun’s research accomplishments are nothing short of incredible.
	ECMO survivors have higher rate of new mental health diagnoses than other ICU survivors October 26, 2022 - Survivors of ECMO life support had a 24% higher rate of new mental health diagnoses after discharge compared to other ICU survivors, according to the first study of its kind, published in JAMA.
	A conversation with stem cell pioneer Dr. Harold Atkins October 4, 2022 - When Dr. Harry Atkins was young, he wanted to be an architect. Everything changed with one high school biology project, and now Dr. Atkins is pioneering the use of stem cells to reprogram people’s immune systems.
	Predicting Parkinson’s: mathematical model could help with earlier diagnosis and treatment September 23, 2022 - An innovative mathematical model developed by researchers at The Ottawa Hospital could one day help with the prevention and early treatment of Parkinson’s disease.
	MS stem cell transplant gives priceless second chance September 1, 2022 - Thanks to a life-changing stem cell transplant at The Ottawa Hospital, Geneviève Bétournay has a whole new perspective on the possibilities that lie ahead for her.
	Researchers at The Ottawa Hospital awarded 19 CIHR grants worth more than $12 million July 20, 2022 - These projects will advance science and improve health in areas such as cancer, neuroscience, regenerative medicine, autism, Kabuki Syndrome, kidney disease, patient engagement, blood transfusions, sepsis, surgery, anesthesia, plasma donation, muscle
	Whole-body approach needed to treat neuromuscular disease SMA July 13, 2022 - Treating a patient’s entire body, not just the nerves in their muscles, is essential for the complete treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), according to a study led by Aoife Reilly in Dr. Rashmi Kothary’s group.
	Breakthrough could revolutionize stroke treatment June 29, 2022 - In the largest stroke clinical trial ever run in Canada, researchers have shown Tenecteplase (TNK), a safe, well tolerated drug, commonly used as a clot buster for heart attacks, is an effective treatment for acute ischemic stroke, a stroke caused by
	Dr. Michael Rudnicki admitted as a Fellow of the Royal Society June 22, 2022 - Dr. Michael Rudnicki has been formally admitted as a Fellow of the Royal Society, the world’s oldest and most prestigious scientific institution. He is one of only 12 Canadians to be admitted.
	Do changes in brain metabolism play a role in autism? Prestigious grant to help researchers find out June 7, 2022 - Dr. Baptiste Lacoste received a $550,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Defense Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs to investigate whether brain metabolism could play a role in autism.
	The Ottawa Hospital’s push to demystify Parkinson’s disease April 29, 2022 - Parkinson’s is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s, affecting at least 100,000 Canadians. Researchers at The Ottawa Hospital are on the global stage seeking answers for patients desperately waiting for a breakthrough.
	Meet Dr. Michael Schlossmacher April 29, 2022 - Growing up in Austria, Dr. Michael Schlossmacher couldn’t have foreseen his future as a physician-scientist conducting groundbreaking Parkinson’s research at The Ottawa Hospital.
	Meet Parkinson’s researcher Dr. Julianna Tomlinson April 29, 2022 - Born, raised, educated, and trained in Ottawa, Dr. Julianna Tomlinson is using research to change the way we think about Parkinson’s disease.
	Meet brain and eye researcher Dr. Pierre Mattar April 25, 2022 - Dr. Pierre Mattar is doing the groundwork needed to develop treatments for vision loss
	Meet brain researcher Julie Ouellette April 25, 2022 - “It’s so motivating working in the lab, because you’re seeing all this new information and you just want to get your message out into the world.”
	Researchers at The Ottawa Hospital awarded five grants for high risk, high reward and interdisciplinary research April 4, 2022 - The New Frontiers in Research Fund (NFRF) 2021 Exploration competition has awarded $25 million to support 102 research teams across Canada that bring diverse disciplines together in pursuit of breakthrough ideas and high-reward outcomes.
	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 March 3, 2022 - The Ottawa Hospital aims to enroll people recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s who are not yet taking medication and individuals over age 60 with certain risk factors in the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI),
	Study reinforces new treatment option for stroke prevention February 17, 2022 - A network meta-analysis led by Dr. Dar Dowlatshahi and neurology resident Dr. Ronda Lun found that ticagrelor is just as good as clopidogrel when combined with aspirin as a dual antiplatelet therapy.
	Researchers at The Ottawa Hospital awarded 18 CIHR grants worth more than $11 million February 5, 2022 - These projects will advance science and improve health in areas such as tuberculosis, blood disease, prostate cancer, heart disease, muscle repair, sleep apnea, brain cancer, medical imaging, virtual care, prehab, intellectual disability, sarcoma, CA
	Physician mental health care visits increased 27 percent during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic January 21, 2022 - Annual rates of outpatient visits for mental health and substance use among Ontario physicians increased by 27 percent during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a study published in JAMA Network Open. There were 1,038 visits per 1,
	Getting the clot out on first try improves outcomes for basilar artery stroke patients January 21, 2022 - Pulling a clot out of the brain on the first try significantly improves outcomes for patients with basilar artery stroke, according to a study published in Stroke led by Dr. Robert Fahed. This rare kind stroke can cause death or severe disability by
	Five scientists at The Ottawa Hospital ranked among world’s top researchers November 26, 2021 - Five scientists at The Ottawa Hospital have made it onto the prestigious list of Highly Cited ResearchersTM for 2021, with multiple papers that rank in the top one percent in their fields. Their research has been used and built upon by tens of thousa
	Supercharging stem cells November 12, 2021 - Dr. Jeff Dilworth is receiving The Ottawa Hospital’s Chrétien Researcher of the Year Award for his groundbreaking research, which could bring new energy to exhausted stem cells and help them repair the body
	Does Parkinson’s start in the nose? International team awarded US$9 million ASAP grant to find out October 26, 2021 - More than 80 percent of people with Parkinson’s disease suffer from a reduced sense of smell, something that often occurs years before the onset of typical movement-related symptoms. Now, thanks to a US$9 million grant from the Aligning Science Acros
	Could a drug that controls appetite also treat schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s? Mouse studies show promise. September 8, 2021 - Two recent studies suggest that the drug trodusquemine has the potential to treat symptoms of both schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s disease. This is because the drug targets an enzyme called PTP1B, which plays a role in both diseases
	A conversation with Dr. Jess Fiedorowicz August 18, 2021 - Dr. Jess Fiedorowicz is shining a light on mental health through his work and research at The Ottawa Hospital. Originally from the U.S., Dr. Fiedorowicz has been at our hospital since 2020 as the Head and Chief of the Department of Mental Health.
	Researchers at The Ottawa Hospital awarded eight grants worth $5 million from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research August 10, 2021 - These projects will advance science and improve health in areas such as cancer immunotherapy, orthopedic surgery, long-term care, neuromuscular disease, blood clots, vascular disease, aging, kidney disease and Inuit health.
	Is there a link between suicide and epidemics? August 1, 2021 - A systematic review published by Dr. Simon Hatcher, in partnership with researchers across Ontario, the United Kingdom, and Ireland, looked at the relationship between public health epidemics and the risk of suicide and self-harm.
	How well do COVID-19 vaccines work in people with cancer, immune conditions and other populations of interest? July 15, 2021 - Researchers at The Ottawa Hospital and the University of Ottawa have been awarded more than $8 million to lead four national studies that will answer important questions about COVID-19 vaccines, including how well they work in people with cancer and
	How well do COVID-19 vaccines work in people with inherited and medication-related immune deficiencies? July 15, 2021 - People with inherited immune deficiencies have a greater risk of developing severe COVID-19 and may be less likely to respond to vaccines. People with multiple sclerosis, arthritis and other immune-mediated diseases may also be at risk because medica
	Small study shows promising results with app for concussion recovery June 28, 2021 - New research led by Drs. Shawn Marshall and Deanna Quon suggests that an interactive health coaching app may be able to help people recover from a concussion.
	Can a calculator predict your risk of dementia? June 25, 2021 - Canadian researchers at The Ottawa Hospital, the University of Ottawa, the Bruyère Research Institute and ICES have built and validated an online calculator that empowers individuals 55 and over to better understand the health of their brain and
	Motivational incentives make a difference for treating opioid use disorder June 23, 2021 - Providing incentives like free movie passes or small cash rewards to motivate people with opioid use disorder to continue opioid agonist therapy (OAT) improves retention in the treatment program, according to a systematic review led by Drs. Brian Hut
	Melding mind and machine: Ottawa trial could lead to new technologies to help people with paralysis June 16, 2021 - Researchers at The Ottawa Hospital and the University of Ottawa are launching a world-first clinical trial that could lead to a new kind of brain computer interface, paving the way for advanced technologies to help people with paralysis.
	Research unravels links between fasting, lifespan and muscle stem cells June 2, 2021 - Intermittent fasting (or skipping meals) has often been reported to increase lifespan in various animals, but the observation that it also affects muscle stem cell function has been less well-studied.
	Researchers at The Ottawa Hospital awarded three grants for high risk, high reward and interdisciplinary research May 31, 2021 - The New Frontiers in Research Fund (NFRF) 2020 Exploration competition brings diverse disciplines together in pursuit of breakthrough ideas and high-reward outcomes.
	Stem cells go ‘all in’ to repair damaged muscles May 12, 2021 - When faced with a major muscle injury, muscle stem cells need to find the right balance between repair and self-preservation. New research led by Dr. Jeff Dilworth shows for the first time that upon injury, muscle stem cells prioritize immediate repa
	ICU admission linked to higher rate of future suicide compared with other hospitalizations May 5, 2021 - An ICU admission is associated with a higher rate of suicide and self-harm after discharge when compared to hospital admissions without an ICU stay, according to the first study of its kind published in the medical journal The BMJ.
	Beyond the brain: how autism impacts the body April 30, 2021 - People with neurodevelopmental disorders like Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorders are at increased risk of conditions that affect the body’s metabolism including obesity, diabetes, and hypertension.
	Experts on call: Stem cells, gene therapy and biotherapeutics April 22, 2021 - Could biotherapeutics be the key to the next wave of medical breakthroughs? Join this lively discussion to learn how researchers at The Ottawa Hospital are using biological materials like cells, genes and viruses to heal the body and fight disease.
	Experts on call: Parkinson’s care and research April 22, 2021 - Topics of discussion will include recently approved Parkinson’s drugs, Duodopa pump treatment and progress in understanding early-onset Parkinson’s.
	Parkinson’s discovery points to possible future treatment approaches April 6, 2021 - More than 20 years after the discovery of the parkin gene linked to young-onset Parkinson’s disease, researchers at The Ottawa Hospital and the University of Ottawa may have finally figured out how this mysterious gene protects the brain.
	Patient gets life-changing diagnosis thanks to Open Science March 17, 2021 - When Jenna Keindel was 16 years old, she was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy – a diagnosis that would change the course of her life not once, but twice.
	Ottawa Hospital Research Institute and Faculty of Medicine support three translational research projects through Blueprint Excelerator March 10, 2021 - The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI) and the Faculty of Medicine are providing up to $150,000 in in-kind support to help translate three laboratory research projects into clinical applications. The three projects will receive support from th
	New scientist profile: Dr. Jess Fiedorowicz brings an interdisciplinary vision to mental health research March 10, 2021 - Dr. Jess Fiedorowicz has built his research career on bringing together specialists from different disciplines to better understand the health risks faced by people with severe mental disorders, with a focus on bipolar disorder.
	Study in mice reveals possible new target to treat schizophrenia March 10, 2021 - The enzyme PTP1B may be a new target for treating schizophrenia, according to a study published in Neuropsychopharmacology.
	Tool predicts which mini-strokes could lead to major strokes February 3, 2021 - A made-in-Ottawa tool can help emergency physicians predict which patients with mini-strokes are at greatest risk of having a major stroke within the week, according to a study published in The BMJ.
	$1M investment fuels development of new therapies for Duchenne muscular dystrophy February 1, 2021 - Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy has invested $1M in Satellos Bioscience, a startup company founded by Dr. Michael Rudnicki.
	Can a diabetes drug help repair damaged nerve insulation? Mouse study shows it might. January 27, 2021 - A study in mice led by Dr. Jing Wang suggests that the diabetes drug metformin may be able to repair damage to nerve insulation caused by diseases like MS and stroke.
	Partnering with the marginalized December 11, 2020 - To tackle health-care inequities affecting vulnerable populations, Smita Pakhalé turns to community peer researchers in a grassroots approach to epidemiological research.
	Dr. Eve Tsai and Dr. Adam Sachs work in very different ways to improve the lives of people with spinal cord injury December 11, 2020 - Research studies at The Ottawa Hospital offer promise and hope
	Drug can treat Parkinson’s-related drooling, study shows October 21, 2020 - An Ontario study led by Dr. Tiago Mestre provides the first longer-term evidence that glycopyrrolate can reduce drooling associated with Parkinson’s disease.
	HELP MD – A novel data-driven approach to study physician wellness September 21, 2020 - Physician-researchers at The Ottawa Hospital and the Bruyère Research Institute are leading a novel data-driven research initiative to better understand and improve physician health and wellness.
	The Ottawa Hospital awarded six CIHR grants worth $2.6 million September 7, 2020 - Could a common diabetes drug help prevent ovarian cancer? Can a tailored screening program help prevent eye disease in immigrants? Is sepsis different in females versus males, and if so, can this help us develop better treatments? These are just a fe
	Two researchers at The Ottawa Hospital receive Ontario Early Researcher Awards September 1, 2020 - Two researchers from The Ottawa Hospital affiliated with the University of Ottawa received Early Researcher Awards from the Ontario Research Fund.
	Cannabis use in pregnancy linked to a greater risk of autism August 10, 2020 - In the largest study of its kind, researchers from The Ottawa Hospital, BORN Ontario and the University of Ottawa found that children whose mothers reported using cannabis during pregnancy were at greater risk of autism.
	Vascular development may be at risk in autism July 13, 2020 - A Canadian collaboration led by Dr. Baptiste Lacoste has undertaken the first ever in-depth study of vasculature in the autistic brain. The product of four years of work, a paper published today in Nature Neuroscience lays out several lines of novel
	Decoding the mystery of Parkinson’s disease July 10, 2020 - For more than 200 years, no one has been able to solve the Parkinson puzzle. While the exact cause of the disease remains a mystery, dedicated researchers at The Ottawa Hospital are gaining ground—determined to solve the puzzle.
	New mouse model to reveal insights into mild spinal muscular atrophy June 4, 2020 - Dr. Marc-Olivier Deguise from Dr. Rashmi Kothary’s team has developed a new mouse model of mild spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Until now, researchers only had good animal models of the most severe forms of this disease.
	Diabetes drug corrects some symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease in mice June 4, 2020 - A study in mice led by Dr. Jing Wang suggests that the diabetes drug metformin may be able to reverse some of the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
	New Frontiers in Research Fund supports trailblazing research on autism, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s June 3, 2020 - Researchers from The Ottawa Hospital are involved in four new projects funded through the Exploration stream of Canada’s New Frontiers in Research Fund. The fund is designed to support high-risk, high-reward and interdisciplinary research.
	New scientist profile: Dr. Robert Fahed wants more people to benefit from life-saving stroke therapy May 27, 2020 - Dr. Robert Fahed saves lives by pulling blood clots out of the brains of stroke patients. This minimally invasive procedure called thrombectomy has revolutionized stroke care, and Dr. Fahed wants as many patients as possible to benefit. However, he’s
	Updated Ottawa Rules app could help doctors predict strokes, catch deadly brain bleeds May 14, 2020 - A free app for emergency department physicians based on Ottawa’s world-renowned clinical decision rules has added more rules to its roster.
	Dr. Michael Rudnicki elected into the Royal Society April 29, 2020 - Dr. Michael Rudnicki has been elected a Fellow of the Royal Society, the most prestigious and oldest scientific institution in the world. Dr. Rudnicki is an internationally recognized thought leader in molecular genetics and regenerative medicine.
	New tool helps predict risk of death, admission to long-term care for people with dementia April 20, 2020 - A new tool that predicts risk of death and admission to a long-term care facility for patients with dementia may help conversations between health care providers, patients and their families, according to new research in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Associ
	How are you coping during COVID-19? April 20, 2020 - COVID-19 is changing core aspects of people’s lives in a unique manner. Social interactions, family and work are all affected. Researchers want to understand the impacts of these changes and determine what helps people cope.? They have launched a stu
	Study in mice reveals possible new target to treat autism March 2, 2020 - The enzyme PTP1B may be a new target for treating autism spectrum disorder, according to a study published in Nature Communications.
	New neuromuscular network brings patients, scientists and clinicians together February 14, 2020 - Genetic sequencing technology has dramatically increased our ability to diagnose rare neuromuscular diseases, opening the door to earlier and better treatment. A new national network called NMD4C (NeuroMuscular Disease for Canada) hopes to capitalize
	The Ottawa Hospital awarded nine grants worth $5.6 million from Canadian Institutes of Health Research February 3, 2020 - How can we treat depression when nothing else is working? How can heart growth be both good and bad? How can we increase patient participation in clinical trials? These are just a few of the big questions that researchers at The Ottawa Hospital will
	Study in mice reveals a new target to treat Alzheimer’s disease January 23, 2020 - A new study has found that PTP1B, an enzyme that counteracts insulin and plays an important role in obesity and diabetes, is also a target for treating Alzheimer’s disease. Blocking PTP1B in mouse models of Alzheimer’s restored their spatial memory t
	Researchers awarded $1.6M to improve care for cardiovascular disease November 13, 2019 - The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada has awarded $1.6M to researchers at The Ottawa Hospital, affiliated with the University of Ottawa.
	aSAH survivor and her daughter help advance stroke research October 23, 2019 - When 61-year-old Debi Borbridge had an aSAH, a rare form of stroke, little did she know that two years later she and her daughter would be helping to shape the future of research in this field.
	How a lucky accident helped spark a new era of depression research October 21, 2019 - It all started with one lucky accident. In the late 1980’s, Dr. Paul Albert was trying to isolate a gene that controls metabolism. Instead, he pulled out a gene that controls motivation and another that controls mood. These two genes became the subje
	Researchers reveal the circuitry regulating muscle stem cell function October 2, 2019 - Muscles have a fantastic ability to heal themselves, thanks to pools of muscle stem cells that respond to damage. Drs. Caroline Brun and Gregory Addicks in Dr. Michael Rudnicki’s group discovered that a regulatory protein called MLL1 plays a key role
	Unravelling the mystery of how one gene contributes to Parkinson’s, Crohn’s and leprosy September 25, 2019 - Researchers have struggled for years to understand how mutations in one gene, called LRRK2, can increase the risk of three very different diseases: Parkinson’s (a brain disease), Crohn’s (a gut disease) and leprosy (a peripheral nervous system diseas
	Ottawa researcher plays key role in $53-million Alzheimer’s research project September 24, 2019 - Dr. Monica Taljaard is playing a major role in a $53-million project funded by the U.S. National Institute of Aging to improve health care and quality of life for people living with Alzheimer’s disease, as well as for their caregivers.
	Findings could improve quality of life for people with spinal muscular atrophy September 10, 2019 - People with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) could be at higher risk of cardiovascular and liver disease, according to the most comprehensive study to date. This means that screening for these conditions, establishing nutritional guidelines, and persona
	Research could improve diagnosis of dangerous increase in brain pressure August 8, 2019 - Increased pressure in the brain due to swelling or bleeding is a complication of brain injury that can cause additional damage and even death. A study led by researchers from The Ottawa Hospital and the University of Ottawa found that no single non-i
	Feature grant: Researchers investigate how cholesterol regulates inflammation in white blood cells August 7, 2019 - Drs. Xiaohui Zha and Alexander Sorisky were awarded $48,000 to test whether cholesterol regulates inflammation in human white blood cells by altering gene expression.
	The Ottawa Hospital awarded 13 grants worth $11.2 million from Canadian Institutes of Health Research July 26, 2019 - Researchers at The Ottawa Hospital have been awarded 13 grants worth a total of $11.2 million from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). The new projects focus on areas such as cancer immunotherapy, hepatitis C infection, blood clots, ar
	Researchers bridge the gap between animal studies and new treatments for chronic pain July 25, 2019 - Carleton University’s Dr. Mike Hildebrand and his partners, including Dr. Eve Tsai of The Ottawa Hospital and the University of Ottawa, are publishing new research into managing chronic pain. The lack of effective treatments has created a major healt
	Dr. Hanns Lochmüller receives Canada Research Chair in Neuromuscular Genomics and Health July 8, 2019 - Dr. Hanns Lochmüller has been awarded a prestigious Tier 1 Canada Research Chair (CRC) through the University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine.
	Common supplement being tested as potential treatment for progressive MS June 27, 2019 - Lipoic acid (LA), a natural antioxidant, has shown promising results in a small pilot trial in helping people with multiple sclerosis (MS) walk faster and preventing brain atrophy.
	Researchers get $745,000 boost from NSERC May 29, 2019 - Four scientists from The Ottawa Hospital, affiliated with the University of Ottawa, were successful in the recent discovery grant competition from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).
	$950,000 to help develop stem cell treatments for septic shock, lung injury and muscle degeneration May 17, 2019 - Researchers from The Ottawa Hospital, CHEO and the University of Ottawa are bringing discoveries made in the lab closer to human trials and therapies, thanks to four new peer-reviewed research grants from the Ontario Institute for Regenerative Medici
	Clinical trials offer strong foundation for better patient care May 16, 2019 - Clinical trials are an important step toward developing new treatments and learning more about diseases and conditions. In honour of International Clinical Trials Day, read how some of the researchers at The Ottawa Hospital are making huge contribut
	Scientist investigates how two gene mutations contribute to autism April 24, 2019 - Dr. Pierre Mattar received $300,000 from the Simons Foundation to investigate how mutations of two genes contribute to autism.
	First step towards a database linking rare diseases with treatment options April 24, 2019 - Dr. Hanns Lochmüller and collaborators have made the first step towards a “treatabolome” – a database that links treatable rare diseases to treatment options.
	Researchers honoured for outstanding work in Parkinson’s, critical care and surgery April 11, 2019 - A number of outstanding researchers and research teams were recognized at The Ottawa Hospital’s Excellence Awards Ceremony on April 11. They include the Parkinson Research Consortium, the Operating Room Black Box® Research Program and ICU resear
	New scientist profile: Dr. Hanns Lochmüller investigates rare neuromuscular disorders March 15, 2019 - Dr. Hanns Lochmüller, a neurologist and senior scientist recently recruited to CHEO Research Institute from the U.K., has now also been appointed as an associate scientist in the Neuroscience Program at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute.
	Researcher brings made-in-Ottawa approach to Parkinson’s care to Europe March 15, 2019 - A personalized approach for Parkinson’s care pioneered in Ottawa will soon be tested in Europe, thanks to a prestigious $2.2 M grant. This approach, called the Integrated Parkinson’s Care Network, was developed by Drs. Tiago Mestre and David Grimes.
	Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recommended as a standard of care for certain kinds of MS in the U.S. March 13, 2019 - The American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation has recommended that stem cell transplantation for MS, which has been pioneered at The Ottawa Hospital, be considered a “standard of care, clinical evidence available” for people with certain
	Researchers to advance science and improve health with new CIHR funding February 14, 2019 - Researchers at The Ottawa Hospital, affiliated with the University of Ottawa, are playing a lead role in nine new projects funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). These projects will advance science and improve health in areas su
	Discovery points to innovative new way to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy January 31, 2019 - Researchers at The Ottawa Hospital and the University of Ottawa have discovered a new way to treat the loss of muscle function caused by Duchenne muscular dystrophy in animal models of the disease. As reported in Cell Stem Cell, the team restored mus
	Engaging patients in research every step of the way November 28, 2018 - CMAJ's new supplement on engaging patients in health research features commentaries led by Drs. Dean Fergusson, Simon Hatcher and Christian Vaillancourt, as well as 14 other teams affiliated with Ontario’s SPOR SUPPORT Unit (OSSU). As co-Scientific D
	Depression linked to “junk DNA” in the serotonin receptor gene November 21, 2018 - The human genome is thought to be 75 to 90 percent meaningless “junk DNA”, but researchers are increasingly finding that some of this junk may actually do something important. For example, new research led by Dr. Paul Albert and Dr. Eitan Friedman sh
	First responders to get mental health help at new research clinic October 31, 2018 - Recognizing the mental health needs of first responders, the City of Ottawa is championing a new study led by researchers at The Ottawa Hospital and the University of Ottawa. The team will launch Canada’s first research-based mental health clinic for
	Could leaky blood vessels be a target for treating migraines? Study opens up promising new area of research August 30, 2018 - Migraine headaches are often accompanied by electrical waves that slowly move across the brain, causing flashes of light and other visual disturbances. Referred to as “migraine aura”, this phenomenon also affects the brain’s blood vessels, allowing
	The cancer’s gone but the fear remains: psychology researchers tackle fear of cancer recurrence August 16, 2018 - A pilot study by Drs. Christina Tomei, Sophie Lebel, Christine Maheu, Monique Lefebvre, and Cheryl Harris suggests that specialized psychological services could help cancer survivors manage their fear of cancer returning. While this is a realistic fe
	Diabetes drug could enhance stem cell treatment for stroke August 8, 2018 - Imagine removing blood or skin cells from a patient after a stroke, turning them into powerful stem cells in the lab, and then transplanting them back into the same patient's brain so they can give rise to new neurons to repair the damage. This is th
	The Ottawa Hospital opens one-of-a-kind neuromuscular research centre May 1, 2018 - You can help!The Ottawa Hospital needs crucial equipment for neuromuscular research, including:An ultracentrifuge that separates cells into different components by spinning themat very high speed.This crucial piece of equipment can exert a force that
	Discovery provides “profound new insight” into Duchenne muscular dystrophy April 19, 2018 - Researchers at The Ottawa Hospital and the University of Ottawa have discovered a completely new function for the protein complex containing the dystrophin protein, which is missing in people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Dr. Michael Rudnicki and
	Can tiny bits of cells in the blood help track the progress of spinal muscular atrophy? April 11, 2018 - Dr. Robin Parks was awarded $150,000 from CureSMA to see if tiny bits of cells called exosomes can be used to track how spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) progresses and responds to treatment. SMA is the number one genetic cause of death in infants. Deb
	Antidepressants and exercise in stroke recovery: surprising results from new mouse study March 2, 2018 - Exercise and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are effective in treating certain kinds of depression, but little research has tested them together in post-stroke depression, which affects 20 to 80 percent of stroke survivors. Drs. Pau
	The Ottawa Hospital awarded $12.7M for research, double the national CIHR success rate January 30, 2018 - Sixteen research groups at The Ottawa Hospital, affiliated with the University of Ottawa, have been awarded $12.7 million in the most recent project grant competition from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). This represents a success r
	Researchers to test patient-centered approach to Parkinson’s care December 15, 2017 - Dr. Tiago Mestre has received a $197,000 New Investigator Award from the Physicians’ Services Incorporated Foundation to test a new model of care for people living with Parkinson’s disease. This project, called the Integrated Parkinson’s Care Network
	Pre-treated cells boost blood vessel repair November 29, 2017 - Endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs) are stem-like cells found in umbilical cord blood that help repair damaged blood vessels. They may hold promise for the treatment of stroke, heart attack and blocked leg arteries. However, their rate of bloo
	When is a headache a sign of a deadly brain bleed? Ottawa rule could improve diagnosis and save lives November 13, 2017 - More than 150,000 people visit Canadian emergency departments each year because of a headache. While it usually isn’t serious, in 1-3 percent of cases a bad headache can be a sign of dangerous bleeding in the brain, also called subarachnoid hemorrhag
	Award-winning scientist challenges medical dogma in quest to prevent, treat neurodegenerative disease October 25, 2017 - Dr. Michael Schlossmacher grew up in Austria, trained at Harvard and now leads The Ottawa Hospital’s neuroscience research program. His research helped establish a key concept in Alzheimer’s disease and led to a clinical trial of an experimental ther
	Award-winning tool helps predict course of recovery from spinal cord injury October 11, 2017 - “Will I ever walk again?” is one of the first questions a person asks after a spinal cord injury. Because each person’s recovery is different, it’s often hard for physicians to predict what an individual will be able to do in the future. Dr. Philip
	Researchers get $558K boost from Heart and Stroke Foundation June 15, 2017 - Two scientists from The Ottawa Hospital and the University of Ottawa were successful in the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s recent grant-in-aid grant competition. Dr. Baptiste Lacoste was awarded $259,000* to test whether drugs that are already used
	Could stem cells heal premature lungs, fight infections, build muscles and strengthen bones? May 25, 2017 - Ottawa researchers closer to finding out, thanks to $1.5 million from the Ontario Institute for Regenerative Medicine Researchers from The Ottawa Hospital, CHEO and the University of Ottawa are bringing discoveries made in the lab closer to huma
	The Ottawa Hospital awarded 18 research grants from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, worth $10.7 million May 19, 2017 - Eighteen research groups at The Ottawa Hospital, affiliated with the University of Ottawa, have been awarded nearly $11 million in the most recent project grant competition from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). This represents a suc
	Worm study reveals the secrets of early spinal cord development April 24, 2017 - Dr. Antonio Colavita and his team discovered that two molecular pathways work together in the early development of the spinal cord. While the discovery was made in a transparent worm called C. elegans, the processes are likely the same in humans. T
	Researchers investigate role of immune system in Spinal Muscular Atrophy February 1, 2017 - Surprising new research has found that spinal muscular atrophy, traditionally thought of as a neuromuscular disease, may also affect the immune system. SMA is the number one genetic cause of death in infants, and is caused by the lack of a protein
	Information for patients: Chemo and blood stem cell transplantation for rare autoimmune diseases January 4, 2017 - A number of media stories have recently highlighted The Ottawa Hospital’s use of chemotherapy and blood stem cell transplantation to treat rare autoimmune diseases, such as myasthenia gravis, stiff person syndrome and scleroderma. These stories have
	Stem cell procedure sends patients with severe myasthenia gravis into remission November 17, 2016 - A stem cell procedure that reboots the immune system sent seven patients with a severe form of the autoimmune disease myasthenia gravis into long-term remission, according to a retrospective study published in JAMA Neurology. In this disease th
	Researchers find protein that keeps DNA from collapsing August 17, 2016 - As the cells in our bodies divide to make new ones, DNA is split apart and copied. In a paper published in Cell Death and Disease, Dr. David Picketts and his team found that a protein called ATRX can keep this replicating DNA from collapsing when
	Levodopa pumps new life into Ottawa Parkinson’s patient March 31, 2016 - Retired teacher Nick Kaethler, now 75, was the first person in Ottawa to receive a newly approved treatment for advanced Parkinson’s disease that delivers drugs directly to the small intestine. He said the pump has reduced his symptoms and given
	$530,000 grant to find Canadians’ most important risk factors for dementia March 30, 2016 - Drs. Doug Manuel and Peter Tanuseputro have been awarded a $530,000 grant from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) to build models that will predict dementia incidence and the future burden of the disease on the Canadian population.
	Could an algorithm help treat bleeding strokes? March 2, 2016 - Intracerebral hemorrhages, or bleeding strokes, kill approximately 500 people in Ontario each year. One in three victims are still bleeding when they arrive at the hospital and could potentially be helped by experimental drugs that promote blood
	Can smartphone-assisted therapy help prevent suicide? Researchers get $1.7M grant to find out January 27, 2016 - Every year about 1,200 people in Ottawa arrive at a hospital with self-harm, usually from an overdose of pills. About five percent of these people will die by suicide in the next five years. However, the treatment given to this high-risk group is
	Ottawa researchers identify the Mike Holmes of muscle stem cells January 27, 2016 - Over the last several years, Dr. Lynn Megeney and his team have discovered that muscle stem cells have a strange way of giving rise to new muscle fibres. They turn on scissor-like proteins that cut up other proteins and strands of DNA. Usually this
	Dr. Jeffrey Dilworth awarded $2.3 million for muscle regeneration research October 6, 2015 - Thousands of stem cells within our muscle tissue must make a difficult decision every day: Should I divide to produce another stem cell? Should I start becoming a new muscle fibre? Or should I just stay in bed? Dr. Jeffrey Dilworth was recently awa
	New chair in spinal cord research brings hope for more first steps August 21, 2015 - Sam (right) and Uttra Bhargava welcomed Dr. Eve Tsai (centre) as the new Suruchi Bhargava Chair in Spinal Cord and Brain Regeneration Research, announced on Aug. 13. Suruchi Bhargava was hit by a drunk driver in 1989. The vibrant 23-year-old, an
	Deep-brain stimulation brings a family doctor with Parkinson’s back from “the abyss” June 30, 2015 - Doctors aren’t known for their great handwriting skills, but this was more than just bad handwriting. Dr. Jacques Theriault’s writing got smaller as he moved across the page. It was 2006 when he first noticed the problem, and while most people might
	Researchers in Ottawa achieve breakthrough with rare disease: Stem cells used to send “stiff person syndrome” into long-term remission August 25, 2014 - Ottawa—Scientists at The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute have made a breakthrough in the successful treatment of a rare and debilitating neurological disease known as stiff person syndrome that leaves people who are afflicted with the disorder sta
	Mice with big brains provide insight into brain regeneration and developmental disorders May 15, 2012 - Scientists at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI) and the University of Ottawa (uOttawa) have discovered that mice that lack a gene called Snf2l have brains that are 35 per cent larger than normal. The research, led by Dr. David Picketts an

Researchers

Name	Scientific appointment	Diseases, conditions and populations of interest	Research and clinical approaches
Aviv, Richard MBChB, FRCR (UK), FRCPC, dABR	Clinician Investigator (NS)	Brain and neuromuscular disease, Brain cancer, Head and neck cancer, Multiple sclerosis, Stroke, Subarachnoid hemorrhage, Traumatic brain injury, Vascular cognitive impairment, Vascular, heart and metabolic disease	Artificial intelligence and data science, Basic research, Big data, Bioinformatics, Biomarkers, Clinical research, Cluster randomized trials, Disease models, Health economics, Health technology, Imaging, Patient safety, Quality Improvement, Translational research
Hakim, Antoine O.C., MD, PhD, FRCPC	Senior Scientist Emeritus (NS)	Brain and neuromuscular disease, Dementia, Stroke, Vascular cognitive impairment
Hatcher, Simon BSc MBBS MMedSc MD FRCPC FRANZCP MRCPsych	Scientist (NS)	Anxiety, Brain and neuromuscular disease, COVID-19, First Nations, Inuit and Métis Health, Health equity, Mental health, Traumatic brain injury, Depression, Health in disadvantaged peoples, Suicide	Clinical research, Digital and mobile health, Health economics, Health professional behaviour change, Health research methods, Health services research, Health technology, Knowledge translation and implementation research, Patient engagement, Prevention, Public health, Qualitative methods, Clinical trials, Cluster randomized trials, Epidemiology, Psychology, Systematic reviews
Lorimer, Ian PhD	Senior Scientist (CR)	Brain and neuromuscular disease, Brain cancer, Cancer	Basic research, Cancer biotherapeutics, Cell therapy, Disease models, Molecular and cellular biology, Translational research
Parks, Robin Ph.D.	Senior Scientist (RM)	Brain and neuromuscular disease, Cancer, Muscular dystrophy, Neuromuscular disease	Gene therapy, Molecular and cellular biology, Viral therapy
Perkins, Theodore PhD	Senior Scientist (RM)	Brain and neuromuscular disease, Cancer, Muscular dystrophy, Musculoskeletal conditions, Neuromuscular disease	Artificial intelligence and data science, Basic research, Big data, Bioinformatics, Biomarkers, Biostatistics, Epigenetics, Gene expression, Genetics, Genomics, Proteomics, Regenerative medicine, Stem cells, Systems biology, Translational research
Picketts, David Ph.D.	Senior Scientist (RM)	Autism, Brain and neuromuscular disease, Intellectual disabilities, Multiple sclerosis, Stroke, Vision	Basic research, Disease models, Epigenetics, Molecular and cellular biology, Regenerative medicine, Stem cells, Transgenic/knockout models
Rahgozar, Arya PhD	Scientist (MIR)	Aging, Alzheimer's, Brain and neuromuscular disease, Dementia, Parkinson's	Artificial intelligence and data science, Digital and mobile health
Ramsay, Timothy PhD	Senior Scientist (MIR)	Addiction, Alzheimer's, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Anxiety, Ataxia, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Autism, Bipolar, Brain and neuromuscular disease, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Colorectal cancer, Concussion, Cystic fibrosis, Dementia, Depression, First Nations, Inuit and Métis Health, HIV, Immigrant and refugee health, Influenza, Kidney disease, Lung cancer, Macular degeneration, Men's health, Multiple sclerosis, Muscular dystrophy, Myasthenia gravis, Obesity, Ovarian cancer, Parkinson's, Pulmonary hypertension, Septic shock, Spinal cord injury	Artificial intelligence and data science, Behaviour, Biomaterials, Biostatistics, Cell therapy, Clinical decision rules, Clinical research, Clinical trials, Cohort studies, Critical care, Drug development, Emergency medicine, Epidemiology, Health professional behaviour change, Health promotion, Health research methods, Health services research, Health technology, Immunization, Immunotherapy, Palliative care, Patient decision aids, Pharmacology, Pharmacy, Prevention, Psychology, Psychometrics, Public health, Qualitative methods, Quality Improvement, Regenerative medicine, Rehabilitation, Risk assessment, Shared decision making, Surgery, Surveys, Systematic reviews, Transfusions, Translational research, Transplantation, Viral therapy
Santos, Marlise MD (FRCPC), MSc, MPH	Clinician Investigator (NS)	Alzheimer's, Anxiety, Ataxia, Autoimmune disease, Autoimmune diseases of the nervous system, Blood cancer, Brain and neuromuscular disease, Brain cancer, Cancer, Concussion, Dementia, Depression, Global health, Head and neck cancer, Health equity, Health in disadvantaged peoples, Infectious disease, Intellectual disabilities, Multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's, Population health, Sickle cell anemia, Spinal cord injury, Stroke, Subarachnoid hemorrhage, Thrombosis / thromboembolism, Traumatic brain injury, Traumatic injuries, Vascular cognitive impairment, Vascular, heart and metabolic disease	Artificial intelligence and data science, Basic research, Behaviour, Biostatistics, Cancer biotherapeutics, Clinical decision rules, Clinical research, Clinical trials, Cohort studies, Critical care, Epidemiology, Health economics, Health research methods, Health services research, Health technology, Imaging, Patient safety, Pragmatic trials, Prevention, Public health, Qualitative methods, Quality Improvement, Shared decision making, Surgery, Surveys, Systematic reviews
Schlossmacher, Michael MD, DABPN, FRCPC	Program Director and Senior Scientist (NS)	Aging, Brain and neuromuscular disease, Crohn's, Dementia, Inflammatory bowel syndrome, Dementia, Parkinson's	Basic research, Biomarkers, Cohort studies, Disease models, Drug development, Genetics, Lipidomics, Molecular and cellular biology, Proteomics, Risk assessment, Transgenic/knockout models, Translational research
Tsai, Eve MD, PhD, FRCSC, CIP	Scientist (NS)	Brain and neuromuscular disease, Cancer, Spinal cord injury	Biomaterials, Clinical research, Clinical trials, Imaging, Molecular and cellular biology, Regenerative medicine, Stem cells, Translational research
Walker, Lisa PhD, C.Psych	Clinician Investigator (NS)	Anxiety, Autoimmune disease, Autoimmune diseases of the nervous system, Brain and neuromuscular disease, Dementia, Depression, Mental health, Multiple sclerosis	Behaviour, Biomarkers, Clinical research, Exercise, Imaging, Psychology, Psychometrics, Rehabilitation, Stem cells, Systematic reviews, Translational research
Woulfe, John PhD, MD	Associate Scientist (NS)	Brain and neuromuscular disease, Brain cancer, Cancer, Parkinson's	Basic research, Clinical research, Translational research