This is a round-up of relevant news and media stories involving the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry. We appreciate you relaying information which is relevant to faculty members in your respective areas.
TOP STORIES
Global News: Lack of sunlight might lead to winter weight gain: Alberta study
While it might be tempting to stay indoors during the cold winter months, a new study out of the University of Alberta suggests doing so might lead to weight gain. Peter Light, professor of pharmacology at the U of A and the director of the Alberta Diabetes Institute, is interviewed on the findings. Coverage also appears in the Daily Mail (UK), The Sun (UK), CTV News, CBC News, MSN, Deccan Chronicle, Daily Post, Metro News, Independent, The Scottish Sun, Daily Times, Science Daily, Reader's Digest, Inquisitr, Men's Health, Woman's World, Cosmopolitan, Philadelphia Magazine, The OZ Blog and many more.
Edmonton Journal: Three Edmontonians receive Order of Canada
Paul Armstrong, a pioneer in acute cardiac care and a professor of cardiology at the U of A, has been named to the Order of Canada. The Order of Canada is one of Canada's highest civilian honours, with nearly 7,000 people joining its ranks since its creation in 1967. Other honourees with ties to the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry include Tom Feasby, former Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs (now neurologist at the University of Calgary), Eric Schloss, '59 BA, '63 MD, clinical professor of dermatology and Joseph B. Martin, '62 MD, former Dean of Harvard, U of A Distinguished Alumni Award recipient in 2007 and U of A Honorary Degree recipient in 1988.
Global News: Robot at Stollery Children's Hospital aims to provide relief for little patients
The Stollery Children's Hospital has added some help for its staff. It's a robot called MEDi and it's hoped it can provide relief for little patients and their families. Samina Ali, a professor of pediatrics at the U of A, is using MEDi as part of a study examining how effectively it can distract kids from painful experiences in the emergency room.
RESEARCH
CBC Quirks and Quarks: 2017's most incredible science stories we almost missed
How recreating horsepox in a lab could lead to cancer cures. Using mail order genetic ingredients, U of A virologist David Evans and his research associate Ryan Noyce recreated a virus similar to deadly smallpox.
Fox News: Want to set your child up for lifelong health? Go with your gut
In a story about good gut health, the writer references research at the U of A that measured several strains of bacteria in three-month-old babies and followed up years later. The researchers found that infants with a less-sturdy intestinal infrastructure were more likely to have developed allergies to peanuts, milk and eggs.
CBC News Edmonton: Edmonton destined to be health innovation hub, says medical task force
Move over oil and gas, the next economic driver for the Alberta economy will be innovative health technology, if a gaggle of experts in Edmonton gets its way. Studies show where a company launches and brings its product to market is likely where it's going to call home. One example is a blood test being developed by local firm Nanostics Inc., based on research done at the U of A by John Lewis, a professor of oncology.
This story offers tips on how to get your gut health back after holiday indulgence, and cites U of A Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry research about how exposure to pets helps gut immunity. Related coverage is also found on Infosurhoy.
Dina Kao, an associate professor of medicine at the U of A, discusses new research around fecal transplants to fight chronic Clostridium difficile infection. Related coverage is also found on 630 CHED.
Science Daily: Targeting breast cancer through precision medicine
U of A researchers have discovered a mechanism that may make cancer cells more susceptible to treatment. The research team found that the protein RYBP prevents DNA repair in cancer cells, including breast cancer. Mohammad Ali, a postdoctoral fellow and the lead author of the study, is quoted.
Alberta researchers, including Scot Purdon from the U of A's Department of Psychiatry are trying to figure out how long you need to abstain from weed before getting behind the wheel. Coverage also appears on Global Edmonton and CBC National (French).
EXPERT
CityNews Edmonton: Opioid deaths continue to skyrocket
Canada's Public Health Agency paints a grim forecast for opioid deaths, but Kim Kelly, an assistant clinical professor with the U of A's Department of Family Medicine, believes there are ways to reverse the trend sooner than later. Related coverage appears in the Edmonton Journal.
Times Colonist: Big pharma snub, placebo snag to blame for lack of medical pot research: experts
A disinterested pharmaceutical industry and the conundrum of finding a convincing placebo are just two reasons experts say there has been little quality research into medicinal marijuana. According to Mike Allan, a professor of family medicine at the U of A, there are few benefits for producers to conduct the research. Story also appears in the Vancouver Sun.
Metro News Edmonton: 'Not the least bit prepared': Edmonton police brace for cannabis legalization
To prepare for the legalization of marijuana, Public Safety Canada has been testing roadside oral fluid tests, which purport to detect the presence of marijuana or another drug. Louis Francescutti, an Edmonton emergency room physician and professor of emergency medicine at the U of A, said those tests have been inconclusive so far.
CBC Edmonton AM: The risks of tanning beds for kids
Jaggi Rao, a clinical professor of medicine at the U of A, is interviewed about a new rule in Alberta where minors will no longer be able to use tanning beds.
How Your RSV 'Cold' Could Make A Baby Sick Enough To Be Hospitalized
RSV is the leading cause of hospitalizations in babies less than a year old. A Global News interview from November with David Marchant, an assistant professor of Medical Microbiology & Immunology at the U of A, is quoted in the article.
National Post: Researchers discover the 'internal bathroom scale' that keeps body weight constant
Scientists postulate that specialized cells in weight-bearing bones act as a 'gravitostat' that signals the brain to eat less. A blog post by Arya Sharma, a U of A professor of medicine, is quoted in the article. Coverage also appears in The Province.
Global News: Alberta college says doctors helped create opioid crisis and must help solve it
The Alberta College of Physicians and Surgeons has published a letter about the opioid crisis, putting some of the responsibility on doctors. The college said doctors helped create the crisis and now need to help solve it. Hakique Virani, a public health and addiction medicine specialist at the U of A, comments.
Global News: Health of pregnant women's teeth and gums could affect fetus: experts
We've all done it. Our baby drops their soother on the floor, we pick it up-lick it-and then put it back in their mouth. On the surface, this seems like an OK idea. But what many people fail to realize is that cavities are a transmissible disease. Darsi Perusini, a pediatric dentist clinical instructor at the U of A's School of Dentistry, gives expert comment.
Global News Edmonton: Beating 'Blue Monday' post-holiday sadness
The third Monday in January is considered by many to be the most depressing day of the year, when abandoned New Year's resolutions, nasty winter weather and post-Christmas debt all combine to making us feel sad. Adam Abba-Aji, an assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at the U of A, gives expert comment about "blue Monday" and seasonal affective disorder.
CBC Radio: The Current: New shingles vaccine should be free, argues seniors advocate
Lynora Saxinger, an infectious disease expert at the U of A, gives expert comment on shingles and a new vaccine developed for it named Zostavax.
PEOPLE, PARTNERSHIPS AND EDUCATION
Good Times Magazine: Why Mindfulness May Be Right for You
For dealing with stress, mindfulness-a meditative practice-can make a difference, and it's only one of its benefits. Catherine Phillips, an assistant professor of psychiatry at the U of A, gives expert comment. No link.
Airdrie City View: Health Co-op director to receive Order of Canada
Tom Feasby, a former associate dean of the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry at the U of A, will be made a Member of the Order of Canada at a ceremony to be held in Ottawa later this year. Feasby is currently the medical director of the Airdrie and Area Health Benefits Co-operative.
Edmonton Journal: Online database aims to improve participation in Alberta clinical trials
Clinical trials taking place across the province on everything from arthritis to melanoma are the focus of a new online database that aims to increase the participation of Albertans in medical research. Be the Cure is a joint effort of the U of A and the Northern Alberta Clinical Trials and Research Centre. Related coverage also appears on Global Edmonton and CBC Radio Active.
The Gateway: Med students push province to create youth mental health fund with cannabis sales
Medical students from the University of Alberta and the University of Calgary are pressing the provincial government to create a youth mental health and addiction fund with money from legal cannabis sales.
Nipawin News: Melfort physician opens new practice
Alexander Watts of Melfort is pleased to announce the opening of his own practice in the Melfort Wellness Centre. Watts is originally from Erickson, Manitoba. He obtained his Medical Degree at the University of Alberta and completed his Family Medicine postgraduate training at Moose Jaw.
CBC News: Alberta man makes $3M donation to U of A program that saved his life
Marshall Eliuk, a businessman from Peace River, nearly died from aplastic anemia in 1999. After giving a $1.5 million donation to Canadian Blood Services a few years ago, Eliuk was asked to look at giving to the hematology program at the U of A. Recently, he gave double his first donation-$3 million-to the program.
Edmonton Journal: Alberta Health Services pares down infrastructure wish-list
Alberta Health Services has decided to pare down its infrastructure demands, handing the province a shorter list that emphasizes a handful of smaller, lower-cost projects. Story mentions the U of A's Brain Centre, which would create new patient care areas and a new neuro ICU.
A group of Edmonton doctors has created a new take on the popular Cards Against Humanity game. They developed "Doctors Against Tragedies" as part of a campaign to teach people about the risks of fentanyl use. The game's creators include FoMD's Michiko Maruyama, Cheryl Mack and Vivian Ip.