Research profiles

University of Saskatchewan researchers are developing nanostructure carbon coatings for surgical implants such as artificial joints. Each year, more than 50,000 joint replacement surgeries are performed in Canada, and with an aging population, the number of surgeries is on the rise. For Canadians, these more durable, longer-lasting surgical implants will decrease the number of surgeries, improving the quality of life of patients, and reducing exposure to the toxic effects of wear.

Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan and the University of British Columbia have developed a vaccine that will dramatically reduce the level of e-coli in cattle. This toxic microbe, responsible for recalls of meat and water contamination, causes illness in 50,000 North Americans annually, and approximately 500 deaths.