CANADIAN NEWS

Octopuses throw things at those that annoy them, study shows

An international team of scientists from Australia, Canada and the US, using an underwater camera trap, has evidence that suggests octopuses, especially females, will throw things around – even at each other if annoyed. In 2015, wild octopuses at an Australian site were observed using their tentacles to propel shells, silt, and algae when tidying their den, discarding the remains of a meal, or for social reasons like fighting or mating. In the study, females were the source of 66% of all throws.

A NEW LENS ON NOVEL CANCER THERAPIES WITH LIVE‑CELL IMAGING

Most cancer cases arise from accumulated damage to our genetic material, a phenomenon that happens more than 10,000 times a day and can cause mutations to our DNA that lead to uncontrolled cell growth. These injuries would be catastrophic if cells were unable to repair them, but the body’s delicate machinery detects and repairs the genetic damage to prevent DNA mutations and diseases, such as cancer. Despite four decades of intensive research, that critical process remains only partially characterized.

In a new study, Dr. Graham Dellaire of Dalhousie’s departments of Pathology and Biochemistry/Molecular Biology collaborated with Dr. Raul Mostoslavsky at the Massachusetts General Hospital and colleagues at the National Cancer Research Center in Spain to use machine learning and analyze thousands of images to visualise this DNA repair machinery with a degree of detail and precision never achieved before.

This technique, using multi-colour fluorescence microscopy with a custom-built, state-of-the-art spinning disk microscope, has led to the discovery of several new proteins involved in DNA repair.

The results shed light on DNA repair but also provide new technologies to manipulate the process, priming the pump for novel discoveries that will affect how cancer is treated.

WEST COAST SCIENTISTS EXPRESS CONCERN OVER SALMON HABITAT

A group of 12 leading scientists are asking the Canadian government to reject the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority's proposed new cargo terminal, the Robert Banks Terminal 2, a project they say will adversely affect Fraser Chinook salmon and Southern Resident killer whales that rely on the Fraser River Estuary. "We evaluated the threats facing 102 species of conservation concern in the Fraser River Estuary and found that projects that further reduce the habitat for these at-risk species will only further their decline,” said Tara Martin, professor with the Forest and Conservation Science Department at the University of British Columbia. “Our research shows that species recovery requires implementing cost-effective conservation-based science that is supported by a management plan and co-governance."

New investment in photonics and semiconductors

Ottawa recently announced it will be investing $240 million to build Canadian bench strength in photonics and semiconductors. The Semiconductor Challenge Callout, a fund of $150 million, will go to the development and supply of semiconductors, while $90 million has been earmarked for the National Research Council of Canada’s Canadian Photonics Fabrication Centre. In response to the chip shortage that has affected the supply chain since late 2020, the government is monitoring signs of strain in critical supply chains and infrastructure, and is working with the United States and global partners to enhance supply chain security.

PROGRAM OPENS DOORS FOR SKILLED NEWCOMERS TO ENTER THE CANADIAN BIO‑ECONOMY

BioTalent Canada recently introduced a new program, Skilled Newcomer Internships for the Bio-economy, that provides funds for employers to integrate skilled newcomers and internationally educated professionals into the Canadian bio-economy. The $2.9-million project helps bio-economy employers access skilled individuals they might not have otherwise considered for roles. Funded in part by the Canadian government, the program covers 75% of a participant’s salary to a maximum of $20,000 for a three- to nine-month job placement. The program runs through October 2023 and aims to place more than 165 newcomers and professionals with small- and medium-sized enterprises across Canada. For more information, visit biotalent.ca/skillednewcomers.