iBioMed showcase

An assistive mobility device with increased user support, smart sensors to detect unusual movements and fall-preventative braking. Braking can be activated by sensors that measure acceleration, distance from objects or side-by-side wobble, along with manual braking.

A complete incubation and bioreaction unit capable of applying mechanical stress and stimulus to muscle cell sheets. Manufactured at a cost of less than $1000 per unit, this project enables improved alignment of individual muscle cells to yield the characteristic muscle tissue properties.

A compact and portable spine board intended for wilderness first aid use. With RescueRidge those who enjoy outdoor activities can have reliable and adaptable first aid equipment. Our six-part compact swivel mechanism and one of a kind half inflatable design allows users to effortlessly carry our device to any destination. The built-in LED lights and ergonomic handles make RescueRidge an intuitive device that can be used by anyone anywhere. Unlike standard spine boards, the dual-sided design allows it to be employed in severe and acute emergencies.

The Phantom of the Opera-tion is a resin-filled medical training phantom thyroid gland for the department of Interventional Radiology that combines affordability and anatomical accuracy to revolutionize training for residents, all while allowing for more ethical and safe practice for residents and medical students.

This contactless heart rate recording system uses an angle sensor placed under patients’ mattresses to measure heart rate and movement during sleep. Results are presented on a website interface to help monitor long-term trends in sleep quality and vital signs.

RehabiliMate is a novel rehabilitation aid for multiple sclerosis patients, primarily treating hand spasticity. By using real-time mirroring technology the user can make their affected hand mimic their able-bodied hand, building a mind-muscle connection through their training. RehabiliMate combines software and mechanical engineering principles into an easy-to-use, gamified solution via a GUI.

The CLAW is a ‘second hand’ in the kitchen. Its unique fractal vise design can grip almost any object of any shape and size, from jars to Tupperware to small bowls. It can help open containers, scoop sauces and spreads and much more.

Code-Alert is a fashionable medical alert bracelet with a QR code that can be scanned during a medical emergency to provide necessary information about the wearer. It’s meant for children and adults and provides spouses, caregivers and loved ones with peace of mind when they go out in public.

GlutenGuard is a genetically engineered therapeutic that combats the immune response individuals with Celiac Disease experience when they ingest gluten. GlutenGuard identifies a biomarker and creates two things: a synthetic enzyme to break down the gluten fragment and an anti-inflammatory protein to minimize the generated immune response. GlutenGuard is made in bacteria that is native to the gut and was able to be mathematically modelled using Simbiology.

Most treatments for multiple sclerosis are expensive and focus on symptom management. MyelinMend seeks to reverse the nerve damage once and for all. Using transcranial electrical stimulation to increase oligodendrocyte activity, MyelinMend can rebuild the myelin sheath and reverse the decline in nervous function caused by multiple sclerosis.

Niemann Pick Disease Type C is a fatal lysosomal storage disorder. Currently, there is no cure. NeuroLight Innovations has developed a groundbreaking optogenetic therapy that directly promotes lipid metabolism to treat lysosomal dysfunction. Our treatment inserts an engineered protein called CRY2 into a nanoparticle. Blue light is then applied through a neural implant, leading to increased lipid breakdown.

GLIEYED helps people with neck mobility issues administer eyedrops. The device is modelled on a pair of goggles with a funnel and tube to deliver the medication with ease. By reducing the standardized 45-degree neck angle to 15 degrees, GLIEYED makes medication application seamless and lets its users be more independent.

Hand-Aid is a brace specifically tailored for a person living with Multiple Sclerosis. Hand-Aid supports her hand and wrist and prevents her fingers from bending and forming a fist.

Mold infestations are increasingly prevalent, specifically in low-income housing. Using biomarkers for the most common, and dangerous, type of mold, Aspergillus, we modelled a genetically engineered system that can act as a preventative and remedial measure to mold growth. We simulate our model using SimBiology to properly demonstrate how our system would be implemented in homes.

We propose a synthetic biology-based solution to detect three key inflammatory markers in the bloodstream of psoriatic patients. In response, our biological circuit will proportionally produce anti-inflammatory molecules to reduce flare-ups and better regulate psoriasis-induced inflammation.

FootCloud is a safe and user-friendly footrest for a patient with Multiple Sclerosis who suffers from mobility issues. The footrest comes with an integrated magnet to lower and lift the footrest. A magnetic telescopic rod attachment lets users move the footrest with ease and reduced strain.

CoralShield is a potential solution for protecting coral reefs from oxybenzone, a harmful component in sunscreen, that uses genetically modified S. cerevisiae yeast cells. CoralShield uses a GEM protein that detects oxybenzone and activates the production of laccase enzyme and eforRed chromoprotein. This causes the oxidation of oxybenzone, converting oxybenzone into a harmless derivative.

Grippy is a universal racket sports grip for individuals with limited hand mobility, dexterity, or osteoarthritis. Grippy provides individuals with an external support system to hold the racket and enjoy their lives.

MS Haven is a clinic created to assist MS patients with their medical necessities and allow their voices to be heard by medical experts. We are a research focused facility where our patients can communicate their experiences with researchers to help develop ideal treatments for MS.

The Left Hand 2.0 is made to quickly grab any object with its various clamp sizes and lock it in the closed position to hold. It can be attached to multiple surfaces, including wheelchairs and mobility scooters. The entirety of the Left Hand 2.0 is easy to use and maximizes accessibility for everybody.

The RetinaRisk app provides quick, accurate preliminary screenings right from your smartphone. This tool reduces the need for regular doctor visits and aims to prevent blindness in diabetics by making eye care accessible to everyone.

DynaGrip is an innovative exoskeleton designed to address challenges stemming from conditions like stroke, spinal cord injuries or muscle atrophy. The 3D printed exoskeleton can manipulate and pick up objects by leveraging springs and a servo motor mechanism to flex and extend the fingers. DynaGrip improves hand dexterity and quality of life for those with impaired hand function.

A housing unit that ensures the safe and efficient use of monopolar and bipolar electrocautery devices, with an intuitive design for seamless integration into existing surgical workflows. Made via SLA-printed BioMed resin, our device can be easily sterilized, making it reusable and economical for hospitals.

The Handi-Guide is a needle-guidance ultrasound transducer attachment that integrates laser technology to improve training for residents in aligning ultrasound probes and biopsy needles during ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy procedures. This device trains residents and ultimately decreases false negatives in diagnostic tests.

SynapTrack is a virtual reality (VR) gaming headset tailored for physiotherapy and rehabilitation in the management of corticobasal degeneration. With built-in sensors that directly track progress and a variety of games designed for a senior patient population, Synaptrack increases adherence to the treatment regimen, improves symptom tracking and improves accessibility.

Increased retraction pressure during Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion negatively affects post-surgical patient outcomes. Our retractors display pressure values for surgeons during operations. The PressurePro finds pressure threshold values for research purposes and improve patient outcomes.

An assistive mobility device with increased user support, smart sensors to detect unusual movements and fall-preventative braking. Braking can be activated by sensors that measure acceleration, distance from objects or side-by-side wobble, along with manual braking.

A complete incubation and bioreaction unit capable of applying mechanical stress and stimulus to muscle cell sheets. Manufactured at a cost of less than $1000 per unit, this project enables improved alignment of individual muscle cells to yield the characteristic muscle tissue properties.

Due to the underfunding of animal hospitals, veterinary anesthetists need to oversee multiple surgeries at the same time. This makes it hard for them to notice and respond to troubling patient vitals, and to remember what dosages have already been administered. For this reason, the anesthetic depth of their patients is often improperly maintained, which can increase the patient’s recovery time, and can often even be fatal. To solve this, we have designed ePID: a closed-loop anesthesia control system that uses patient vitals to automatically maintain the anesthetic depth of horses undergoing elective surgery.

StreamSwim is a sensory device designed to improve swimming. The device was created for David, a quadriplegic whose goal is to compete in a triathlon. The device uses sensor technology and various output devices to communicate with David in real time. It promotes independence while enforcing a straighter swim-path, minimizing irregular motion, and preserving shoulder strength. StreamSwim encourages a streamlined position and ultimately, ensures the user can be a stronger competitor

Traditional chemotherapy targets all fast-multiplying cells and affects everything from a patient’s hair and nails to their quality of life. Our project is focused on the development of a thermosensitive injectable hydrogel for chemotherapeutic drug delivery. Our solution will drastically improve the patient’s quality of life during chemotherapy by eliminating adverse side effects and improving the overall efficacy of standard chemotherapeutics.

NeuroNest is a software that uses IoT to help digitalize homes and maintain independence for Lewy Body Dementia patients. Our team’s software would act as a cloud to help sensors such as occupancy sensors network with output devices such as smart LEDs. We have four main components: smart lighting, door safety, fall detection, and hallucination handling. In each case, a sensor detects changes in the environment, such as sudden movement, sends this information to our software to analyze, such as realizing the patient fell, which then delivers a unique output, such as calling an ambulance.

Multiple Sclerosis is an extremely difficult disease to diagnose, with no clear method. Our solution, MyMS, is an at-home testing kit for individuals at risk of MS. MyMS reduces the number of tests needed to obtain a final MS diagnosis. Clients can receive the kit by filling out a form which determines their risk factors, such as family history with MS, location of residence, age, and biological sex. The testing kit includes our device, which uses EMG sensors to measure the velocity, amplitude, and latency of nerve conduction. The results from the test are sent to our team neurologist who will analyze them and determine the next steps for the client.

Cavities are a significant dental problem that affects people of all ages worldwide. The condition is characterized by tooth decay caused by excessive acid erosion of the tooth’s enamel by bacteria in the mouth. Streptococcus mutans is one of the most common bacteria associated with dental cavities. Our team has turned to synthetic biology to combat this issue. We have created a blueprint for a genetically engineered “good” bacteria capable of detecting and lysing S. mutans, as well as neutralizing acid. With this innovative approach, we aim to prevent the formation of cavities and promote better oral health

MAKE Pharmaceutical is proposing an interim therapeutic to extend the critical time period between symptoms and treatment in children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Currently, an initial PCR test followed up by a more thorough genetic sequence is used for diagnostics. Since current treatments cannot be administered prior to a genetic sequence many children will see the onset of irreversible symptoms; decreasing quality of life and lifespan. Therefore our therapeutic acts to temporarily halt disease progression until final diagnosis and treatment can occur. Allowing for the treatment of SMA prior to onset allows children to live happier healthier lives.

Surveyor is an easy-to-use online survey posting library for everyone interested in posting or participating in surveys/studies. The website offers a large demographics extensive library of surveys, an easy-to-use UI and more—a platform to connect surveyors with participants.

Placing an endotracheal tube (ET) in the airway allows patients to breathe during surgical procedures and the misplacement of this tube can result in harmful complications for patients. The stylet must be bent to the estimated curvature prior to intubation, and it must be removed and reshaped if the curvature does not fit the patient’s airway.
Our goal is to address the inflexibility and lack of manipulability of endotracheal tubes for intubation, as it prevents easy access to the trachea for anesthesiologists. The Manipulet is a stylet with a manipulable tip and a malleable body. Our device aims to increase first time success rates, thereby decreasing adverse events.

The BackingBuddy is a novel device to aid in the application of earring backings. It helps those with limited hand dexterity apply earring backings comfortably and independently. BackingBuddy is a hand-held, two-in-one device that includes an ergonomic handle, a pressure-fit backing holder, a button to eject the backings, and a removal tool. It is designed to hold universal earring backings usable on stud earrings. The BackingBuddy makes applying earrings an arm action removing the need for accurate fine motor skills entirely.
Although putting in earring backings can be an intimidating process, the BackingBuddy ensures everyone can continue to wear their treasured earrings.

We designed an abdominally buoyant life vest, EquiFin, incorporating magnetic clasps, a thumb lock buckle, and stability fins to enhance balance. The EquiFin allows individuals to swim in various orientations in the water, due to the detachable fin components placed on the front and back of the life vest. Magnetic clasps and a thumb mobility optimizing buckle eliminate complex mechanisms that clients suffering from spinal cord injuries may have difficulty using.

AdjustaLens is a convenient, eco-friendly, and durable adjustable eye-wear that provides a practical solution for correcting minor vision problems. No more hassle of constantly purchasing new eyewear after every visit, with the use of fluid-filled lens technology by simply adjusting the power of the lenses with an annual visit to the optometrist and adjusted on the spot. Owning just one pair of glasses means less waste produced and more money saved! The long-lasting and durable eyewear is versatile and convenient solution for correcting a wide range of vision problems.

Our client David is paralysed from the chest down and lacks the full functionality of his hands. David wishes to improve his swimming since his goal is to one day complete an Ironman Triathlon. Our solution, the Glide Master, is a leg brace that will straighten and bind David’s legs together to reduce his drag in the water. Three main goals of the GlideMaster are to make David more streamlined, elevate his hips, and allow him to maintain his independence. Most importantly, our solution is Ironman ready, allowing David to actually use our device to help him swim for the race.

After watching neurosurgeons position a patient into a Mayfield skull clamp for endonasal procedures, our team found that there was room for improvement. Through research we discovered that this device pierces the scalp and applies a great deal of force on the skull that can lead to skull fractures. Our solution was the Middle Field, a rigid band that distributes the pressure of the Mayfield head clamp across the band and head to prevent injury. Our solution works as a mediator between the patient and the head clamp to prevent the associated complications.

This research project explores the potential of AI-based automation tools to improve the process of conducting systematic reviews on cancer research. Systematic reviews are crucial in evidence-based medicine but can be time-consuming and expensive. By comparing the accuracy and workload savings of various AI tools to human reviewers, this study demonstrates promising performance and time savings. These AI tools hold the potential to make cancer research more accessible, supporting better decision-making and improved patient outcomes. As AI tools are refined and tested, they will support the fight against cancer by reducing time and costs associated with systematic reviews and providing up-to-date information to healthcare professionals.

UltraNeuro, with over 180 hours of clinical observations and collaboration with surgeons and anesthesiologists, introduces UltraGuide, an innovative solution for ultrasound-guided injections that addresses the challenges faced by physicians when performing spinal anesthesia. The current two-handed approach is time-consuming and difficult to perform accurately, causing pain for patients and frustration for physicians. UltraGuide consists of an ultrasound band and a needle guide, featuring a thumbwheel mechanism for easy angle adjustment. This solution increases stability, reduces needle passes, and allows multiple adjustments for different procedures and patient anatomies, ultimately streamlining the process of ultrasound-guided needle insertions and improving patient outcomes.

Our synthetic biology-based project is centered around designing a sensor for the early detection of colorectal cancer (CRC) using genetically modified E. coli. The system detects two specific biomarkers, CEA and CA19-9, known to be associated with CRC. The sensor functionality was assessed by creating a biological circuit in Simbiology. Our biosensor has the potential to transform the early diagnosis of CRC, providing a cost-effective and non-invasive diagnostic tool that could save countless lives.

The PaddlePro is a two-piece device designed to help those with grip strength issues return to kayaking by taking the paddling force off the user’s fingers and relocating it to their palm. The paddle mount component can be securely clipped onto any corresponding 30mm diameter paddle, with future plans to expand to more paddle types. On the back of the mount is a rail and magnet system which correspond to an attachment piece which can easily slide together. The attachment piece is sewn into the palm of a compression glove. The motion to detach is very unnatural while kayaking, avoiding accidental detachment. However, it is still easy to quickly release with one motion in case of an emergency. Allowing the user to paddle with ease, and kayak with breeze!

The Sole-Survivor is a prototype shoe attachment which provides a mechanical aid towards foot drop, for patients with Multiple Sclerosis. Foot drop is commonly treated with devices such as the Bioness L300, which utilizes functional electrical stimulation for muscle control in the ankle. However, this treatment becomes less effective as the severity of MS cases decrease, specifically on uneven ground. The Sole-Survivor utilizes a 3D-printed hexagonal defect boundary and TPU to provide a strong, flexible sole which conforms to any ground, keeping the shoe and sole of the foot flat. This prevents any spasms of the Bioness, and allows for discrete use at anytime necessary.

Clickmate is a computer mouse designed for individuals with limited hand mobility. It eliminates conventional force-intensive mouse functions such as clicking and scrolling by replacing them with low-intensity macro-movements. Clickmate is an innovative solution to address the challenges faced by individuals who struggle with using a traditional computer mouse. By eliminating the need for fine motor skills, Clickmate offers a more accessible and comfortable alternative for over 58 million people in North America who suffer from reduced hand mobility and connective tissue diseases.

MorFine is a device designed to assist individuals who require opioid therapy for pain management, particularly those in hospice facilities. Its purpose is to prevent addiction and minimize the development of opioid tolerance by administering precise doses of medication based on the patient’s opioid blood content. Unlike traditional patient-controlled drips, MorFine is fully automated, ensuring accuracy and allowing healthcare professionals to have greater control over opioid treatment.

NECK-CHECK uses 2 gyroscope sensors, embedded in headwear and an adjustable back belt, to detect forward head posture and aid in treating non-specific neck pain. Users can wear the device to their desk job and utilize the Continuous LED Display to monitor and self-correct their posture. Upon detecting poor posture, an LED changes color to indicate “bad” posture to the user. The LED Goal Progress Display allows users to observe their daily goals, as LEDs turn on hourly when a good average posture is maintained. The outputted data is collected and visually presented to a clinician to monitor improvement.

Endometriosis is a serious and debilitating disease that impacts 10% of the global female population of reproductive age. Due to the invasiveness of the golden standard diagnostic method of laparoscopy, diagnosis can be delayed for up to 10 years. Endo-Detect is a novel non-invasive synthetic biology diagnostic tool that expresses a blue dye in response to endometriosis, regulated by a logical AND gate when analyzing a urine sample. Our solution aims to address misdiagnosis and the overwhelming number of undiagnosed patients. The biological circuit design relies on three biomarkers: E2, which is associated with inflammation, angiogenesis, and pain; aromatase, which is related to lesion growth; and CA125, which is a marker for aberrant tissue growth.

Our product, ReBalance, is an at-home device that evaluates an ACL reconstruction patient’s knee joint and transmits data to clinicians remotely. Our device is meant to increase accessibility for patients living in remote areas, those without convenient access to healthcare facilities, or anyone who does not have the time for time-consuming visits to their local clinic.

Public hospitals in developing countries face challenges in adopting modern electronic healthcare due to lack of infrastructure. All medical records are documented by hand on paper and are either tossed in disorganized archive rooms or thrown away due to poor hospital management. EnhanceDoc simplifies medical record-keeping by storing scanned images of paper records with unique patient codes, providing long-term security and improved continuity of care. The software’s minimal computer requirements and compatibility with paper records can help practitioners with easing the transition to electronic record-keeping for hospitals with limited resources. EnhanceDoc lays the groundwork for modernizing medical record-keeping processes in developing countries.

Our team is presenting a pitch on a novel diagnosis method for a neurodegenerative disorder, progressive supranuclear palsy. The presentation is based on our project in our entrepreneurship in biological innovation course (IBEHS 1EP6) and pairs medical research and innovative solutions with a business scheme.

Our group project consists of a new and innovative technique to treat lung cancer. This technique uses two genetically engineered cells, one containing a prodrug and the other containing the activating enzyme. When these cells are found near the lungs, and they come into contact with cancerous cells, they begin to sense each other, activating them through a quorum sensing pathway and lysing the cell. This releases their contents into the lumen, allowing for the activating enzyme to turn the prodrug into its active drug form, thus killing the lung cancerous cell.

More than 82 million metric tons of PET plastic are produced yearly, with a lot of it accumulating in landfills in developing countries. As a result of its drastically long breakdown time, people in these countries often resort to burning plastic which can cause detrimental effects on their health. Our project involved using synthetic biology to clean up PET plastic in these landfills by using “Robo-PET”. This robot will incubate genetically engineered E. Coli bacteria that can break down PET into terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol; two products that are non-toxic to the environment.

Our novel solution to Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a nasal spray called “Myelin-Mist”. The nasal spray has nanocapsules that are suspended in a liquid medium containing two different types of cells; undifferentiated oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) and ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF). The two components, OPCs and CNTF, will be delivered in a nanocapsule, that is temperature-sensitive. This solution allows OPCs and CNTF to be evenly distributed within the brain before the active components are released. By delivering OPCs and CNTF into the brain together, we hope to promote myelination enough to reverse the harmful effects of MS. This is a solution that treats the root cause of MS to ensure the quality of life of patients are not compromised.

Nadina, who has Multiple sclerosis, is currently in a wheelchair and desires a device to aid her in wheeling the right side of her wheelchair. She experiences severe spasticity of her right-side, but with our device she will be able to grip and move the right wheel by implementing a ratchet mechanism and ergonomic handle to propel her wheelchair in a way that works for her.

With over 40% of the world’s population exhibiting functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), it is important that these disorders are diagnosed with accuracy, timeliness, and cost efficiency to reduce the strain on public health care. Our team has developed a biological circuit that identifies FGIDs, including Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumours (GISTs), Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). We will implement the circuit into E. coli bacterium via several genetic edits. A drinkable solution with the modified E. coli will indicate if the patient has one of the three mentioned FGIDs by observing the colour of their stool.

“Speed It Up” is an at-home gait monitoring system for children with spastic diplegia cerebral palsy. “Speed It Up” is worn as a sock and tracks the angle the sole axis makes with the lower leg axis, using LEDs to indicate to the user if they have fallen outside of a “typical” angular range. The system also incorporates a level-based game in which the user can select the speed they wish to perform the test at, and a buzzer will sound to indicate when the child should take a step. Data outputs of joint angle throughout the session are relayed to the guardian graphically. Average cadence, speed, joint angle, number of steps, and the level completed, are compiled into a .csv file for clinician use.

This project seeks to provide accurate and individualized wait time predictions that is acessible to hospital staff, patients, and patient relatives both in and outside of the Ophthalmology Clinic at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton King Campus. By developing a predictive model and displaying such information, we seek to alleviate some of the frustration associated with long waits, and empower all stakeholders for a more convenient clinic experience

Depression is expected to be the largest contributor to global disease by 2030, and is a critical health problem affecting the ability to think, feel, and act. Yet, treatment is often inadequate. We developed a solution using a synthetic biological circuit which targets tryptophan hydroxylase, an enzyme involved with serotonin synthesis.

he GoGlasses device consists of 3 gyroscope sensors, designed as a clip-on for glasses and a neck patch, to detect poor posture of the neck to aid in the treatment of non-specific neck pain. The user will be able to wear GoGlasses as regular glasses. Upon detection of sustained poor posture, the user will be alerted via vibration to improve their posture. A paired mobile application will allow users to initiate recalibration of the device and keep track of personal trends.

Our solution, “Comfort Cosmetics”, is a multifunctional makeup kit that enables accessible makeup application for patients with Multiple Sclerosis to promote confidence and independence. The kit includes a non-slip mat and automated multipurpose brush, which work together to eliminate the need for fine motor skills in makeup application.Our goal is to address the inflexibility and lack of manipulability of endotracheal tubes for intubation, as it prevents easy access to the trachea for anesthesiologists. The Manipulet is a stylet with a manipulable tip and a malleable body. Our device aims to increase first time success rates, thereby decreasing adverse events.

Physician burnout is a work-related syndrome involving emotional exhaustion and a reduced sense of personal accomplishment, which can affect how doctors treat patients. Additionally, this can cause health care professional (HCP) partners to feel uncomfortable with being creative and be closed off to ambiguity. How could we find a solution to improve work-life balance and creativity? Our solution uses Google Calendar to plan creative tasks into our HCP’s weekly schedule (i.e., baking, knitting, and more). This way, time is scheduled out for creative activities and is incorporated into our HCP’s pre-existing schedules, thus making these self-care endeavors just as important as work commitments.

“Wheeling N’ Healing” is a device made for our client, Nadina, who has Multiple sclerosis. Her diagnosis has affected her ability to use her wheelchair independently, as she experiences limited dexterity in her right hand and extensive spasticity in her arms and shoulders. “Wheeling N’ Healing” acts to provide Nadina with a sense of agency by providing a method to use her wheelchair unassisted. The handheld lever component makes contact with the knobs fixed around the right push wheel of the wheelchair to induce propulsion.

Simulation-based medical training helps healthcare providers develop the skills needed to perform life-saving medical interventions. Imagine an accident, on a motorcycle, that on impact dislocates the pubic symphysis joint and forms a Butterfly Fracture. Anusha developed a 3D printed training model of the pelvis, encapsulated in silicone, that allows paramedics to practice their application of a T-POD Stabilizer, a device used to close Butterfly Fractures. Anusha instrumented the pubic symphysis with force sensors and the alignment of the bones will correspond to a green, yellow or red LED. An ultrasonic distance sensor will provide real-time information on the distance between the pubic bones while the T-POD Stabilizer is used in training.

The risk of death in cooking fires is 5.5 times higher for people 85 and older, especially those with early-onset Dementia. Our solution is “Safe Eats”; a unique system that addresses safety concerns with older adults, such as fires caused by unintended appliance use and frustration due to complicated interfaces. The Safe Eats smart toaster oven uses Bluetooth and QR codes to safely heat meals for an older adult looking to improve or maintain their independence while also providing their caregivers with peace of mind.

Viscoelastic materials show properties that are characteristic of both solids and liquids. In order to apply these materials as complex scaffolds, it is important to understand their mechanical properties.

Medical reports are often written with complicated terminology, we aim to create a program that is able to translate medical reports into everyday English so that patients without any medical background are able to read and understand them. This project aims to increase patient understanding of medical documents and allow patients to become more involved in decision-making processes regarding their own healthcare.

Our project’s aim was to capture the process, methods and tools used in the IBEHS 2E06 class to support the personal development of design abilities and mindset shifts. Using vignettes as tools, we were able to glimpse into the minds of previous IBEHS 2E06 students. Learning more about their mindset shift and how design thinking works has enabled us to further understand that this is not a cookie-cutter process – educating for capability involves the complex interplay of many tools to generate diverse learning experiences!

With a role in global food supply and economy, bees are important to many ecosystems. Unfortunately, bee populations are declining, with the use of organophosphate pesticides (OPs) cited as a significant factor. We describe a synthetic biology circuit inserted in S. alvi bacteria to mitigate the lethal effects of OPs by delivering genes for organophosphate hydrolase (OPH), an enzyme which degrades OPs, and lysis proteins for OPH release into the bee midgut.

Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration (nAMD) is an ocular disease wherein VEGF promotes the abnormal growth of blood vessels within the macula, causing irreversible vision loss. “Synthetic Biology to See” (SB2C) is a treatment injected into the eye which detects VEGF and produces the medication required to combat it on demand. With SB2C we can treat patients before any vision loss occurs!

One Step A-head is a discrete toque, with impact-resistant padding, that can be worn around the home by those suffering from epilepsy. Using an orientation sensor, it detects movement consistent with a grand mal seizure and alerts caregivers or loved ones in the household so that proper actions can be taken.

Approximately 3% of annual global plastic waste enters the ocean each year, with 8 million tonnes making their way into the ocean in 2010. Here we present a theoretical synthetic biology system which utilizes Synechococcus cyanobacteria already present in the ocean to increase the rate of PET ocean plastic degradation. Modelling the proposed circuit using Matlab Simbiology produced approximate models of the proposed system’s behaviour, with results suggesting that the system is capable of breaking down an average sized 9.9g water bottle in under three and a half hours, 1.1 million times faster than the natural degradation rate.

By 2031, over 1.4 million Canadians will be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. With the current clinical landscape, individuals are unable to get diagnosed until it is too late for treatments to be effective. A-Eye Care is an at-home diagnostic kit utilizing artificial intelligence and telemedicine to efficiently provide indication of early onset Alzheimer’s through the eye.

COVID-19 Accessibility Vehicle Accommodation Training (CAVeAT)  provides established rideshare drivers with PPE kits, OHSA cleaning protocols, and accessibility training. CAVeAT targets an overlooked customer base, aiming to establish a reputation of quality, integrity, and user-safety in providing COVID-safe transport to the visually impaired.

The presence of heavy metals in soil due to industrial expansion has become an increasing concern in the agricultural context. Metals such as arsenic interfere with plant growth, thus reducing crop yield and risking bioaccumulation in consumers. We introduce a synthetic biology approach for the bioremediation of arsenic. The proposed biological circuit consists of an E. coli based biosensor that uses bacterial expression to recognize arsenic and produce an arsenite specific metallothionein protein (MT) to create a neutral complex.

In cases of severe knee osteoarthritis, patients experience significant pain and decreased joint function as a result of a loss of articular cartilage and damage to the meniscus. The most common intervention is a total knee replacement surgery. After initial surgery, there is tremendous variation among patients in terms of joint-functionality and mobility. We created a wearable device, the dynamic post-op knee brace that monitors and measures a patient’s dynamic range of motion by providing accurate knee flexion and extension data during the joint rehabilitation process.

Epithelial ovarian carcinoma is the fifth leading cause of cancer-associated mortality among females. The presented design solution offers a unique retroviral vector approach to the diagnostics and therapeutics of ovarian cancer. The engineered retroviral vector delivers beneficial genes and is modulated by an AND gate that requires two common biomarkers, CA125 and HE4, to run. Healthy p53 genes are integrated into the DNA of cancerous cells, mitigating tumour growth. Additional genes that are delivered include GFP for precise monitoring, and an HSVTK suicide gene, providing an alternate mechanism for eliminating cancerous cells.

Our device, Neurolite, uses light therapy as a means to treat Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), which administers near infrared light in the form of a neck brace onto the brain stem to relieve symptoms. The near infrared light therapy is a multi-agent approach that heals damaged neurons and promotes the growth of new neurons. It is a cost-effective at-home treatment, with a very comfortable design that will improve quality of life for PSP patients!

ACL tears are common, with around 250,000 injuries occurring in Canada and the United States each year. Restoration of balance is a key indicator of being able to return to sport after an ACL injury, and there are various balance tests that can test this. Stabili-knee is a biomedical device presenting a junction between wearable technology and rehabilitation. Using real-time gyroscope and acceleration data, Stabili-knee quantitatively tracks post-surgical ACL recovery by monitoring a patient performing the Star Excursion Balance Test.

Friedreich’s Ataxia is an inherited neurodegenerative disease caused by a mutation in the FXN gene that affects up to 150 thousand individuals. Most treatments options on the market aim to manage symptoms without treating the cause of the problem. NeuroGENE Therapeutics plans to use CRISPR Cas9 technology on hematopoietic stem cells isolated from FRDA individuals to remove the mutation in the gene, treating the problem right at the cause.

Up to 87% of the Parkinson’s Disease demographic faces freezing of gait (FOG) as a symptom – short, chronic episodes of muscle freezing due to disorientation in small spaces. With the end goal of encouraging independent living in mind, our team created The Ostium – an interactive, automatic doorway cuing system for PD patients. The device easily mounts to any doorframe, and uses a distance sensor and an automatic latching system to lock and unlock the door. Additionally, it uses LEDs, a laser pointer, and a speaker system as visual and auditory cues to help guide the user through FOG episodes.

There is a rising elderly population across the globe and a growing inclination towards independent living. Seniors with chronic health conditions may be at risk of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). SCA can occur without warning. Its signs and symptoms are various, immediate and drastic, making it difficult for the seniors to reach out for help before it is too late. The Senior Alert Monitoring System, or SAMS, is a device that can monitor the user’s vitals using an oximeter and automatically contact the EMS when the vitals are indicative of SCA. Its unique ‘reject bottom’ design allows the users to dismiss false alarms. In this way, the device ensures that the user can get the help they need even if they have gone unconscious.

Cardio Safe is design project by first-year iBioMed students. It’s a wearable ear piece that detects early onset coronary artery disease. When asked what the team enjoyed most about this project, they mentioned using their problem-solving skills, learning various programming languages and always being able to learn something new from one another.

A team of second year iBioMed students explored the possibility of preventing malaria through Modification of the Frep1 Gene in Anopheles Gambiae Mosquitoes. This team consisted of iBioMed students in the HESE, Electrical and Engineering Physics streams.

A 3D printed device that helps their client cut food without having to stabilize the food with her hand. The device supports the food with five different arcs at varying diameters, depending on the shape and size of the food.

A wireless Bluetooth mouse, reconfigured to fit on a glove. The client has trouble using a mouse as she experiences spasms in their thumb and index finger. The glove allows her to use the side of her hand and her middle and ring finger to control the mouse.

An ergonomically-designed stylus integrated with machine-learning software to help their client write more easily. The spherical stylus is held in the writing hand supporting the fingers with slots. The machine-learning algorithm predicts the characters as the user writes.