Developmental immunology and neonatal outcomes
We develop innovative solutions to improve health outcomes in most vulnerable babies, particularly those born prematurely. Our studies involve research on the neonata infections, the developing immune system and the impact of inflammation. About twelve percent of babies are born prematurely in the world. Prematurity and infections are the two leading causes of mortality in the first month of age. About one in six preterm baby develops a serious life-threatening infection during the newborn period. Understanding how the immune system develops in early life in humans, including babies, is important to prevent serious health consequences.
Advance molecular immunophenotyping/flow cytometry, gene/protein expression studies, population-based clinical studies, global health research in low/middle-income countries.
- Healthcare and social services
- Life sciences, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment
Specialized labs and equipment
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Specialized lab |
Equipment |
Function |
|---|---|---|
|
Neonatal intensive care unit minilab |
Sample storage fridge and freezer |
Located in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Children’s & Women’s Health Centre of BC |
|
Cellular immunology laboratory |
Fully equipped tissue culture room with |
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|
|
Incubators (CO2 and O2) and chambers (O2 and N2) |
Cell culture in hyperoxia and hypoxia environment |
|
|
Ultralow temperature freezers with remote temperature sensors |
Biological samples storage with monitoring systems |
|
|
High data capacity computer workstations with FlowJo software data analyses |
Flow cytometry analysis |
|
Molecular biology laboratory |
Nucleic acid/proteomics equipment |
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Automated Microplate Absorbance Reader |
ELISA and Protein assay |
|
Flow cytometry core |
BD FACSAria Fluidics Enhancement System |
Upgrading BD FACSAria IIu |
Private and public sector research partners
- STEMCELL Technologies Canada Inc. (Vancouver/ Canada)
Additional information
|
Title |
URL |
|---|---|
|
Life-threatening infection in premature babies linked to protein deficiency – Globe & Mail article |
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/parenting/life-threatening-infections-in-premature-babies-linke… |
|
Why premature babies are so fragile and susceptible to infections – Vancouver Sun |
http://vancouversun.com/news/staff-blogs/why-premature-babies-are-so-fragile-and-susceptible-to-inf… |
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Featuring Lavoie Lab – Neonatal Immunological Research Laboratory (NIRL) – Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research |