June 22, 2026
Composite biomaterial conveys tension across the wrinkled Drosophila embryo surface
Rowan Naidoo has uncovered the mechanism that allows plasma membrane architecture and the actomyosin cytoskeleton to work together to generate tension during early Drosophila fruit fly development. He has published this part of his PhD work in the Harris lab in Journal of Cell Biology as…
June 18, 2026
Unexpected neural pathway to seeing in a busy world
A new discovery from Milena Russo in the Liu Lab at UTM upends thinking about the way the brain perceives objects against a moving background. Have you ever missed a road sign while driving because your attention was drawn to the motion of traffic around you? This could be because of neural…
June 8, 2026
Drought response requires fine-tuning of RNA processing revealed by new research from the Provart lab
Subtle alterations in RNA splicing fine-tune how genes regulate drought tolerance in plants according to new research from Hasna Khan in the Provart lab. This exposes a new way to understand drought response that complements the usual focus on gene expression levels. These findings are published in…
June 1, 2026
CSB teaching assistants recognized for guiding their students to excellence
The CSB TA Teaching Excellence Award recognizes the significant role of teaching assistants in the Department of Cell and Systems Biology and their key contributions to the learning experience of students. Selection is based on demonstrated excellence in teaching through innovation, enthusiasm,…
May 21, 2026
CSB shares research insights across life sciences at Science Rendezvous 2026
The diversity of life sciences research in Cell & Systems Biology was shared with the public through hands-on demonstrations at the Science Rendezvous science festival on a sunny Saturday, May 9th. Visitors explored neuroscience, developmental biology, plant biology, genomics, and cell biology…
May 19, 2026
New map of proteins may help in understanding mutations linked to cancer and ALS
Researchers at the University of Toronto and the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) have released a "map" that can make predictions about the biological functions of thousands of mysterious regions in human proteins known as intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs). The breakthrough could be an…
May 5, 2026
Research Day 2026 reveals astonishing advances from CSB across life sciences
CSB Research Day 2026 was held on May 1st at UTM's Kaneff Centre. This event showcased impressive innovation across the kingdoms of life. Our keynote speaker, Professor Sheena Josselyn of SickKids Hospital presented her thought-provoking research on how memories are formed and erased in a Taylor…
May 4, 2026
Epigenetic markers of neuronal gene regulation revealed to earn Hone-Buske award
Kailynn MacGillivray has earned the Dr Christine Hone-Buske Award for her outstanding publication “Widespread association of Polycomb complex–deposited histone H2A monoubiquitylation with enhancers and neuronal gene regulation”. This research in Science Advances reveals the role of protein…
April 27, 2026
Intensive Laboratory Experience prepares Life Sciences students for a career in research
The Human Biology Lab Bootcamp is an intensive two-week wet and dry lab training program offered to students finishing their third or fourth year of studies in life sciences. It provides hands-on research experience, technical skill development, and guidance for students considering careers in…
April 6, 2026
Prof Haley Zubyk Earns ASSU Award for Excellence in Teaching
Congratulations to Professor Haley Zubyk, who was nominated by Arts & Science students to receive the Ranjini (Rini) Ghosh Award for her Excellence in Teaching! The award was earned by Zubyk’s ability to stimulate and challenges students’ intellectual capacity, skill at communicating the course…