Daily News

Posted on May 14: McMaster scientists find link between particulate air pollution and heritable genetic mutation

Particles in the air we breathe may pose genetic risks to humans and wildlife, according to new findings by researchers at McMaster University. In December 2002, associate professor of biology James Quinn and PhD student Chris Somers made headlines when they announced findings that suggested some component of industrial air pollution had the potential to cause genetic damage. Now, joined by chemistry professor Brian McCarry, Quinn and Somers have been able to conclude that fine airborne particulate is the culprit. "Air pollution has the potential to affect millions of humans worldwide, and has been associated with an increased risk of lung cancer and genetic damage in other tissues," says Quinn, who was the principal investigator on the study. "These findings implicate exposure to airborne particulate matter as a principal factor contributing to elevated mutation rates in sentinel mice, and add to accumulating evidence that air pollution may pose genetic risks to humans and wildlife."

Posted on May 14: Local high school student off to Canada-wide science competition with help from McMaster mentors

A desire to study the effects of salt consumption in causing gastric cancer with some of the best researchers in Canada is sending a Grade 9 student of St. Thomas More Catholic secondary school to a national science fair. Natalie Raso is headed to St. John's, Nfld. on May 15. She qualified when she came in second at the Bay Area Science and Engineering Fair (BASEF) in March with her research project on Helicobacter pylori in the development of gastric cancer. She completed her research at McMaster under the guidance of Richard Hunt, and his research associate Rene Padol, Ph.D, of the Intestinal Disease Research Program. "My aim was to investigate the relationship between the bug (H.pylori) and a high salt diet, to see if it increased cell proliferation, which may develop into stomach cancer," said Raso.

Posted on May 13: Engineers awarded four Industrial Research Chairs

Four Industrial Research Chairs totaling $5.6 million were announced last night at an Applause and Accolades gala, celebrating the numerous successes of the Faculty of Engineering in 2003. Industry Canada announced that the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) will contribute $2.8 million for the chairs, with matched funding from industry partners and the University. "This investment from government and private industry is invaluable to the Faculty of Engineering," said engineering dean Mo Elbestawi. "This funding helps with our efforts to recruit and retain the most talented researchers. It has given us an edge to compete at the global level, thereby increasing our research capacity substantially."

Posted on May 13: President’s awards recognize outstanding teachers

Renowned, admired, innovative. These are some of the words that describe the recipients of this year's President's teaching awards. For outstanding contributions to educational excellence at McMaster, professors Douglas Boreham, Deborah Cook and Miroslav Lovric, were selected as this year's recipients of the awards for Excellence in Instruction, Excellence in Educational Leadership and Excellence in Course or Resources Design. Established in 1993, the awards provide the opportunity for McMaster to recognize outstanding contributions to education. Each winner receives a citation and memento at Spring Convocation and a $5,000 honorarium. Their names and photographs will be included on McMaster's Wall of Recognition in Gilmour Hall. "I am delighted to extend my congratulations to you for this well-deserved honour," says Peter George, President and Vice-Chancellor. "McMaster has been well served by your continuing efforts on behalf of teaching and learning, and our University is very fortunate to number you among our most celebrated colleagues."