Daily News

Posted on May 5: New fat cell lab a resource for obesity and cardiovascular researchers

As obesity is fast overtaking tobacco as the leading risk factor for heart disease, a new laboratory for studying the biology of fat cells (adipocytes) is opening its doors at the Henderson Research Centre. McMaster University's Arya Sharma, professor of medicine and Canada Research Chair in Cardiovascular Obesity Research and Management, says: "Fat cells are now recognized as highly active cells, that make a host of molecules contributing to metabolic disease, inflammation, and cancer." The new fat cell lab, with its state-of-the-art equipment, will support cardiovascular obesity research and management. Researchers will be able to examine fat biopsies and grow fat cells taken from obese patients with obesity-related health problems, like high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease. They will be able to look at the molecular aspects of the cells - watching for the changes in gene expression.

Posted on May 4: Applause & Accolades gala to celebrate engineering successes

The sound of deep applause will be heard Wednesday, May 12 from Liuna Station when McMaster celebrates the collective achievements of its engineering researchers. An Applause and Accolades Awards Celebration will recognize the achievements of engineering faculty in 2003, including four Premier's Research Excellence Awards, one teaching award, three University honoured awards, two Canada Research Chairs and 17 professional association and societies recognitions. The event also will celebrate a business leader's exemplary contributions to McMaster and the community. "This event will publicly acknowledge the success of our corporate partnerships and our many internal successes within the Faculty of Engineering," says Mo Elbestawi, dean of engineering. "This is an opportunity to share in the appreciation of all our outstanding recipients."