Daily News

Posted on Nov. 19: Polanyi Prize awarded to McMaster biophysicist

McMaster's Cicile Fradin is among five budding Ontario researchers to receive the prestigious John Charles Polanyi Prize. The biophysics professor, who is conducting research into cellular dynamics in a newly renovated research lab in the Arthur Bourns Building, will receive $15,000 from the province. Fradin's research involves using laser optics to study the dynamics of biological systems such as cells. Her research has the potential to aid the understanding of how defects in membrane composition and integrity are affected by disease, drugs and toxic substances. "The Polanyi prize recognizes the promise and potential of our young researchers. Cicile Fradin is acknowledged as a world-class leader in her field of research and I am delighted she has received this honour," says Mamdouh Shoukri, vice-president, research & international affairs. "She is the twelfth outstanding scholar from McMaster to be awarded this prize and it certainly speaks to the excellence of our University's research community."

Posted on Nov. 18: Frid Street bingo hall becomes new McMaster off-campus site

McMaster University is expanding again, with two nursing programs finding a new home in a former bingo hall. The Frid Street building's open concept design of 20,000 square feet, newly renovated to accommodate 65 workstations, will provide much needed functional office space and is conducive to meeting and teaching activities. The building is close to both the main west-end campus and McMaster's community partners. MACDoor, a federally-funded program that helps street youth aged 16 to 25 build a life away from the streets, moved into the renovated space in May. The MACDoor program, directed by assistant professor Dyanne Semogas, helps street kids make changes in their lifestyle one day at a time and offers resources such as job-hunting skills. There are five staff members at MACDoor and as many as 20 students accessing the services most days. MACDoor was previously sited at a succession of temporary locations downtown.

Posted on Nov. 17: Marauders lose Mitchell Bowl to Laval

It was an unfamiliar, yet all-too-familiar feeling Saturday for the McMaster Marauders. After remaining undefeated this year, they lost 36-32 to Laval Rouge et Or in the Mitchell Bowl championship game. It was McMaster's fourth consecutive national football semi-final loss. In front of more than 11,000 cheering fans at Ivor Wynne Stadium, the Marauders bounced back from a 22-5 second-quarter deficit to give them their first lead of the day, 32-29. But, with just 2:33 remaining, a 30-yard sprint by Laval quarterback Mathieu Bertrand restored the lead for the Rouge et Or. Then, with just four seconds left on the clock, McMaster rookie quarterback Adam Archibald launched a 30-yard pass to wide receiver Vaughan Swart. The pass, which would have given McMaster the winning touchdown, was knocked down at the Laval five-yard line. The Laval Rouge et Or and Saint Mary's Huskies will meet Saturday, Nov. 22 at 3 p.m. at Toronto's SkyDome in the 39th annual Vanier Cup, in a rematch of the 1999 National final.