Innovation Anthology #663:

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DNA testing is useful in predicting disease  And now, metabolomics will do the same, but using biomarkers called metabolites.  

 

That’s why Genome Alberta and Genome Canada are partners in the research of Dr. David Wishart and the new Metabolomics Technology Demonstration Centre.

 

The link is what David calls the “omics” field – genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics. 

 

But there are important differences.

 

DR DAVID WISHART:   The difference when we are looking at metabolite is we’re actually looking at the environment.  whereas the DNA in your body is set at birth.   And it turns out that most diseases aren’t  a result of your DNA.  In some cases, it’s just the environment.   A classic example is lung cancer.   And so these are the things we’re trying to explore with metabolomics and also to come up with either better therapies or better ways of warning people that something bad could be happening, six months, six years from now.

 

 

Dr. Wishart says now that over 10,000 metabolites have been identified, the next step is developing inexpensive screening tests for disease. 

 

Thanks today to ALBERTA INNOVATES HEALTH SOLUTIONS

 

FOR INNOVATION ANTHOLOGY

I’M CHERYL CROUCHER

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Alberta Innovates Health Solutions

Alberta Innovates (formerly Alberta Innovates – Health Solutions)

As the newly formed Alberta Innovates corporation, we still fund top quality, internationally competitive health research and innovation activities to improve the health and wellbeing of Albertans. We provide leadership for Alberta’s health research and innovation enterprise by directing, coordinating, reviewing, funding and supporting research and innovation.

Working with our many partners  in the health system, we ensure that research achieves innovation in care, policy and practice, and that the needs of patients and clinicians influence research.

Our background

Alberta Innovates consolidation was launched November 1, 2016.

Alberta Innovates – Health Solutions

Alberta Innovates – Health Solutions was established as part of the Alberta Innovates system by an Act of Legislation of the Government of Alberta. It is a agency  of the Government of Alberta. We receive a yearly allocation from the Ministry of Health and report through the ministry to the people of Alberta.

Our Mandate and Roles document reflects our role and responsibilities and outlines the government statues and regulations with which we comply.

Alberta’s Health Research and Innovation Strategy (AHRIS) sets out Alberta’s health research agenda for the coming decade to ensure our considerable investments in research align with our priority—to improve the health of Albertans.

 

 

Program Date: 2015-02-03