Innovation Anthology #718:

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Scientists are taking a serious look at the role gut bacteria or microbiota play in influencing human health.

Dr. Nina Cluny is an postdoctoral fellow with the Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary.
 
She has been researching a prebiotic fibre related to gut hormones and weight loss.

DR NINA CLUNY:  The microbiota defends against pathogens in the gut and it can influence immunity.  It’s involved in the development and the maintenance of the walls of the intestines and is also ferments foods we cannot digest, such as the prebiotic fibres.  The bacteria actually synthesize the vitamins that are required.  The area of study in microbiota is becoming much, much larger as we understand just how much the biota can influence the body.  So disrupted microbiota levels are seen in iinflammatory diseases such as ulcerative colitis, but also in  disorders such as autism and anxiety disorders.  And there are some hints that maybe altering the microbiota can be beneficial in anxiety disorders.

Dr. Nina Cluny the study of microbiota and the use of prebiotics has really blossomed over the last decade.

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: 2015-09-24