ADVANCING
GENE EDITING TECHNOLOGIES TO IMPROVE HUMAN HEALTH

New tools that quickly cut out a gene from a cell’s DNA are currently under development at the university. Once a months-long process that proved costly for scientists studying diseases such as cancer, this procedure could now take a mere matter of days and, potentially, hours. Concordia’s strides in genetic automation pave the way for a more accessible “gene-editing in a box” process controlled by user-friendly software.

Automation and miniaturization are leading the way in the development of a system that identifies cancer-causing genes and replaces the DNA with a healthier one. By fighting the disease on a micro level, researchers can now approach patient care based on an individual’s genetic makeup. Concordians aim to eventually develop personalized treatment platforms that can be set up easily in any lab or hospital.

Synthetic biology is helping solve some of the world’s most pressing problems. Recognizing its implications in eradicating cancer, the university has hosted installations, talks, and workshops to advance public understanding of the field. Thanks to these initiatives, Concordians from a range of disciplines are reinventing systems for not only human health but also agriculture, chemistry, and more.

All these accomplishments are made possible by the university's state-of-the-art facilities, including the university’s new $62-million Applied Science Hub. Situated at the university’s Loyola Campus, the centre is equipped with a high-pressure thermogravimetric analyzer and other key equipment that make research more competitive. And thanks to its increased lab and office space, Concordia is now hiring more faculty and advancing cross-disciplinary research.