Research About - Genetics

http://www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/39999.html
http://www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/40613.html

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is the Government of Canada's agency for health research. CIHR's mission is to create new scientific knowledge and to catalyze its translation into improved health, more effective health services and products, and a strengthened Canadian health-care system. Composed of 13 Institutes, CIHR provides leadership and support to more than 13,000 health researchers and trainees across Canada. Through CIHR, the Government of Canada invested approximately $244.1 million in 2008-09 in genetics-related research.

CIHR's Institute of Genetics (CIHR-IG) has identified six themes as research priorities for Canada: integrating the physical and applied sciences into health research; proteomics and bioinformatics; genomic medicine; population genetics, genetic epidemiology and complex diseases; health services for genetic diseases; and genetics and ethical, legal and social issues. To learn more about these priorities and other CIHR-IG activities, please visit the Institute's website.



"Some people age in a healthy fashion despite many physical health challenges, while others who are in good physical health age less optimally. What explains this phenomenon? The study will answer questions that are relevant to decision-makers to improve the health of Canadians," said Dr. Parminder Raina, McMaster University, who is leading the study along with Dr. Christina Wolfson, McGill University, and Dr. Susan Kirkland, Dalhousie University.

New Online Resource Available for People with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Vancouver: With support from CIHR, researchers at the University of British Columbia and the Arthritis Research Centre of Canada are creating an interactive tool that will help patients with rheumatoid arthritis find the best treatment option for their condition. Led by clinical epidemiologist Dr. Linda Li and social worker Paul Adam, the team is working with the Centre for Digital Media in Vancouver to create the Animated, Self-serve, Web-based Research (ANSWER) tool. "The patients can use the program to find information tailored to their condition and print out a one-page report with their concerns, questions and initial decisions about treatment. They can then take this report to discuss with their doctor," says Dr. Li.

Universal Flu Shots Reduce Antibiotic Use

Vancouver: A program of universal vaccination for seasonal flu sharply reduced inappropriate antibiotic use, a CIHR-supported study has found. Dr. Fawziah Marra at the University of British Columbia and BC Centre for Disease Control discovered that the universal influenza program, which began in Ontario in 2000, reduced the use of emergency services as well as the influenza-associated mortality rate. In addition, the universal program also resulted in 64% fewer flu-associated antibiotic prescriptions. In contrast, the rate of such prescriptions did not change significantly in other Canadian provinces, where flu vaccination was targeted to specific groups, Dr. Marra and her team said. "Jurisdictions wishing to decrease antibiotic use might consider programs to increase influenza vaccination," the researchers concluded.