Latest news with #INRS
Cision Canada
03-07-2025
- Health
- Cision Canada
Innovative Molecules Offer Good News in the Fight Against HIV and Other Viral Infections Français
INRS team is exploring the potential of saponins, a group of natural molecules found in many plants LAVAL, QC, July 3, 2025 /CNW/ - Innovative, nontoxic molecules developed by a research team at the Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS) could pave the way for new safe and effective antiviral therapies for prevention and treatment purposes. Are there natural compounds with antiviral properties, particularly against the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that causes AIDS? Betulinic acid has long been recognized in medical and scientific communities for its antiviral potential. This molecule, found in various plants, is especially abundant in the bark of white birch trees—a common byproduct of the forestry industry. However, the use of betulinic acid and some of its derivatives in medicine has been limited by a major drawback: the molecules are poorly soluble in water. This limits their absorption by the body and complicates their use in medicine. A discovery by INRS Professor Charles Gauthier 's team, part of the INRS-UQAC Joint Research Unit in Sustainable Health, could significantly unlock the potential of this molecule. Their findings * were recently published in Chemistry – A European Journal. Creating a Promising and Novel Molecule In their research, Professor Gauthier's team studied two natural molecules: betulinic acid and echinocystic acid. Both belong to a family of compounds known as triterpenes and share a similar chemical structure. The researchers chemically modified these molecules using a novel, controlled method by attaching a specific sugar called Lewis X. This sugar is structurally similar to those that define human blood groups. The modification resulted in new chimeric compounds known as "saponins." These saponins had never been described in scientific literature before. They offer several advantages for potential antiviral use: they are significantly more water-soluble than triterpenes, they dissolve well in biological environments, and unlike similar substances that can be toxic, they are safe for human cells and mice. Most importantly, they effectively block HIV activity. The team observed that saponins prevent the virus from using certain carbohydrate-specific proteins, known as Lewis-binding proteins, found on immune cells called DC-SIGN and L-SIGN, to spread to CD4+ cells, the main targets of HIV. "Our results show that these are among the most potent monovalent inhibitors ever identified for blocking this HIV transfer mechanism, even when used at very low concentrations," explains INRS Professor Gauthier, who specializes in chemistry of carbohydrates and natural products. He is also a member of the Pasteur Network. HIV, Ebola disease, dengue fever, coronaviruses: the potential is vast These chimeric molecules capable of blocking viral entry into immune cells—a critical step in infection—are a first of their kind. Saponins could serve as a foundation for developing broad-spectrum antiviral agents that block infection at the earliest stage, such as during sexual transmission of HIV. "While it's known that human breast milk contains oligosaccharides that protect infants from HIV infection during early breastfeeding, we are the first to demonstrate that saponins can inhibit HIV entry via DC-SIGN and L-SIGN receptors," says doctoral student in biology at INRS and lead author Oscar Javier Gamboa Marin. "Despite progress in this field, very few studies have focused on inhibiting DC-SIGN and L-SIGN using Lewis-type carbohydrates," he adds. Another promising feature of saponins is their ability to spontaneously form structures called micelles or to integrate into liposomes. This could further enhance their antiviral effectiveness, particularly through improved targeting of virus-infected cells, and holds out promising research potential. Moreover, since DC-SIGN and L-SIGN proteins are also exploited by other dangerous viruses such as Ebola, dengue, and SARS-CoV-2, saponins open new avenues for developing broad-spectrum antiviral agents against these diseases. About the studies* The article entitled Lewis-X-Containing Triterpenoid Saponins Inhibit DC-SIGN- and L-SIGN-Mediated Transfer of HIV-1 Infection was co-authored by Oscar Javier Gamboa Marin, Kurtis Ng, Nitish Verma, Assi Gérard Flavien Yapi, Ralph Pantophlet, and Charles Gauthier. The article entitled Immunological and Toxicological Assessment of Triterpenoid Saponins Bearing Lewis-X- and QS-21-Based Trisaccharides was co-authored by Oscar Javier Gamboa Marin, Yasmine Adda-Bouchard, Balla Sylla, Nitish Verma, Tania Charpentier, Maya Huber, Guillaume Lopez, André Pichette, Alain Lamarre, and Charles Gauthier. This work was made possible thanks to the support of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, the Fonds de recherche du Québec, the Armand-Frappier Foundation, and the Swine and Poultry Infectious Diseases Research Center. INRS is an academic institution dedicated exclusively to graduate research and training in strategic sectors in Quebec. Since 1969, as per its mission, it has actively contributed to Quebec's economic, social, and cultural development. INRS ranks first in Quebec in research intensity. It is made up of five interdisciplinary research and training centres located in Quebec City, Montreal, Laval, and Varennes, and Charlevoix, which focus their efforts on strategic sectors: water, earth, and environment (Eau Terre Environnement Research Centre); energy, materials, and telecommunications (Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications Research Centre); urbanization, culture, and society (Urbanisation Culture Société Research Centre); and health and biotechnology (Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie Research Centre), and Ruralités Durables Research Centre (a center currently under development). Its community includes nearly 1,500 members, including students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty members, and staff.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
QIMC and QMET Expand Hydrogen Development with Phase 2 Program in Nova Scotia Project
Montreal, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - June 10, 2025) - Quebec Innovative Materials Corp. (CSE: QIMC) (OTCQB: QIMCF) (FSE: 7FJ) ("QIMC") and Q Precious & Battery Metals Corp. ("QMET") are pleased to announce the successful completion of an initial geological reconnaissance program, marking a major advancement in their development initiative for natural hydrogen in Nova Scotia. This initial phase, led by QIMC, has successfully identified critical geological fault zones and key structural features vital for targeted natural hydrogen exploration across the companies' Nova Scotia properties. Following these results, QMET has provided an initial cash deposit to QIMC as part of this $200,000 Phase 2 exploration program conducted by QIMC in partnership with the Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS). Phase 2, scheduled to commence this July, will feature an extensive soil gas sampling program involving over 1,000 strategically collected samples at intervals ranging from 50 to 100 meters along identified key fault zones and promising geological structures within the Cumberland basin. The program is designed specifically to detect hydrogen (H₂), methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), supplemented by detailed mobile radiometric gamma measurements. Experts from INRS will conduct real-time data interpretation, enabling efficient identification and targeting of high-grade hydrogen zones for intensive follow-up exploration and geophysical investigations. Additionally, members of the Temiscamingue First Nations will actively participate in this initiative, building upon their significant contributions alongside QIMC at the St-Bruno-de-Guigues project in Quebec. The recent reconnaissance effort specifically evaluated the potential to identify major fault zones using observable surface topography and other geological indicators. Additionally, the program assessed the composition and depth of overburden layers to optimize future exploration strategies, utilizing both direct field observations and existing geological literature. Richard Penn, CEO of QMET, stated: "This phase represents a pivotal advancement for QMET as we deepen our strategic collaboration with QIMC and leverage their advanced proprietary exploration techniques to identify and confirm natural hydrogen zones. Our partnership is driving forward a significant opportunity for Nova Scotia's energy future and reinforcing its role in Canada's evolving energy landscape." John Karagiannidis, CEO of QIMC, stated: "This milestone highlights the strength of our proprietary exploration model and our ability to deliver repeatable, high-value results. Our continued collaboration with QMET and the INRS team, led by Professor Richer-LaFlèche, positions us to accelerate the path toward unlocking Nova Scotia's clean natural hydrogen assets." About Q Precious Metals & Battery Metals Corp. (QMET) QMET has 100% interest in mineral claims with Quebec, targeting critical and precious metals as well as natural hydrogen. Projects include the McKenzie East Gold Project, LaCorne South Critical Minerals Project, the Matane Natural Hydrogen Project and the Nova Scotia Colchester Natural Hydrogen project in a strategic collaboration with Quebec Innovative Materials Corp. About Quebec Innovative Materials Corp. (QIMC) Québec Innovative Materials Corp. is a mineral exploration and development company dedicated to exploring and harnessing the potential of Canada's abundant resources. With properties in Ontario and Québec and Nova Scotia, QIMC is focused on specializing in the exploration of white (natural) hydrogen and high-grade silica deposits. QIMC is committed to sustainable practices and innovation. With a focus on environmental stewardship and cutting-edge extraction technology, we aim to unlock the full potential of these materials to drive forward clean energy solutions to power the AI and carbon-neutral economy and contribute to a more sustainable future. For more information about Quebec Innovative Materials Corp. and its products, please visit QUÉBEC INNOVATIVE MATERIALS CORP. John Karagiannidis Chief Executive Officer Tel: +1 514-726-7058 For further information, please contact: Email: info@ Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the CSE policies) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements". Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Québec Innovative Materials' actual results, performance or achievements, or developments in the industry to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "could" or "should" occur. Although Québec Innovative Materials believes the forward-looking information contained in this news release is reasonable based on information available on the date hereof, by their nature, forward-looking statements involve assumptions, known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Examples of such assumptions, risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, assumptions, risks and uncertainties associated with general economic conditions; adverse industry events; future legislative and regulatory developments in the mining sector; the Company's ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources, and/or inability to access sufficient capital on favorable terms; mining industry and markets in Canada and generally; the ability of Québec Innovative Materials Corp. to implement its business strategies; competition; and other assumptions, risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the expectations of the Company as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Readers should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. While the Company may elect to, it does not undertake to update this information at any particular time except as required in accordance with applicable laws. This press release contains forward-looking statements, including the anticipated success and timing of drilling permits and exploration activities. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could materially affect actual results. Investors are advised to consult the detailed disclosures available on SEDAR+. To view the source version of this press release, please visit Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Global News
26-05-2025
- Health
- Global News
Quebec launches heat wave alert system to protect public health, vulnerable population
In a proactive move to protect vulnerable people from heat waves, Quebec is launching an automated alert system designed to warn residents ahead of upcoming extreme weather events. In a release published Monday, Quebec's health ministry says subscribers will receive a message by telephone, email or text message — depending on the person's preference — a day before a heat wave to warn them of its arrival. The new service, dubbed 'Conseils climat,' which translates to 'climate tips,' will be available to all but is aimed at helping more vulnerable groups when temperatures soar. This includes those aged 65 and over, people with chronic illnesses (diabetes, hypertension, heart, lung or kidney problems, etc.), and children aged five and under (with the system registered through their caretakers). Extreme heat causes nearly 500 deaths per year in Quebec, report finds Extreme heat has a major impact on Quebec's health-care system, according to a report published last summer by the National Institute for Scientific Research (INRS) that shed light on various heat-related mortality and morbidity statistics in the province. Story continues below advertisement The INRS findings revealed that high temperatures during the months of May to September in Quebec are linked to an estimated 470 deaths, 225 hospitalizations, 36,000 ER visits and 7,200 ambulance trips. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The study said the province's 811 Info-Santé health line also deals with a surge in calls, reporting an estimated 15,000 heat-related calls during those months. The report says the burden on the health-care system falls on five per cent of the hottest days from May to September. An estimated 200 deaths, 170 hospitalizations, 6,200 ER visits, 1,500 ambulance trips and 3,300 calls to Info-Santé are due to the heat during that time period. Extreme heat waves are defined as high temperatures that have a statistically significant effect on health and last at least three consecutive days. 'Knowing that extreme heat will be amplified by climate change, our team hopes that these results will lead to more action to better protect the Quebec population against the effects of heat,' wrote the report's author, Jérémie Boudreault. Canadian scientists have warned that the country's future includes longer and more intense summer heat waves, which can also directly impact people's mental health. The ministry says it is exploring the possibility of expanding the system to include alerts for other climate-related threats such as smog and high pollen levels. The service is free and residents can sign up by creating an account online or by calling 1-866-982-7282.
Cision Canada
22-05-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Launch of a Municipal Research Chair for Ecological and Social Transition Français English
MIRABEL, QC, May 22, 2025 /CNW/ - Ville de Mirabel and Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS) are proud to announce the creation of a Municipal Research Chair for Ecological and Social Transition. This partnership embodies the city's commitment to innovation through exemplary eco-responsible transition in agriculture, strategic waste and water management and land development. This Chair will be a catalyst for change, bringing together researchers, citizens and local actors around research and knowledge-transfer activities that meet the community's current and future needs. The Chair's activities will contribute to the creation of distinctive technology showcases for agri-tourism in the region, promoting the innovation and expertise of local players. Leading the Chair, INRS professors Philippe Constant and Kokou Adjallé have agreed to put their expertise at the service of the Mirabel community. Microbiologist Philippe Constant, the Chief Scientific Advisor for Ville de Mirabel, has been working closely with the city since 2021. Kokou Adjallé is a chemical physicist who has distinguished himself in the fields of environmental biotechnology and green chemistry. Together, they are already piloting research projects in Mirabel involving more than ten companies, four universities, two research centres and three economic development organizations. These projects are helping them develop a clear portrait of the city's specific needs. This project is part of the $1,487,405 agreement signed in 2024 with the Ministère des Affaires municipales et de l'Habitation (MAMH) as part of the Fonds régions et ruralité (FRR) Volet 3 – Projets "Signature innovation" creating the Carrefour d'innovation écoresponsable in Mirabel. Part of this amount ($300,000 over five years) will be used to fund the Research Chair, ensuring its lasting impact on the city and citizens for years to come. Quotes: "Our government is confirming its commitment to the regions of Quebec by providing financial support to Mirabel. The creation of an eco-responsible innovation hub will help make the region's economic development greener and more sustainable. Thanks to initiatives like the Municipal Research Chair, we are building a more responsible future that meets the real needs of Canadians. I am proud of that! " Andrée Laforest, Minister of Municipal Affairs "Through our partnership with INRS, this Municipal Research Chair is an opportunity to use research to understand our environment better in order to interact with it sustainably. With these actions, we want to inspire our community and explore technological and innovative opportunities to preserve the soil, the ecosystem and future generations. " Patrick Charbonneau, Mayor of Mirabel "This new Municipal Research Chair exemplifies INRS's mission to put science to work for society and, in this case, communities. Through our partnership with Ville de Mirabel, we are joining forces to take concrete action in response to the environmental and economic challenges of today and tomorrow. By mobilizing the expertise of our researchers and fostering innovation in the field, we are helping to build a more sustainable future rooted in local realities. " Luc-Alain Giraldeau, Chief Executive Officer, INRS "This Municipal Research Chair demonstrates our ongoing commitment to support Mirabel's efforts to innovate. The resilience of agricultural businesses and farmlands in the face of economic, social and environmental challenges is the heart of our research activities. " Philippe Constant, INRS professor and Chief Scientific Advisor for Ville de Mirabel "This Municipal Research Chair offers a concrete opportunity for INRS to use its expertise to serve a mid-sized city without a university in its territory. Through this Chair, Ville de Mirabel can strengthen its existing partnership with INRS, as part of its innovation and sustainable development plans and efforts, to become a model city for agriculture and food self-sufficiency in Quebec. " Kokou Adjallé, INRS professor and scientific head of the Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory Highlights: Research themes Mobilization of the ecosystem (creating a community of practice) Strategic waste and wastewater management (precision composting, upcycling, political ecology) Regenerative agriculture (soil health, water quality, adaptation and resilience) Land development (ecosystem services, terroir signature and agri-tourism, culture and belonging) Carrefour d'innovation écoresponsable de Mirabel (CIEM) The CIEM is a project led by Ville de Mirabel, made possible thanks to funding from MAMH's FRR Volet 3 – Projets "Signature innovation." Its mission is to draw on the dynamic forces in the region, where agriculture and agri-food are shaping the landscape. The CIEM's distinctive signature is its terroir road stop, combining the sale of local products with a technology showcase. About INRS INRS is an academic institution dedicated exclusively to research and graduate training. INRS ranks first in Quebec in research intensity. Its community includes over 1,500 students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty and staff. Since its creation in 1969, as per its mission, it has contributed to the economic, social and cultural development of Quebec. It is made up of five interdisciplinary research and training centres and concentrates their activities in strategic sectors: Eau Terre Environnement (Quebec City), Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications (Varennes), Urbanisation Culture Société (Montreal), Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie (Laval) and Sustainable Ruralities (Charlevoix, a center currently under development). The INRS community comprises nearly 1,500 students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty members, and staff. SOURCE Institut National de la recherche scientifique (INRS)
Yahoo
19-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
New tool for cutting DNA: promising prospects for biotechnology
MONTREAL, April 14, 2025 /CNW/ - An INRS team discovers a new family of enzymes capable of inducing targeted cuts in single-stranded DNA. A few years ago, the advent of technology known as CRISPR was a major breakthrough in the scientific world. Developed from a derivative of the immune system of bacteria, CRISPR enables double strands of nucleotides in deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) to be cut. This makes it possible to specifically modify a targeted gene in plant, animal and human cells. Ultimately, CRISPR became a preferred method in the search for treatments for acquired or hereditary diseases. Recently, Professor Frédéric Veyrier at the Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS) and his team developed a new genetic tool based on a family of specific enzymes called Ssn that allows targeted cuts to be induced exclusively in single-stranded DNA. The results of their work were recently published in the journal Nature Communications. This major breakthrough sheds light on a crucial genetic mechanism that could revolutionize a multitude of biotechnology applications. A form of DNA with a key role Single-stranded DNA is less common than double-stranded DNA. It is often found in some viruses and plays a key role in certain biological processes, such as cell replication or repair. Single-stranded DNA is also used in many technologies (sequencing, gene editing, molecular diagnostics, nanotechnology). To date, no endonuclease – enzyme that cuts DNA – has been described as exclusively targeting a single-stranded DNA sequence, which has constituted a barrier to the development of technologies based on this type of DNA. Now, for the first time in a laboratory, Professor Veyrier's team has identified a family of enzymes capable of cutting a specific sequence in single-stranded DNA: the family of Ssn endonucleases. To achieve this, the research team at INRS's Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie Research Centre first characterized a new family of endonucleases part of the GIY-YIG superfamily called Ssn. More specifically, researchers focused on one of these enzymes in the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis, also known as the meningococcus. The enzyme targeted in the study is crucial to the exchange and alteration of genetic material, which influences evolution. "In studying it, we found that it recognizes a specific sequence that is found in many instances in its genome and plays a key role in the natural transformation of the bacterium. This interaction directly influences the dynamics of the bacterial genome," explains Professor Veyrier, a specialist in genomic bacteriology and evolution. In addition to this fundamental discovery, INRS's research scientists identified thousands of other similar enzymes. "We demonstrated that they are able to recognize and specifically cut their own single-stranded DNA sequence. Thousands of enzymes therefore have this property with their own specificity," adds Alex Rivera-Millot, a postdoctoral fellow on Professor Veyrier's team and co-first author of the study. An undeniable asset for health research These results, which represent a new tool for DNA recognition and exchange, are significant. They pave the way to many novel applications in biology and medicine. On the one hand, understanding this mechanism could help better control the bacteria in question and the associated infections. On the other, the discovery of enzymes specific to single-stranded DNA makes it possible to develop more precise and efficient genetic manipulation tools. This could namely improve methods of gene editing, DNA detection and molecular diagnosis. These enzymes could also be used to detect and manipulate DNA in various medical and industrial applications, such as pathogen detection or genetic manipulation for medical and therapeutic purposes. All of these avenues hold significant promise for addressing many health issues. Currently, there is a patent pending for the results of this work. About the study Chenal, M.*, Rivera-Millot, A.*, Harrison, L.B. et al. Discovery of the widespread site-specific single-stranded nuclease family Ssn. Nat Commun 16, 2388 (2025). This work was funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Santé (FRQS). About INRS INRS is an academic institution dedicated exclusively to graduate research and training in strategic sectors in Quebec. For the past 55 years, it has actively contributed to Quebec's economic, social, and cultural development. INRS is first in Canada in research intensity. It is made up of four interdisciplinary research and training centres located in Quebec City, Montreal, Laval, and Varennes, which focus their efforts on strategic sectors: water, earth, and environment (Eau Terre Environnement Research Centre); energy, materials, and telecommunications (Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications Research Centre); urbanization, culture, and society (Urbanisation Culture Société Research Centre); and health and biotechnology (Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie Research Centre). The INRS community includes over 1,500 students, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty and staff members. SOURCE Institut National de la recherche scientifique (INRS) View original content to download multimedia:
