Health Futures

Teens who have disposable income, live in a lower-income home or are gender diverse are more likely to use e-cigarettes, according to a new study at the University of Waterloo.

Researchers examined survey responses from more than 46,000 adolescents in 167 schools across Canada as part of the COMPASS research system at Waterloo’s School of Public Health Sciences.

Developing and delivering quality healthcare requires an interdisciplinary approach, drawing on fields ranging from history to sociology to communication and design. And Waterloo’s strong emphasis on interdisciplinary scholarship is one reason, Dr Peter Warrian and his wife, Dr. Margret Hovenec, established the Lupina Foundation Postdoctoral Research Fellowships with Waterloo’s Faculty of Arts.

In a global first, University of Waterloo researchers have used 3D imaging technology to understand the fine details of microplastics, paving the way for more effective methods of plastic waste recycling.

Micro and nanoplastics, tiny particles of plastic that come from the breakdown of larger plastic items, have become an exponentially worsening environmental crisis. Due to their difficulties in safely decomposing, plastic pollution poses significant threats to ecosystems, wildlife and human health.

A research team from the University of Waterloo has developed a new material that shares many of the same traits as bone tissue. Using it in 3D printers provides a new and innovative treatment option for patients undergoing major skeletal repair and reconstructive surgery.

Surgical reconstruction in these cases currently involves metal implants and donated bone. Surgeons request a specific size and type from tissue banks to best match their patient’s anatomy, but it’s rarely a perfect fit. A recipient’s body may also reject donated bone.

Dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) has revolutionized the field of nanoscale nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), making it possible to study a wider range of materials, biomolecules and complex dynamic processes such as how proteins fold and change shape inside a cell.

Dr. Raffi Budakian

The "Solving the crisis:" series explores the pressing challenges of our time, including climate change, access to health care, housing affordability and more. Each article highlights how Waterloo, a hub of research, innovation and creative thinking, is uniquely positioned to address these issues. Through this series, we highlight the dedication of researchers to tackling global crises and shaping a better future for all.

Some patients who receive heart valve implants develop dangerous blood clots, and researchers from the University of Waterloo contributed to an international collaboration that reduces the risk.

Working with a team from the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, the researchers from Waterloo’s Faculty of Engineering proved that a heart valve implant with a textured surface is less likely to lead to the formation of blood clots — or thrombosis.

University of Waterloo researchers take pride in identifying and solving significant, complex challenges facing humanity and our planet.

Recently, the Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR) announced that seven Waterloo researchers will receive funding to carry out ground-breaking work to improve our nation’s health and strengthen our health care system.

The CIHR is Canada's leading federal funding agency, collaborating with partners and researchers to support health-care discoveries and innovations. 

Imagine a coat that captures solar energy to keep you cozy on a chilly winter walk, or a shirt that can monitor your heart rate and temperature.Picture clothing athletes can wear to track their performance without the need for bulky battery packs.

University of Waterloo researchers have developed a smart fabric with these remarkable capabilities. The fabric has the potential for energy harvesting, health monitoring and movement tracking applications.