Health Futures

A new AI powered app called Joyi can improve users' mood by increasing positive emotions and decreasing negative ones. 

The app, created by Colorful Zone, a new company at Velocity, the University of Waterloo's start-up incubator, has shown promising results that indicate significant improvements in users' mood when they use it. The research was conducted by Seneca Polytechnic and presented at the U.S.-based Society for Neuroscience's conference in Washington, D.C., earlier this month.

Ahmad Mahfoud has experienced many hardships and losses as a refugee from Syria. Now, though, thanks in part to the Waterloo Eye Institute at the University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science, he’s on the cusp of gaining something he never thought he’d have – a driver’s license.

The University of Waterloo welcomed Royal Society of Canada (RSC) academics from across Canada, as they participated in a full-day symposium on Health and Well-being for All by 2030: Application of technology to global health problems, held at Federation Hall on November 16. 

The RSC and Waterloo share a common goal of addressing local and global challenges through future-focused solutions that have real-world impact. So, it was fitting that Waterloo hosted this year’s RSC Celebration of Excellence and Engagement conference (#COEE2023) to discuss the future of health.  

Engineers from the University of Waterloo are harnessing artificial intelligence to help doctors better see and control a non-invasive cancer treatment and, in the process, save lives.

Their imaging system will allow for the safer and more effective use of high-intensity, focused ultrasound to destroy a wide range of cancerous, often deadly, tumours.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common virus that seriously affects vulnerable populations such as infants, young children and older adults. Dr. Wasem Alsabbagh, associate professor at the University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy, answers frequently asked questions about RSV.

Why should I be concerned about RSV?

Canada is facing a health care crisis due to escalating costs, a shortage of health-care professionals and increasing needs from an aging population. The effects of this crisis are felt more profoundly in remote, rural and Indigenous communities, where the shortage of health-care workers is greater. That’s where the University of Waterloo’s partnership with the Northern Ontario School of Medicine University (NOSM University) comes in.

The combination of physical and mental illness had a negative impact on self-perception among older adolescents, but not for younger ones, shows a new University of Waterloo study.

Researchers found that compared to adolescents with a physical illness only, their self-concept – the image we have of ourselves – was lower, but that was not the case for younger adolescents.

It turns out young adults do have some wisdom to share with older generations.

Students from across the University of Waterloo recently wrapped up Velocity’s AgeTech Innovation Challenge, a 10-day-long event conducted in collaboration with the Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation (CABHI).

70 students in 16 teams showcased their solutions to support aging populations by enhancing older adults’ health and wellness, empowering caregivers, and bolstering the healthcare system.

In partnership with the Royal Society of Canada, the University of Waterloo is hosting the Celebration of Excellence and Engagement (#COEE2023) from November 15 to 18 in Waterloo.

The University will be welcoming 200 researchers from across Canada to discuss the future of health, well-being and equitable care.