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TORONTO, Oct. 04, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Canada is taking a leading role in developing sustainable and scalable agriculture through a $33 million competition that has convened the nation’s brightest minds. Launched in 2022 by the Weston Family Foundation, the Homegrown Innovation Challenge has reached a pivotal milestone. Now entering the second phase of the Challenge, eleven Canadian teams have been awarded $1 million each to develop their bold ideas for extending the growing season of berries. Each team only has 18 months to build and test its proof-of-concept ideas before the next phase of the Challenge, which will see this group of eleven reduced to four teams. This unique agtech competition aims to drive significant advances in tangible growing solutions that are both sustainable and cost competitive using advanced science and technology. Proposed projects seek to use aeroponics for berry production systems, develop pesticide-free-growing systems, and implement thermal-management technology to support production in Canada’s north. The eleven teams are tackling a myriad of challenges associated with growing berries out of season, such as extreme weather events, high energy requirements, limited yields, and short growing seasons. Their work will change the way we grow fresh produce both in Canada and around the globe. Projects were chosen for their visionary concepts, practical plans for adoption and scaling, and their commitment to fostering collaboration. Represented in the competition are farmers, producers, engineers, agronomists, horticulturalists, AI specialists, and environmental scientists—to name a few. The Foundation received so many promising submissions, that eleven projects were funded, instead of the planned ten. Meet the teams: Bishop’s University, Mirella Aoun Renewable energy for year-round raspberries. Scientists from Bishop’s University and Université de Sherbrooke are aiming to reduce the carbon footprint of fruit production by developing on-site renewable energy. Revolutionary solar-passive greenhouses will address growth media, energy consumption, and water management—plus support a “flower-on-command” approach. Collège Boréal, Sabine Bouchard Pioneering greenhouse technology to feed communities. AgriTech North has joined forces with Collège Boréal and the Rural Agri-Innovation Network (RAIN) to help create a scalable fresh-food production system that’s both economically viable and sustainable for northern growers, particularly in remote and Indigenous communities. This unique-to-Canada growing space is underpinned by a thermal-management technology and advanced thermal harvesting apparatus. Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Deborah Henderson Future-proofing greenhouses for the next generation. Researchers at Kwantlen Polytechnic University are working on an advanced greenhouse system that relies on AI-driven robots to reduce both the cost of, and use of pesticides in, the production of strawberries and blackberries. State-of-the-art technology like lasers and other advanced optical sensors will also be heavily used to manage disease and treat biostimulants. Ontario Tech University, Osman Hamid Building an ecosystem where both plants and innovation will thrive. At Ontario Tech University, a team is developing an energy-efficient, controlled environment agriculture facility (EE-CEAF) that will outperform traditional greenhouses in the production of strawberries—particularly during the winter months in Canada. They will be equipped with an Autonomous Intelligent Monitoring System to monitor health and growth, which will trigger early interventions if plants start to wane. Simon Fraser University, Jim Mattsson Variety is the spice of life, and it may also be the secret to year-round blueberry production. Like many crops, blueberry plants are highly sensitive to environmental conditions. Simon Fraser University, GreenTowers Systems, and AgricUltra Advancements are teaming up to apply advanced and proprietary technologies like airflow management to create the perfect growing conditions. Their plant-centric approach focuses on selecting blueberry varieties that are best suited to indoor growing and tailoring environmental conditions to drive optimal fruit yields and quality. Toronto Metropolitan University, Lesley G. Campbell It's time to reimagine the path of agriculture. A botanist and mechanical engineer at TMU are redesigning vertical technology originally developed for indoor cannabis production. Their pesticide-free system for raspberries and blackberries is a microclimate-controlled, multilayer growing system that actually helps plants take control of their own environments. Ideally, the innovative system will reduce the demanding labour and other burdens that cause many Canadian families to give up their farms. University of Guelph, Mike Dixon Scientists who propose to grow food in space can use the same techniques to grow food In Northern Canada. Applying lessons learned from projects undertaken to grow food in space, the Seasonal Strawberry Optimization project out of the University of Guelph offers a science-based solution for high-density planting using an energy- and space-efficient indoor environment, and customized LED lighting. Their vertical-farm design accommodates both production and plant propagation, and will enable farmers to shift from quick-growing-leafy crops to more energy-dense crops, like berries. University of Guelph, Youbin Zheng AI Farming: digitizing the relationship between the greenhouse and the plants inside it. Artificial intelligence is poised to transform virtually every sector, and horticulture is no different. This team is housed at Guelph University, an ensemble of academic wisdom and technological innovation, and has developed a “Digital Twin Model,” an AI-powered autonomous farming system that will revolutionize berry cultivation in controlled environments, making out-of-season production a sustainable reality. University of Ottawa, Allyson MacLean Turbo-charging vertical farms, and tailoring plant microbiomes. This team based at the University of Ottawa seeks to produce “True North Berries”, which can be grown anytime, anywhere in Canada. Key to the roots-to-shoots approach is a proprietary vertical-farm platform that is turbo-charged by the use of genetically-engineered microbes and a carbon dioxide micro-capture and use device. Université Laval, Martine Dorais Aeroponics puts a twist on conventional hydroponics. This Quebec City-based team is developing an advanced aeroponic device that incorporates CycloFields’ rotating carousels that revolves plants around fixed LED lights and water mists. The promise of this sustainable “VertBerry” approach is that it will dramatically improve the efficiency of climate control and light use in the production of all manner of fruits and vegetables—and the quality, too. Western University, Joshua Pearce Boosting food productivity and power by optimizing the use of sun. This project truly revolves around the sun. A solar-energy expert at Western University is applying open-source photovoltaic technology to optimize the use of the sun’s energy to support both indoor and outdoor production of different varieties of berries. Modular and scalable, the production system can be adapted to growing conditions across Canada, including the north, and could ultimately produce enough energy to supply far more than farms. Over the next eighteen months these grantees will collaborate closely with mentors, experts, and partners to refine and transform their concepts into tangible—and tasty—solutions. The Foundation will provide access to coaching and opportunities to network and share knowledge in keeping with the idea that there is room on the farm for collaboration between farmers, engineers, and AI specialists. "At the heart of this competition lies the belief that the fusion of collaboration and broad expertise is the key to solving complex challenges in agriculture," said Garfield Mitchell, Chair of the Weston Family Foundation. "Our grantees bring out-of-the-box, yet achievable, ideas to the table, and we are excited to see the innovations that arise from their shared passion and collaboration." The next round of the Challenge, the Scaling Phase, will commence in 2025, when up to $5 million will be awarded to each of the top four teams over three years to scale and then demonstrate a market-ready solution. Stay updated on the teams’ journeys, the Challenge and news and insights on the latest and greatest in Canadian agriculture at https://homegrownchallenge.ca/. Delivered over six years, the $33 million Homegrown Innovation Challenge supports the development of tools and technologies to enable Canadian farmers and producers to grow berries out of season – sustainably and competitively. We believe that by accomplishing out-of-season berry production, we can unlock solutions for myriad other fruits and vegetables. ABOUT THE WESTON FAMILY FOUNDATION: At the Weston Family Foundation (formerly The W. Garfield Weston Foundation), more than 60 years of philanthropy has taught us that there is a relationship between healthy landscapes and healthy people. That is why we champion world-class health research and innovation with the same passion that we support initiatives to protect and restore biodiversity on Canada’s unique landscapes. We take a collaborative approach to philanthropy, working alongside forward-thinking partners to advance Canada and create lasting impacts. We aspire to do more than provide funding; we want to enable others to find transformational ways to improve the well-being of Canadians. Media contact:Laura Arlabosse-StewartWeston Family Foundationlaura.arlabossestewart@westonfoundation.ca (647) 265-1960 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/659b06df-5557-44fc-880c-390c5c8e7761

New report is the largest psychological intervention trial for patients after bariatric surgeryTORONTO, Aug. 03, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- New research looking at the mental health and eating behaviours of patients 1-year after bariatric surgery has found that a short, 7-session telephone cognitive behavioural therapy (Tele-CBT) intervention is helpful in reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, binge eating and emotional eating. This is according to a paper entitled Efficacy of Telephone-Based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Weight Loss, Disordered Eating and Psychological Distress After Bariatric Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial published today in JAMA Network Open by a national research team including members from Obesity Canada. This team, led by researchers out of the University Health Network (UHN), Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), and Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), recruited 306 patients across three bariatric surgery programs in Ontario – the UHN Bariatric Centre of Excellence, the Humber River Hospital Bariatric Surgery Program, and the Ottawa Hospital Bariatric Centre of Excellence. Approximately half of these patients received the Tele-CBT intervention 1-year after bariatric surgery, while the other half of patients received standard follow-up care provided by their respective hospital sites. These patients were followed up to a year and a half after surgery to see whether the Tele-CBT intervention helped to improve mood and eating behaviours commonly experienced by patients at this critical timepoint post-surgery. The researchers found that compared to the standard care group, those who received the Tele-CBT intervention had significantly reduced depression and anxiety symptoms and reported significantly less binge eating and emotional eating symptoms. Moreover, these improvements were not only seen immediately after the Tele-CBT intervention, but were sustained when patients were followed up three months after the intervention as well. “This is the largest CBT/psychological intervention trial for patients after bariatric surgery, which is an evidence-based obesity treatment,” said Dr. Sanjeev Sockalingam, the paper’s senior author, Psychosocial Director of the UHN Bariatric Centre of Excellence, Senior Scientist at the CAMH, and Scientific Director at Obesity Canada. “This study also supports the effectiveness of CBT delivered by telephone and is timely, given the growth of virtual care during the pandemic.” These results provide more conclusive data and build on smaller studies, also done by this research team, that showed short term improvements in disordered eating, depression, and anxiety in patients after bariatric surgery. The current study also looked at whether the Tele-CBT intervention helped to improve weight loss outcomes, although no differences were found between patients’ weights in the two groups. According to Dr. Cassin, a co-lead on this study, “there are a few potential reasons why no changes in weight were observed, including that the follow-up period may have been too short, the intervention did not focus on calorie restriction, and the post-surgery model of care received from the standard care group may have provided enough support to diminish weight loss outcome differences between groups”. Nonetheless, this research shows that CBT and psychological interventions are an important part of psychological aftercare in obesity treatment. Results from this research provide data to support the widespread use of CBT to support patients with difficulties after bariatric surgery. The research team is continuing to update their findings as data collection for this study is still in progress. The researchers will be following these patients up to 3-years post-surgery to determine whether the improvements in mood and disordered eating are maintained over time, and whether they lead to better weight outcomes long term. This research is important and clearly demonstrates the positive impact of CBT delivered by telephone is both remarkable and timely, especially in the context of virtual care expansion. This research further supports the Canadian Adult Obesity Clinical Practice Guidelines in identifying CBT and psychological interventions as an evidence-based treatment option for individuals living with obesity. About Obesity Canada: Obesity Canada-Obésité Canada, established in 2006 is Canada’s only obesity registered charity dedicated to improving the lives of Canadians living with obesity through research, education, and advocacy. Obesity Canada co-developed the Canadian Adult Obesity Clinical Practice Guidelines in 2020, which are now recognized as a global gold standard evidence-based guideline. Obesity Canada’s vision is a day when people affected by the disease of obesity are understood, respected, and living healthy lives.

The planet experienced the hottest day on record earlier this month and climate projections estimate the intensity of heat waves and poor air quality will increase and continue to cause severe impacts. Researchers have refined and expanded a method of data collection to assess their health impacts. The planet experienced the hottest day on record earlier this month and climate projections estimate the intensity of heat waves and poor air quality will increase and continue to cause severe impacts. Researchers from the University of Waterloo and Toronto Metropolitan University have refined and expanded a method of data collection to assess their health impacts. They discovered that even moderate temperature increases, for example night-time temperatures starting at 18.4 degrees Celsius, can lead to increased hospital visits and death for older adults and those with cardiorespiratory conditions. The new method will help municipalities make a strong case for choosing which mitigation and adaptation measures to pursue to effectively respond to climate changes. The options could include planting more trees for shade, investing in our emergency warning programs, or planning to have more staff available to run ambulances, support hospitals and long-term care homes. "Heat waves cause more deaths in Canada than any other climate hazard," said Dr. Mohamed Dardir, postdoctoral researcher in the School of Environment, Enterprise and Development at Waterloo. "We are getting better at being proactive and planning for climate emergencies, but we still aren't responding to temperatures in the same way we respond to big weather events, such as floods and fires." The study analyzed the spring and summer in Mississauga and Brampton, Ontario. By integrating data on air quality and heat, the researchers achieved the most detailed picture of the short-term health risks impacting the vulnerable population on a municipal level. The findings confirm there was an increase in the total deaths and hospital visits in these areas with the highest impact happening on the day of the heat and poor air quality and extending two days after these events. In the future, the team plans to expand their analysis to include more environmental hazards, such as storms and floods, and factors including ambulatory calls across municipalities in Ontario and other provinces. The researchers say that this work will help civil society and policy makers grasp the magnitude of these climate events and equip decision makers to justify investments in climate resiliency. "Much of the financial burden to mitigate the impacts of hot temperatures is left to municipalities, but the health system savings are largely experienced by provinces," said Dr. Jeffrey Wilson, professor in the School of Environment, Enterprise and Development in Waterloo's Faculty of Environment. "Being able to detail the cost savings and benefits for society to implement these measures will help the two levels of government understand why working together to address heat events is important."