Dr. Ali Bashashati and Team Use AI to Identify High-Risk Endometrial Cancer

Dr. Ali Bashashati, Associate Professor in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at UBC, and his team have used artificial intelligence to identify a high-risk form of endometrial cancer that is challenging to detect with traditional methods. This breakthrough has the potential to prevent recurrence and improve patient outcomes by uncovering patterns that may be missed by human pathologists. Learn more about this life-saving innovation: Read more.

Dr. Philipp Lange and Dr. Mari DeMarco Co-Chair 2024 CNPN Conference in Whistler

Dr. Philipp Lange, Associate Professor, and Dr. Mari DeMarco, Clinical Professor in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at UBC, co-chaired this year’s Canadian National Proteomics Network (CNPN) conference in Whistler.

The event kicked off amidst the season’s first snowfall, providing a stunning backdrop for vibrant scientific discussions and exciting presentations. The conference promises to be a valuable platform for advancing proteomics research and fostering collaboration in the field. Read more.

Dr. Lucy Perrone Presents at BMSZ Annual Conference in Zambia

Dr. Lucy Perrone, Associate Professor at UBC’s Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, participated as an invited presenter at the Biomed Society of Zambia's annual conference in Livingstone, Zambia. The conference focused on diagnostic quality and capacity building for sustainable laboratory services.

Reception to Celebrate Dana Devine’s Remarkable Contributions

The faculty and staff in the Centre for Blood Research have kindly arranged a reception on January 23, 2025 to commemorate Dana Devine's contributions to Transfusion Medicine, the CBR and the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. Members of the Department who have enjoyed working with Dana over the past three decades are welcome to attend either in person or virtually.
We ask that you please RSVP if you wish to attend the event at : here. The organizers respectfully request people to RSVP as soon as possible. If you would like to share your condolences or memories of Dana, please write them on this online card: https://tinyurl.com/DevineCard

Read more about her lasting contributions in The Globe and Mail .

In Memory of Dr. John O'Kusky

It is with deep sadness that I share the news that Associate Professor Emeritus, Dr. John R. O’Kusky, passed away on November 26, 2024. John grew up in Chicago, USA and began his academic journey at the Loyola University of Chicago. In 1972, he moved to Canada, spending the next decade completing his MSc and PhD in Ontario and Québec. John joined the UBC Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine in 1986 and spent nearly 35 years as an outstanding educator, researcher, colleague, and friend. His research involved evaluating novel therapies for Parkinson’s using a variety of techniques, including immunohistochemical, of which he was an expert. John was recognized for his excellence in teaching learners in the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (BMLSc) Program and the MD Undergraduate Program, in addition to mentorship and supervision of Graduate students.

In 2020, John retired from academia to pursue his dream of life at sea. He relocated to Campbell River with his 40-foot sailboat to join a live-aboard community at Coast Marina. As an accomplished sailor, he spent his days at a slower pace, enjoying sailing and fishing adventures.

John is remembered for his intelligence, humor, wit, and love for sailing. He will be missed, but never forgotten, by the many people whose lives he touched. Sail away, John, bound to be fine weather.

New Publications by Faculty Members

• Jayachandran N. Kizhakkedathu and Team: Antithrombotic coating with sheltered positive charges prevents contact activation by controlling factor XII–biointerface binding (Nature Materials, October 2024). This study introduces a novel polymeric coating for medical devices that prevents clotting and inflammation by deactivating coagulation factor XII, offering a safer alternative to traditional anticoagulants without increasing bleeding risk. Read the full article .
• Yuzi Zheng and Zu-Hua Gao: π-HuB: the proteomic navigator of the human body (Nature, December 2024). This perspective introduces the π-HuB project, a global initiative aimed at utilizing multimodal proteomic datasets to advance our understanding of human biology, improve disease diagnostics, uncover drug targets, and optimize therapeutic strategies. The project represents a major step forward in proteomics-driven personalized medicine. Read the full article .
• David Grynspan and Team: Altered placental phenotype and increased risk of placental pathology in fetal spina bifida: a matched case-control study (Placenta, December 2024). This study investigates placental maldevelopment in pregnancies affected by spina bifida, highlighting associations with lower placental weight, oxidative stress, and inflammation. The findings provide insights into potential mechanisms underlying fetal comorbidities and emphasize the role of placental health in improving outcomes for affected pregnancies Read the full article.