One in fifty Atlantic Canadians has bipolar disorder, a complex mental illness with strong genetic links. A team of Dalhousie University mental health researchers supported by Genome Atlantic are exploring the role that genetics plays in bipolar disorder (See Case Study 1) with the aim to develop a simple test to identify who is at risk for developing bipolar – and thus begin important interventions sooner. The research team is currently developing and testing early interventions based on their findings.

Genome Atlantic, in partnership with the Verschuren Centre for Sustainability in Energy and the Environment, recently launched a new fund to help companies and researchers to address clean technology challenges and opportunities. Despite the program’s cap of $15,000 per project, its impacts have been profound. We invite you to read about how three women-led startups – Dispersa, Material Futures, and Liven Proteins – used their program funding to harness genomic solutions for developing clean technologies. (See Case Study 4.)

Selective breeding has long been a valuable tree improvement tool for the forestry industry. Through conventional breeding, it takes 20-30 years to complete a cycle of selective breeding. Enter genomics, a game-changing suite of tools, methods and technologies that requires only five years to select the best traits. Recognizing the need for a coordinated approach to genomics research in tree improvement, Genome Atlantic helped to set up the Atlantic Tree Improvement Council (AtlanTIC). (See Case Study 3.)Through AtlanTIC, industry, government, and researchers in all four Atlantic provinces can coordinate large-scale research initiatives with test sites across the region –- sharing the latest advances in tree improvement to benefit the industry across Atlantic Canada.

Genomics is a green technology that is helping Atlantic Canadian companies and industries to grow more sustainably and to reduce their carbon footprint. Please watch our new video Genomics and Sustainability, to find out how Genome Atlantic’s work across the region is helping to strengthen our natural resource industries and shape a greener, better future.

Aquaculture is crucial to Atlantic Canada’s Blue Economy and food security. Viral diseases threaten fish health and the industry’s sustainable growth – a threat that can be reduced by formulating fish feeds that are sustainably sourced and that help keep fish healthy. Genome Atlantic, in partnership with the Ocean Frontier Institute of Halifax, is providing seed funding to scientists at Memorial and Dalhousie universities who will explore the use of microbial oils in fish feed. Microbial oils have a low carbon footprint and high nutritional value due to their high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids. The research will focus on their effects on fish immunity, an important next step in determining their viability for widespread adoption in aquaculture practices.

Genomics training capacity is crucial because it empowers individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to drive innovations that benefit health, the economy, and the environment. Yet, training opportunities in genomics are limited in Atlantic Canada and across the country. To address this gap, Genome Atlantic is partnering with the New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) to conduct a needs assessment for genomics capacity in the region. This needs assessment is an important first step towards the goal of developing genomics training components to the NBCC program.