Tech

Ottawa Hospital researchers join global COVID-19 fight: 'We're all looking at what we can do to make a difference' – Ottawa Sun

Published

4 years ago

April 2, 2020

Scientists at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute have joined the global race to prevent and treat COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.

The research institute has launched more than a dozen COVID-19 research projects, many of them in partnership with other scientists in Canada around the world.

“Like everyone else, we’re all looking at what we can do to make a difference,” said Dr. Duncan Stewart, executive vice-president of research at The Ottawa Hospital. “For scientists who have expertise and technologies that are relevant, this is a fantastic opportunity to try to develop something that could help in the prevention, detection or treatment of this disease.

Dr. Duncan Stewart of the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute is focusing his work on COVID-19 research.

“We’re preparing for what we think will be an overwhelming number of these patients in our intensive care units,” he said Thursday, “and we want to be able to offer them as much as we can.”

Among the research institute’s initiatives:

° Infectious disease researchers are creating a local registry of COVID-19 patients to track disease patterns and the effectiveness of different treatments.

° Dr. Carolina Ilkow and other immunotherapy experts who work with cancer-fighting viruses have launched a project aimed at using the same technology to develop a COVID-19 vaccine; they want to combine tiny bits of the coronavirus’ genetic material with one of these viruses — they don’t harm people — to magnify the immune system’s response to it.

° Dr. Stewart and a team of researchers are working to launch a clinical trial that tests the ability of multipurpose adult stem cells, mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), to treat the most severe cases of COVID-19.

“We’re learning every day more about COVID-19: It’s a very interesting and unique virus,” said Stewart, a professor at the University of Ottawa.

In earlier research, Stewart explored how MSCs can be used to control the immune system’s runaway response during sepsis, a life-threatening condition caused by the body’s reaction to a serious infection. Patients infected with COVID-19 can develop a similar condition, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), also triggered by an exaggerated immune response. In ARDS, the lungs flood with fluid because of acute injury, Stewart said, leading to severe shortness of breath.

“COVID-19 likes the lung, it targets the lung,” he said.

Stewart believes that MSCs can be deployed to modulate the immune system’s response to COVID-19. MSCs are involved in repairing damaged tissues in the body and their interaction with the immune system, he said, “appears to be part of their natural healing abilities.”

He hopes to launch a new clinical trial within weeks.

Dr. Carolina Ilkow said the research team in which she’s involved wants to repurpose the cancer-killing viruses they’ve studied for years to target COVID-19. They intend to use these oncolytic viruses as a vehicle to program the body’s immune system to identify and destroy the coronavirus.

“These viruses are really good at expressing information, at educating new systems,” she said.

The team hopes to develop a vaccine that can go into clinical testing by the end of the year.

Meanwhile, Canada’s national blood agency announced Thursday that it is part of a research group seeking approval for a national clinical trial that uses blood plasma drawn from recovered COVID-19 patients to treat people who are ill with the disease.

The Ottawa Hospital will be one of the lead sites in that clinical trial, along with hospitals in Hamilton and Toronto, if it’s approved by Health Canada.

China, South Korea and Singapore have all used plasma from recovered patients to treat those with COVID-19, and there’s some evidence that it can help.

Plasma is a key blood component that contains antibodies, clotting agents and proteins; it makes up more than half of the overall content of the blood.

People who have recovered from COVID-19 carry disease antibodies in their plasma to shield them against another infection. Researchers hope those same antibodies can be deployed to treat others with the disease.

As part of the clinical trial, plasma will be collected from volunteer blood donors in Canada who have fully recovered from COVID-19, said Dr. Dana Devine, chief scientist at Canadian Blood Services, which is headquartered in Ottawa. The agency will contact potential donors from among the country’s recovered COVID-19 patients.

It’s expected to take several months to complete the national clinical trial.

The Ottawa-based research initiatives were unveiled Thursday as scientists in Australia launched animal testing of two potential coronavirus vaccines.

Developed by Oxford University and Inovio Pharmaceuticals Inc., the vaccines have been cleared for animal testing by the World Health Organization. Australia’s national science agency will conduct those tests, which represent a critical stage in the development of a potential vaccine. It normally takes at least a year or two to reach that stage.

The tests are expected to take three months to complete, according to Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization.

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Tech

How to Preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada

Published

3 days ago

September 10, 2024

Harry Miller

Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:

Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.

Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers

While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:

Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source

Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:

Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.

3. Sign Up for Notifications

Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.

Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.

4. Prepare for High Demand

Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:

Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.

Final Thoughts

The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.

For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.

Tech

Introducing the PlayStation 5 Pro: The Next Evolution in Gaming

Published

3 days ago

September 10, 2024

Harry Miller

Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.

Key Features of the PS5 Pro

The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:

Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.

Optimized Games & Patches

Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:

Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West

These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.

Design & Compatibility

Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.

Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.

Pricing & Availability

The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:

$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY

Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.

The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.

Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.

Tech

Google Unveils AI-Powered Pixel 9 Lineup Ahead of Apple’s iPhone 16 Release

Published

1 month ago

August 13, 2024

Harry Miller

Google has launched its next generation of Pixel phones, setting the stage for a head-to-head competition with Apple as both tech giants aim to integrate more advanced artificial intelligence (AI) features into their flagship devices. The unveiling took place near Google’s Mountain View headquarters, marking an early debut for the Pixel 9 lineup, which is designed to showcase the latest advancements in AI technology.

The Pixel 9 series, although a minor player in global smartphone sales, is a crucial platform for Google to demonstrate the cutting-edge capabilities of its Android operating system. With AI at the core of its strategy, Google is positioning the Pixel 9 phones as vessels for the transformative potential of AI, a trend that is expected to revolutionize the way people interact with technology.

Rick Osterloh, Google’s senior vice president overseeing the Pixel phones, emphasized the company’s commitment to AI, stating, “We are obsessed with the idea that AI can make life easier and more productive for people.” This echoes the narrative Apple is likely to push when it unveils its iPhone 16, which is also expected to feature advanced AI capabilities.

The Pixel 9 lineup will be the first to fully integrate Google’s Gemini AI technology, designed to enhance user experience through more natural, conversational interactions. The Gemini assistant, which features 10 different human-like voices, can perform a wide array of tasks, particularly if users allow access to their emails and documents.

In an on-stage demonstration, the Gemini assistant showcased its ability to generate creative ideas and even analyze images, although it did experience some hiccups when asked to identify a concert poster for singer Sabrina Carpenter.

To support these AI-driven features, Google has equipped the Pixel 9 with a special chip that enables many AI processes to be handled directly on the device. This not only improves performance but also enhances user privacy and security by reducing the need to send data to remote servers.

Google’s aggressive push into AI with the Pixel 9 comes as Apple prepares to unveil its iPhone 16, which is expected to feature its own AI advancements. However, Google’s decision to offer a one-year free subscription to its advanced Gemini Assistant, valued at $240, may pressure Apple to reconsider any plans to charge for its AI services.

The standard Pixel 9 will be priced at $800, a $100 increase from last year, while the Pixel 9 Pro will range between $1,000 and $1,100, depending on the model. Google also announced the next iteration of its foldable Pixel phone, priced at $1,800.

In addition to the new Pixel phones, Google also revealed updates to its Pixel Watch and wireless earbuds, directly challenging Apple’s dominance in the wearable tech market. These products, like the Pixel 9, are designed to integrate seamlessly with Google’s AI-driven ecosystem.

Google’s event took place against the backdrop of a significant legal challenge, with a judge recently ruling that its search engine constitutes an illegal monopoly. This ruling could lead to further court proceedings that may force Google to make significant changes to its business practices, potentially impacting its Android software or other key components of its $2 trillion empire.

Despite these legal hurdles, Google is pressing forward with its vision of an AI-powered future, using its latest devices to showcase what it believes will be the next big leap in technology. As the battle for AI supremacy heats up, consumers can expect both Google and Apple to push the boundaries of what their devices can do, making the choice between them more compelling than ever.