News from June 2009

Dr David Olson featured at the University of Alberta's 'Report to Community 2009'

June 30, 2009

Probing the cause of preterm birth?

Alberta has the highest pre-term birth rate in the country at nine per cent. That’s about 4,000 babies born each year with increased risk of developmental delays and chronic health problems.
But a new interdisciplinary team aims to find out why those numbers are so high and how they can be reduced. Drawing on expertise from disciplines as varied as nursing and medical genetics, pediatrics, and public-health science, the international team of researchers is investigating what makes some Alberta women more prone to early delivery than others.
“What are the geographic and socioeconomic links?” says project co-director and
U of A physiologist David Olson. “What are the chemical, biological, and physiological pathways, or the DNA changes, in women who show no other signs of pre-term delivery?” Finding the answers “will be absolutely enormous,” he says. “The information could then be applied around the world.”
The team is also searching for ways to prevent premature births. One project looks at the role of peer-support groups in reducing stress. Another explores new drugs that block contractions during labour.
Whether social interventions, support groups, or chemical solutions, the ultimate goal is to extend pregnancy and delay pre-term delivery, says Olson.
“The more weeks you buy for the baby in the mother’s uterus, the better the baby’s outcomes.”

Dr. Suzanne Tough Awarded!

June 5, 2009

The Alberta Centre for Child, Family and Community Research is pleased to announce that its Scientific Director, Dr. Suzanne Tough, was recently named Calgary’s Woman of Vision for the month of May 2009.

Dr. Tough, one of the province’s leading researchers in the field of child development, has been heralded for her research in the area of maternal and infant health.

Global Television’s Woman of Vision celebrates the accomplishments of outstanding women – women who have implemented their passion and whose personal dedication and actions inspire us all.