Research & Innovation

UWindsor research shows surprising implications in fish farming

PhD candidate Dennis OtienoPhD candidate Dennis Otieno’s research shows that some farmed fish would prefer consuming microscopic organisms to commercial fish food pellets.  (Photo courtesy of Ken Drouillard/University of Windsor).

By Sara Elliott  

Some farmed fish are snubbing commercial fish food pellets in favour of naturally and freely available microscopic organisms and invertebrates.   

That is according to PhD candidate Dennis Otieno’s study which showed farmed tilapia in net-pen cages in Kenya were not significantly consuming the provisioned commercial fish feed – one of the highest costs of production. 

UWindsor study links climate-driven water level changes to increased toxic pollution levels in the Detroit River

PhD candidate Mona Farhani PhD candidate Mona Farhani assessed PCB levels to understand how climate-driven changes in water levels influence pollution dynamics in the Detroit River. (SARA ELLIOTT/University of Windsor)

By Sara Elliott 

As water levels in the Detroit River rise and fall, so do concentrations of toxic legacy pollutants. 

New research by University of Windsor environmental science PhD candidate Mona Farhani shows that higher water levels are associated with increased concentrations of bioavailable polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) at some locations — a long-lasting toxic chemical linked to human and ecosystem health risks.

UWindsor lab seeks saliva samples during the seasonal illness peak

Maria Badalova and Domenic VaracalliMaria Badalova (left) and Domenic Varacalli (right) testing samples in the lab. (ANGELA KHARBOUTLI/University of Windsor)

By Sara Elliott 

With respiratory viruses surfacing this cold and flu season, University of Windsor researchers are asking ill members of the campus community to voluntarily provide saliva samples for viral research. 

The Saliva Screening Lab, which is part of a research project led by Dr.Kenneth Ng and supported by the New Frontiers in Research Fund, is appealing campus-wide to those feeling under the weather to help advance virus surveillance.  

Brain health research highlights powerful protein’s role in stem cells and tumour growth

Hema Priya Mahendran, Lisa Porter, Ingrid Qemo, Dorota Lubanska, and Bre-Anne FifieldHema Priya Mahendran, Lisa Porter, Ingrid Qemo, Dorota Lubanska and Bre-Anne Fifield are a few of the authors on a new paper published in the journal Stem Cell Reports. (ANGELA KHARBOUTLI/University of Windsor)

By Sara Elliott

The key to designing future brain cancer therapies could lie with a mighty protein called Spy1, which is found in neural stem cells in the adult brain. 

Neural stem cells play a critical role in memory, learning and brain repair. 

University of Windsor seeks world-class researcher for Canada Impact+ Research Chair

Researchers in a biomedical science labThe University of Windsor is seeking nominations to the federal Canada Impact+ Research Chairs Program. (TRAVIS FAUTEAUX/University of Windsor)

The University of Windsor is seeking an internationally renowned scholar and scientist for nomination to the federal Canada Impact+ Research Chairs Program

This national initiative is designed to attract world-class research leaders whose work aligns with Canada’s strategic priorities. 

AI research at UWindsor shows promise for earlier detection of eye disease

First-year engineering students Saxon Vandenwollenberg and Sneha Chitte helped to develop custom artificial intelligence models to help detect diabetic retinopathy and presented their findings at the 37th IEEE International Conference on Microelectronics.First-year engineering students Saxon Vandenwollenberg (seated) and Sneha Chitte (standing) helped to develop custom artificial intelligence models to help detect diabetic retinopathy and presented their findings at the 37th IEEE International Conference on Microelectronics. (MIKE WILKINS/ University of Windsor)

By Lindsay Charlton 

Researchers at the University of Windsor, including two first-year engineering students, have developed custom artificial intelligence models to help detect diabetic retinopathy — a leading cause of adult blindness — at earlier stages of the disease. 

Their work compared four machine learning models, known as convolutional neural networks (CNNs), designed to analyze retinal images and identify patterns associated with the condition. 

National competition to showcase scientific research through art

PhD candidate Rahaf Hussein's photograph, titled “Copper Beach.” PhD candidate Rahaf Hussein (BSc ‘19) won both a Jury Prize and the People’s Choice Award for her photograph, titled “Copper Beach” in 2023. (RAHAF HUSSEIN/University of Windsor)

By Sara Elliott

Here is your chance to create art through a scientific lens. 

Canada’s annual scientific research image contest 2026 edition is open for submissions. 

UWindsor alumnus wins inaugural Royal Society of Canada prize for public health impact

Image of Dr. Sean Rourke speaking to audienceDr. Sean B. Rourke, University of Windsor alumnus and professor of psychiatry at the University of Toronto, has been named the inaugural recipient of the Royal Society of Canada’s Eric Jackman Prize for research in the behavioural and social sciences. (UNITY HEALTH TORONTO/University of Windsor)

By Victor Romao

From his Toronto office, Dr. Sean Rourke is tracking a bold experiment in public health — a national network of smart vending machines designed to deliver life-saving resources directly to people who might never set foot in a clinic. 

For Rourke, every item dispensed through Our Healthbox represents a tangible act of prevention, dignity and trust. 

It is the kind of measurable, lasting impact that has now been recognized at the highest level.

Exploring hidden factors that influence concussion recovery in athletes

Neuropsychology PhD student Vanessa Correia and professor Dr. Christopher AbeareNeuropsychology PhD student Vanessa Correia and professor Dr. Christopher Abeare, who also serves as clinical supervisor at the Sport-Related Concussion Centre (SRCC) at the University of Windsor in Windsor, Ont., on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2025. (DAVE GAUTHIER/ University of Windsor)

By Lindsay Charlton 

We spend about a third of our lives asleep, and those hours are crucial for everything from mood to muscle repair. 

Now, University of Windsor researchers are asking whether poor sleep could put athletes at greater risk of concussion—and affect how they recover.