Research Highlights

Figure 1- An Avian Influenza risk map of Indonesia developed by Dara and her team.

Harnessing Social Media: A Novel Approach to Disease Surveillance

Don't underestimate the power of social media! Social media is no longer just a place for selfies and memes. Dr. Rozita Dara, from the School of Computer Science, has recently unlocked a fascinating use of Twitter that could change the face of disease surveillance and management. This new method involves the analysis of Twitter data, aiding in predicting disease trends and gauging public perception toward health policies.

A Leap in Public Health Management Through Machine Learning

Dr. Zeny Feng, Kalyla Vanderkruk, and Dr. Lorna Deeth discuss their work.

Statistical Models Can Alert Us To Approaching Influenza Epidemics

Due to our recent experience with the COVID-19 pandemic, it is perhaps clearer than ever that accurate and early detection of epidemics is of critical importance. When the first signs of an epidemic arise, measures can be put into place to help mitigate the spread of illness. This may include public health messaging to wash your hands, stay home if unwell, and reminders to get vaccinated. However, the effectiveness of these measures depends on a timely identification of an approaching epidemic.

Example of the missing data problem, showing various fish sizes and ocean depth chart

Statistical Tools Help Solve a Challenge in Biology

Researchers develop a strategy for analyzing incomplete data sets
 

Missing data is a common and challenging problem in a broad range of scientific studies.  This is particularly true in the analyses of real-world data. For example, in the study of biological systems it is difficult to completely sample a population with a wide variety of traits (characteristics like body size, age and habitat).  It is impossible to sample everything, and missing data is almost inevitable.

Photo of Sheng Chang's Research

Microplastics: The Unseen Scourge

Unraveling the plastic threat hidden in our waters, Dr. Chang’s team has revolutionized the way we isolate, identify, and combat microplastic pollution.

Dr. A. Elsayed, S. Abner, Dr. E. Mena-Morcillo, and Dr. A. Chen pose in lab coats in a lab

Fighting Climate Change: Researchers Develop an Efficient Catalyst for CO2 Reduction

Global climate change is a hot topic in today's world, and it is easy to feel overwhelmed and helpless when we hear about its devastating effects. However, there is hope! Researchers from the University of Guelph, including Dr. Aicheng Chen, from the Chemistry Department, and Dr. Abdallah Elsayed, from the School of Engineering, have developed an innovative solution to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) levels and combat climate change.

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