It’s that time of year again, let’s look back at the most viewed articles on the Canadian Blood Services’ Research. Education. Discovery. (R.E.D.) blog for 2025:
5. Canadian Blood Services scientist recognized at International Stroke Conference for “first-in-class” research on stroke treatment
Dr. Heyu Ni, a Canadian Blood Services senior scientist, received two awards at the American Heart Association’s 2025 International Stroke Conference for a top-ranked abstract of pre-clinical research on treatment for acute ischemic stroke.
Awards for the Paul Dudley White International Scholar are presented annually by the Association to reflect a vision for global excellence in cardiovascular science and medicine. Top-ranked abstract submissions are selected from each country and the primary authors honoured with this award. Dr. Heyu Ni was acknowledged as the recipient of this award for Canadian submissions as well as the recipient of the Stroke Basic Science Award during the conference in Los Angeles, California, in February 2025.
4. New research publications: June 2025
Each month, our R.E.D. blog showcases the activities of our research and education network and the innovation and collaboration that drives our scientific community forward. Included in these activities are the peer-reviewed publications in academic journals that are a main avenue for researchers to share their scientific findings. With a focus on methodology and a rigorous review process prior to publication, these publications are recognized as credible and reliable sources of scientific information.
This blog – the first in a reoccurring monthly recap – provides an overview of the latest research publications that have been authored by Canadian Blood Services staff scientists in discovery, development and donation policy & studies; adjunct scientists; medical experts and trainees; and/or resulting from supported projects or partnerships.
3. Countdown to CSTM 2025: A young investigator’s perspective
The Canadian Society for Transfusion Medicine (CSTM) annual conference, held in partnership with Canadian Blood Services and Héma-Québec, provides an opportunity for health-care professionals and researchers in transfusion medicine to share knowledge, learn about recent advancements in transfusion medicine, and connect with colleagues.
In lead-up to the event, we invited members of our research and education network to submit blogs previewing their contributions to CSTM 2025. This blog was prepared by Dimpy Modi, a trainee member of Canadian Blood Services’ research and education network.
2. New lab leverages Canadian Blood Services research and development expertise with a focus on emerging blood safety initiatives
As Canada’s Biological Lifeline, Canadian Blood Services is entrusted with the vital responsibility of providing safe, reliable access to high-quality products and services essential for individuals across the country.
Our network of dedicated researchers and laboratory staff is integral to our ability to fulfil that responsibility, and the announcement of a new Surveillance & Discovery Laboratory is another example of this ongoing commitment to safety and continuous improvement. This lab will enhance capacity to identify and mitigate threats to the blood supply and strengthen public health preparedness for years to come.
1. The lifesaving role of blood transfusion in preterm infants
Preterm infants (babies born before 32 weeks of gestation) often require red blood cell (RBC) transfusions. While much focus has been placed on determining the right timing and volumes for transfusions, further investigation will help us understand more about other critical aspects, such as the ideal blood product and the impact of donor factors on transfusion outcomes.
Our research team, led by Canadian Blood Services’ senior research scientist, Dr. Jason Acker at the University of Alberta, has been investigating the effects of transfused adult RBCs on preterm infants with the goal of understanding better-matched alternatives for these vulnerable recipients. Working closely with neonatologists and colleagues at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute and the University of Calgary, our studies aimed to optimize transfusion practices and improve overall outcomes.
Mahsa Yazdanbakhsh is a PhD candidate training in the laboratory of Canadian Blood Services’ Senior Research Scientist, Dr. Jason Acker and recipient of Canadian Blood Services’ Graduate Fellowship Program award.
Thanks to everyone who contributed articles to the R.E.D Blog this year.
Canadian Blood Services – Driving world-class innovation
Through discovery, development and applied research, Canadian Blood Services drives world-class innovation in blood transfusion, cellular therapy and transplantation—bringing clarity and insight to an increasingly complex healthcare future. Our dedicated research team and extended network of partners engage in exploratory and applied research to create new knowledge, inform and enhance best practices, contribute to the development of new services and technologies, and build capacity through training and collaboration. Find out more about our research impact.
The opinions reflected in this post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Canadian Blood Services nor do they reflect the views of Health Canada or any other funding agency.
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