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NRC HighlightsNovember 2008

HR 8799 - this star is 130 light years from Earth in the constellation of Pegasus.

Astronomers capture first images of another solar system

The team, led by NRC-HIA astronomer Dr. Christian Marois, used high-powered telescopes to capture these images. They were then able to identify three planets larger than Jupiter orbiting a star known as HR 8799. This star is 130 light years from Earth in the constellation of Pegasus. It is faintly visible to the naked eye.

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Insight
NRC President
Pierre Coulombe

Agriculture

NRC research is focused on ways to improve crop adaptation and productivity in response to climate influences and increasing global demand for healthier foods and feeds, environmentally friendly fuels and industrial products, and new energy sources.

Dr. David Taylor (right) of NRC-PBI and Dr. Vesna Katavic, an NRC guest worker at the time, performed the research that led to a new source of brain-healthy nervonic acid.

 Better oils for brain health

NRC researchers have created a new source of nervonic acid, which could be used to fortify infant formulas and treat symptoms of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

After 11 days without water, the control plant (left) is dying while the ABA analog-treated plant (right) remains healthy. Photo courtesy of Valent BioSciences Corp.

 Versatile plant hormone shows commercial potential

NRC has joined forces with a multinational biosciences firm to develop eco-friendly treatments for controlling a broad range of vital plant functions.

NRC researchers Darwin Reed (left) and Dr. Pat Covello (right) discuss mass spectrometry results used to help identify Artemisia genes.

 Paving the way to a better malaria cure

Researchers at NRC in Saskatoon are unravelling the mystery of how a common plant produces the compound artemisinin that can destroy Plasmodium, the parasite that causes malaria.

Hop cones contain a natural anti-cancer compound called xanthohumol.

 Beer that's good for you?

Beer drinkers rejoice! With help from NRC researchers, your favourite cold beverage may one day not only quench your thirst, but also help ward off cancer.

Dr. Wilf Keller, Research Director of NRC-PBI, and Dr. Han-zhong Wang, Director of OCRI, at signing ceremony in Saskatoon for the Canada-China canola research agreement.

 Canada-China working together to boost canola production

NRC and China are combining their research expertise to develop higher-yielding varieties of canola (Brassica napus) — a crop that currently contributes more than $11 billion to the Canadian economy.

Photo of the Month

Genetically modified thalecress flowers

Genetically modified thalecress flowers

The genetically engineered thalecress (Arabidopsis thaliana) flowers in the corners of this image could mean increased crop yields for Canada's canola farmers.

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Date Modified: 2008-11-01
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