Edmonton...Medical researchers at the University of Alberta have made a discovery that may explain how prion diseases, like chronic wasting disease and mad cow disease, adapt in order to spread between various types of animals. ...funded by Alberta Innovates Health Solutions, PrioNet Canada, and the Alberta Prion Research Institute, a program of Alberta Innovates Bio Solutions.

A presentation on upcoming opportunities and challenges in the global food sector by Dr. Sven Anders, Associate Professor in the Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences at the University of Alberta. Visit bio.albertainnovates.ca/stratthemes/qfh/ to learn about AI Bio's focus on quality food.

EDMONTON -Alberta's first Grand Challenge seeks to move carbon from liability to asset. The Climate Change and Emissions Management (CCEMC) Corporation is seeking innovative ideas from around the world for a $35 million open innovation challenge that will create new, carbon-based products and markets. The grand challenge is the first ever initiated by an organization in Alberta, Canada. It is expected to identify multiple technologies that could provide significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by transforming carbon from a liability into an asset. The CCEMC Grand Challenge: Innovative Carbon Uses, draws on a broad network of supporters that includes ... Alberta Innovates -- Energy and Environment Solutions, Alberta Innovates - Bio Solutions and Alberta Innovates - Technology Futures.

A presentation at an Alberta Biomaterials Development seminar on potential opportunities for nanocellulose, including in packaging and auto industry, by Dr. Bruce Lyne, Professor at the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden. Visit www.bio.albertainnovates.ca/stratthemes/bioecoadvance/ to learn about AI Bio's focus on advancing the bioeconomy, including in the area of nanocellulose.

EDMONTON --Farming 4R Land project provides assessment framework to help farmers reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve profitability. The CCEMC is providing nearly $200,000 in financial support for a project that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions linked to fertilizer use. This is the first project funded through the Biological GHG Management Program, administered by Alberta Innovates Bio Solutions (AIBIO) with funding from the CCEMC.

EDMONTON...National consortium launches new research funding program. A consortium of Canadian research organizations has combined efforts to fund development of an innovative test for the presence of pathogenic E. coli bacteria during food production.This funding program aims to foster continuous improvement in the safety of the Canadian food supply and create long-term health benefits for Canada.

BANFF... Hydrocarbon-like fuels and chemicals to come from agricultural and forest biomass. With funding from Alberta Innovates Bio Solutions, the Biorefining Conversions Network aims to become a hub for bioeconomy investments and a world class centre of excellence for biorefining and biomass conversions. Using a Campus Alberta approach over the next three years, the network will receive $3.8 million for business development and research that turns the province's agricultural and forestry biomass into drop-in fuels and chemicals compatible with both traditional and emerging industries.

BANFF... New technologies and markets open for Alberta companies. Auto parts from wood that are strong, light-weight and low-cost is the aim of a new applied research project. Alberta Innovates Bio Solutions, among other partners, is investing $600,000 in this project, which may help respond to consumers' desire for better auto fuel efficiency and green innovation.

OTTAWA - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Genome Canada and Alberta Innovates Bio Solutions are partnering in a $600,000 project that will help protect consumers from Listeriosis, a serious foodborne illness.

Alberta Innovates Bio Solutions, along with seven other funding partners, is announcing $5 million in funding for 13 research projects focused on using the power of science towards better food and better health.

Through Climate Change and Emissions Management Corporation (CCEMC) funding, strategies that enhance the uptake of carbon from the atmosphere, hold it in the soil for a longer period of time, or prevent its direct release will be explored, tested and shared with stakeholders by groups of researchers, industries and government experts. For additional information please see Alberta Innovates - Bio Solutions.

EDMONTON... Three companies developing industrial products from Alberta biomass in the agricultural, forestry and municipal waste sectors are now a step closer to the marketplace after receiving a total of $4 million in grants from Alberta Innovates Bio Solutions (AI Bio).

Alberta Innovates - Bio Solutions, federal and agency partners are providing support to diversify Alberta's agricultural products market. A new pilot-scale manufacturing facility will allow manufacturers to test new products, processes and technologies.

EDMONTON……Taking an idea for innovation from concept to the marketplace often requires professional and technical services. To help pay for these services, applications for the next round of Alberta Innovation Vouchers are being accepted until April 2, 2012.

Edmonton... Increased competitiveness and profitability of Alberta's agriculture and forestry sectors through decreased cost of production or increased value of products is the aim of the new "Value Chain Sustainability" research and innovation program.

Edmonton... University of Alberta's Livestock Gentec Alberta Innovates Centre has formalized a partnership with yet another institute in an effort to further its research into developing livestock industry solutions through the science of genomics... Corefunding for Livestock Genec is provided by Alberta Innovates Bio Solutions and the Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency.

Edmonton... The Livestock Gentec Alberta Innovates Centre has advanced to the next level of operation with several new initiatives, including new management, staff and a partnership agreement. Focused on developing livestock industry solutions through the science of genomics, the Centre welcomes Dr. Graham Plastow as its interim Chief Executive Officer effective Aug. 1, 2011. Located at the University of Alberta, the Centre also welcomes the addition of new staff members Dr. John Basarab, Dr. Leluo Guan and Tom Lynch-Staunton; and announces a memorandum of agreement with Olds College. ...

Berlin, Germany … Organizers of the 19th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition 2011 invited Dr. Stanford Blade, Chief Executive Officer of Alberta Innovates Bio Solutions, to speak at a plenary session about his paper entitled "Building the Bioeconomy: Alberta Invests in the Future."
Read more in the attached news release.
Read Dr. Blade's paper at http://www.albertainnovates.ca/media/24351/stanpaper-6jun11.pdf

Premier recognizes Alberta health-food producers and researchers
Edmonton... More healthy food products are on the shelves because of the efforts of three Alberta food producers and a University of Lethbridge researcher. All four were recognized for their work with a special Premier's Award.

Edmonton…Launched by Alberta Innovates Bio Solutions and funding partners, the aim of the new "Quality Food for Health" research and innovation program is to improve the health and well being of Albertans while increasing the competitiveness of the province's food and agricultural industries. Funding partners include: Alberta Innovates Health Solutions, Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency, Alberta Crop Industry Development Fund, Alberta Canola Producers Commission, Alberta Milk, and Alberta Pulse Growers.

Edmonton... A study released today offers information on the costs and benefits of voluntary BSE testing of Canadian cattle. The study, funded by the Alberta Prion Research Institute (APRI), PrioNet Canada and the Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency (ALMA), is intended to encourage discussion within the cattle industry.

Saskatoon, SK… The Chairman of the board of the ABIC Foundation, Mr. Jerome Konecsni, announces the ABIC 2013 conference will be held in Calgary, Alberta and is co-hosted by Alberta Innovates Bio Solutions and BioAlberta. The conference will take place from September 15 - 18.

WHITECOURT, ALBERTA - The Government of Canada today announced an investment in new Canadian technology that will contribute to a more sustainable pulp and paper industry in Canada. The Honourable Rob Merrifield, Minister of State (Transport), announced the $1.05-million investment at the Alberta Newsprint Company mill in Whitecourt, Alberta. The mill will receive funding under the Transformative Technologies Pilot Scale Demonstration Program to implement state-of-the-art technology that will result in substantial reductions in energy and fresh water consumption at the mill...Other funding for the project includes a contribution of more than $1 million from the Alberta Newsprint Company and an $80,000 investment by Alberta Innovates Bio Solutions.

Agricultural research centres will lead to expanded market opportunities for Alberta farmers and ranchers.

Vegreville…Bringing new technologies and products to market is the focus of a new funding program from Alberta Innovates Bio Solutions. The 'Driving conversion of Alberta's biomass to advanced materials and chemicals program' aims to support industry, operating companies and other organizations in speeding the process of technology commercialization.

EDMONTON, AB - To celebrate its fifth anniversary and promote work being done in prion and protein misfolding research, the Alberta Prion Research Institute is recognizing the work young researchers are accomplishing on the international scene. Today, Nathan Deleault was awarded with the Alberta Prion Research Institute's International Young Researcher Prize.

An agriculture-based think-tank will do an analysis of whether the cost of conducting client-driven optional BSE testing in animals before or after slaughter would be beneficial in the marketplace.

To ensure the Alberta livestock industry remains competitive at the global level, Alberta Innovates - Bio Solutions is providing $2.25 million and the Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency $1.5 million of new funding to Livestock Gentec, formerly the Alberta Bovine Genomics Program.

Dr. Stanford Blade has been appointed Chief Executive Officer by the Board of Alberta Innovates - Bio Solutions.