Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health (DMCBH)
@dmcbrainhealth.bsky.social
Advancing brain health through research, education and treatment.
Partners: Vancouver Coastal Health & UBC Faculty of Medicine
Partners: Vancouver Coastal Health & UBC Faculty of Medicine
For Margaret and Bee, @bcbrainwellness.bsky.social has been a source of joy and connection. Not only has the program provided exercise and creative outlets, it has also provided a sense of community and fostered new friendships.
Read more: www.centreforbrainhealth.ca/news/new-fri...
Read more: www.centreforbrainhealth.ca/news/new-fri...
New friends, new adventures: Margaret and Bee’s Brain Wellness Program journey - Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health | DMCBH
When Margaret Miller and Bee Wanstall first crossed paths, it was actually in a boxing class. It wasn’t until they both joined the BC Brain Wellness
www.centreforbrainhealth.ca
November 8, 2025 at 12:01 AM
For Margaret and Bee, @bcbrainwellness.bsky.social has been a source of joy and connection. Not only has the program provided exercise and creative outlets, it has also provided a sense of community and fostered new friendships.
Read more: www.centreforbrainhealth.ca/news/new-fri...
Read more: www.centreforbrainhealth.ca/news/new-fri...
Congratulations to Dr. Xin Tang, an Assistant Professor jointly appointed in the Michael Smith Laboratories and the Department of Computer Science, on recently being appointed a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Computational Cell Biology!
Read more: www.centreforbrainhealth.ca/news/dr-xin-...
Read more: www.centreforbrainhealth.ca/news/dr-xin-...
Dr. Xin Tang appointed Canada Research Chair - Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health | DMCBH
Congratulations to Dr. Xin Tang, an Assistant Professor jointly appointed in the Michael Smith Laboratories (MSL) and the Department of Computer Science,
www.centreforbrainhealth.ca
November 5, 2025 at 12:16 AM
Congratulations to Dr. Xin Tang, an Assistant Professor jointly appointed in the Michael Smith Laboratories and the Department of Computer Science, on recently being appointed a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Computational Cell Biology!
Read more: www.centreforbrainhealth.ca/news/dr-xin-...
Read more: www.centreforbrainhealth.ca/news/dr-xin-...
Reposted by Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health (DMCBH)
Looking for the perfect way to end your week? Come to the Behavioural Neuroscience (BNS) Seminar—a student-led series where graduate students share their research and exchange ideas. 🧠
Fridays, 3-4pm in the @dmcbrainhealth.bsky.social, rooms 3402A-3402C.
More: bnsseminar.psych.ubc.ca
Fridays, 3-4pm in the @dmcbrainhealth.bsky.social, rooms 3402A-3402C.
More: bnsseminar.psych.ubc.ca
November 3, 2025 at 10:09 PM
Looking for the perfect way to end your week? Come to the Behavioural Neuroscience (BNS) Seminar—a student-led series where graduate students share their research and exchange ideas. 🧠
Fridays, 3-4pm in the @dmcbrainhealth.bsky.social, rooms 3402A-3402C.
More: bnsseminar.psych.ubc.ca
Fridays, 3-4pm in the @dmcbrainhealth.bsky.social, rooms 3402A-3402C.
More: bnsseminar.psych.ubc.ca
Join Julia for a day in the life of a research assistant in the MacVicar Lab! She’s now pursuing her MSc in Experimental Medicine in the Cembrowski Lab.
Stay tuned for more videos about her research and the behind-the-scenes of what it’s like to work in a #neuroscience lab!
Stay tuned for more videos about her research and the behind-the-scenes of what it’s like to work in a #neuroscience lab!
A day in the lab at the MacVicar lab #neuroscience
YouTube video by Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health
www.youtube.com
October 28, 2025 at 8:56 PM
Join Julia for a day in the life of a research assistant in the MacVicar Lab! She’s now pursuing her MSc in Experimental Medicine in the Cembrowski Lab.
Stay tuned for more videos about her research and the behind-the-scenes of what it’s like to work in a #neuroscience lab!
Stay tuned for more videos about her research and the behind-the-scenes of what it’s like to work in a #neuroscience lab!
Learning. Exercise. Nutrition. Understand how simple daily habits can rewire your brain and change your life.
Join us on Nov 3 at UBC Robson Square and hear from UBC experts Drs. Lara Boyd, Teresa Liu-Ambrose & Silke Appel-Cresswell.
Register: communityengagement.ubc.ca/events/rewir...
Join us on Nov 3 at UBC Robson Square and hear from UBC experts Drs. Lara Boyd, Teresa Liu-Ambrose & Silke Appel-Cresswell.
Register: communityengagement.ubc.ca/events/rewir...
October 22, 2025 at 6:32 PM
Learning. Exercise. Nutrition. Understand how simple daily habits can rewire your brain and change your life.
Join us on Nov 3 at UBC Robson Square and hear from UBC experts Drs. Lara Boyd, Teresa Liu-Ambrose & Silke Appel-Cresswell.
Register: communityengagement.ubc.ca/events/rewir...
Join us on Nov 3 at UBC Robson Square and hear from UBC experts Drs. Lara Boyd, Teresa Liu-Ambrose & Silke Appel-Cresswell.
Register: communityengagement.ubc.ca/events/rewir...
Reposted by Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health (DMCBH)
💧 Can our tears give us early insights into #Alzheimer’s disease development?
Dr. Printha Wijesinghe from @dmcbrainhealth.bsky.social studied miRNA levels in brain, eye, and tear tissues in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s and found that tear miRNA profiles mirrored the brain’s: https://bit.ly/47gCOoV
Dr. Printha Wijesinghe from @dmcbrainhealth.bsky.social studied miRNA levels in brain, eye, and tear tissues in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s and found that tear miRNA profiles mirrored the brain’s: https://bit.ly/47gCOoV
October 21, 2025 at 6:46 PM
💧 Can our tears give us early insights into #Alzheimer’s disease development?
Dr. Printha Wijesinghe from @dmcbrainhealth.bsky.social studied miRNA levels in brain, eye, and tear tissues in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s and found that tear miRNA profiles mirrored the brain’s: https://bit.ly/47gCOoV
Dr. Printha Wijesinghe from @dmcbrainhealth.bsky.social studied miRNA levels in brain, eye, and tear tissues in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s and found that tear miRNA profiles mirrored the brain’s: https://bit.ly/47gCOoV
Congrats to ICORD’s seed2STEM summer research program for Indigenous youth, which was awarded the City of Vancouver’s Leadership in Reconciliation Award for 2025!
The program was co-founded by DMCBH member Dr. Corree Laule and ICORD communications & administrative manager Cheryl Niamath.
The program was co-founded by DMCBH member Dr. Corree Laule and ICORD communications & administrative manager Cheryl Niamath.
seed2STEM honoured with City of Vancouver Leadership in Reconciliation Award
ICORD’s seed2STEM summer research program for high school youth has been awarded the City of Vancouver’s Leadership in Reconciliation Award for 2025. seed2STEM transforms reconciliation principles …
icord.org
October 17, 2025 at 11:43 PM
Congrats to ICORD’s seed2STEM summer research program for Indigenous youth, which was awarded the City of Vancouver’s Leadership in Reconciliation Award for 2025!
The program was co-founded by DMCBH member Dr. Corree Laule and ICORD communications & administrative manager Cheryl Niamath.
The program was co-founded by DMCBH member Dr. Corree Laule and ICORD communications & administrative manager Cheryl Niamath.
Annie Kim, a Master’s student working with Dr. Manu Madhav (@manusmad.bsky.social), is developing a new virtual reality tool to help diagnose Alzheimer’s disease earlier by detecting subtle navigation problems.
Learn more about how this tool could make screening for Alzheimer's more accessible:
Learn more about how this tool could make screening for Alzheimer's more accessible:
Using Virtual Reality to find signs of Alzheimer’s disease - Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health | DMCBH
Slip on a VR headset, and an ordinary room transforms into a foggy mountain landscape dotted with colourful landmarks. This virtual world is part
www.centreforbrainhealth.ca
October 16, 2025 at 10:40 PM
Annie Kim, a Master’s student working with Dr. Manu Madhav (@manusmad.bsky.social), is developing a new virtual reality tool to help diagnose Alzheimer’s disease earlier by detecting subtle navigation problems.
Learn more about how this tool could make screening for Alzheimer's more accessible:
Learn more about how this tool could make screening for Alzheimer's more accessible:
Today is #WorldMentalHealthDay, a reminder that there is no health without mental health. This year’s theme focuses on the need to support mental health & psychosocial needs of people affected by humanitarian emergencies.
Learn more about our Mental Health & Addictions Integrated Research Program:
Learn more about our Mental Health & Addictions Integrated Research Program:
Mental Health and Addictions Integrated Research Program
YouTube video by Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health
www.youtube.com
October 11, 2025 at 12:26 AM
Today is #WorldMentalHealthDay, a reminder that there is no health without mental health. This year’s theme focuses on the need to support mental health & psychosocial needs of people affected by humanitarian emergencies.
Learn more about our Mental Health & Addictions Integrated Research Program:
Learn more about our Mental Health & Addictions Integrated Research Program:
Congratulations to the DMCBH researchers who have received funding from CFI's John R. Evans Leaders Fund competition to support new research infrastructure projects, including:
⭐Khaled Abdelrahman
⭐Ryan Hoiland
⭐Tao Huan
⭐Khaled Abdelrahman
⭐Ryan Hoiland
⭐Tao Huan
DMCBH researchers receive new government funding from CFI JELF competition - Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health | DMCBH
Today, the Government of Canada announced nearly $134 million through the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) to support research infrastructure
www.centreforbrainhealth.ca
October 10, 2025 at 11:23 PM
Congratulations to the DMCBH researchers who have received funding from CFI's John R. Evans Leaders Fund competition to support new research infrastructure projects, including:
⭐Khaled Abdelrahman
⭐Ryan Hoiland
⭐Tao Huan
⭐Khaled Abdelrahman
⭐Ryan Hoiland
⭐Tao Huan
Reposted by Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health (DMCBH)
This #WorldMentalHealthDay, discover new research by VCHRI experts Drs. Ivan Torres & Lakshmi Yatham on how cognitive tests could help improve care & treatment for people with bipolar disorder: https://ow.ly/bqjO50X5llz Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health (DMCBH) Mental Health Research Canada
Helping people with bipolar disorder see their cognitive strengths
Uncover insights about bipolar disorder and cognitive abilities. The mismatch between self-view and performance opens new intervention paths.
ow.ly
October 10, 2025 at 6:00 PM
This #WorldMentalHealthDay, discover new research by VCHRI experts Drs. Ivan Torres & Lakshmi Yatham on how cognitive tests could help improve care & treatment for people with bipolar disorder: https://ow.ly/bqjO50X5llz Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health (DMCBH) Mental Health Research Canada
Reposted by Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health (DMCBH)
Margaret Hanson says #YesToResearch to support the discovery of new treatments for Parkinson’s disease. Learn about her participation in a study led by VCHRI researcher Dr. Martin McKeown, exploring a novel smartwatch to help optimise medication scheduling:
Wearable alert system to prevent Parkinson’s medication ‘wearing off’ symptoms
Now retired from working as a project manager in the tech industry, Margaret Hanson’s active lifestyle is intimidating. The 68-year-old rock climbs, mountain climbs, hikes, skis, goes on backpacking trips — mainly with her husband of 18 years, Tony — and still seems to have energy to spare. However, in December 2016, just nine months after celebrating her retirement, Hanson received news that no one ever wants to hear.
www.vchri.ca
October 8, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Margaret Hanson says #YesToResearch to support the discovery of new treatments for Parkinson’s disease. Learn about her participation in a study led by VCHRI researcher Dr. Martin McKeown, exploring a novel smartwatch to help optimise medication scheduling:
An academic journey defined by perseverance through conflict and limited opportunity – Dr. Printha Wijesinghe’s path to neuroscience is anything but ordinary. As a postdoctoral fellow in Dr. Joanne Matsubara's lab, she explores tear-based microRNAs and Alzheimer's disease diagnosis.
Read more:
Read more:
Dr. Printha Wijesinghe on tear-based microRNAs as early indicators of Alzheimer’s disease - Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health | DMCBH
An academic journey defined by perseverance through conflict and limited opportunity - Dr. Printha Wijesinghe’s path to neuroscience is anything but
www.centreforbrainhealth.ca
October 8, 2025 at 8:14 PM
An academic journey defined by perseverance through conflict and limited opportunity – Dr. Printha Wijesinghe’s path to neuroscience is anything but ordinary. As a postdoctoral fellow in Dr. Joanne Matsubara's lab, she explores tear-based microRNAs and Alzheimer's disease diagnosis.
Read more:
Read more:
What if your brain is more capable of change than you imagined? Join our leading experts, Drs. Lara Boyd, Teresa Liu-Ambrose and Silke Appel-Cresswell, on November 3 to explore how science, lifestyle and wellness shape brain health.
Register today: communityengagement.ubc.ca/events/rewir...
Register today: communityengagement.ubc.ca/events/rewir...
Rewiring the Mind: How Science, Lifestyle and Wellness Shape Brain Health - Community Engagement
Join UBC Connects at Robson Square, in partnership with the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, to welcome Dr. Lara Boyd, Teresa Liu-Ambrose, and Silke Appel-Cresswell on how learning, exercis...
communityengagement.ubc.ca
October 7, 2025 at 8:28 PM
What if your brain is more capable of change than you imagined? Join our leading experts, Drs. Lara Boyd, Teresa Liu-Ambrose and Silke Appel-Cresswell, on November 3 to explore how science, lifestyle and wellness shape brain health.
Register today: communityengagement.ubc.ca/events/rewir...
Register today: communityengagement.ubc.ca/events/rewir...
Join Simren from the Wellington lab for a look at a day in the life of a @sbmeubc.bsky.social Synergy research student!
This past summer, she researched biomarkers in the blood related to neuroinflammation from sports-related concussions.
This past summer, she researched biomarkers in the blood related to neuroinflammation from sports-related concussions.
A day in the life at the Wellington lab
YouTube video by Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health
www.youtube.com
October 6, 2025 at 11:02 PM
Join Simren from the Wellington lab for a look at a day in the life of a @sbmeubc.bsky.social Synergy research student!
This past summer, she researched biomarkers in the blood related to neuroinflammation from sports-related concussions.
This past summer, she researched biomarkers in the blood related to neuroinflammation from sports-related concussions.
"Seeing Change" is a unique initiative in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside that brings together Indigenous patient partners and researchers in the UBC Research Excellence Cluster in Vision to address barriers to eye care.
A shared vision for better health - UBC Faculty of Medicine
A unique initiative in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside is bringing Indigenous patient partners and UBC experts together to address barriers to eye care.
www.med.ubc.ca
October 3, 2025 at 7:20 PM
"Seeing Change" is a unique initiative in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside that brings together Indigenous patient partners and researchers in the UBC Research Excellence Cluster in Vision to address barriers to eye care.
Reposted by Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health (DMCBH)
We are pleased to share that Neuroethics Canada's Dr. Judy Illes has been awarded the @sciencepolicy.ca 2025 Trailblazer Award (Science for Policy) in recognition of her pioneering work and its profound impact on policy making in Canada and around the world! 👏 🎉
sciencepolicy.ca/posts/judy-i...
sciencepolicy.ca/posts/judy-i...
Dr. Judy Illes - CSPC
Abby Christopher is dedicated to environmental sustainability through her research and innovative policy proposal. Her proposal, “Harbouring Life: Managing Port Impacts on Coastal Ecosystems,” aims to...
sciencepolicy.ca
October 2, 2025 at 4:05 PM
We are pleased to share that Neuroethics Canada's Dr. Judy Illes has been awarded the @sciencepolicy.ca 2025 Trailblazer Award (Science for Policy) in recognition of her pioneering work and its profound impact on policy making in Canada and around the world! 👏 🎉
sciencepolicy.ca/posts/judy-i...
sciencepolicy.ca/posts/judy-i...
Reposted by Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health (DMCBH)
Great to see this new resource from the #CDC. Thanks for including @soarproject.bsky.social amongst the resources! vetoviolence.cdc.gov/apps/tbi-ipv...
TBI IPV Hidden Harms | VetoViolence
Survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) often have traumatic brain injuries. This training, designed for those who work with survivors of IPV, provides an introduction to brain injuries and how t...
vetoviolence.cdc.gov
October 2, 2025 at 2:47 AM
Great to see this new resource from the #CDC. Thanks for including @soarproject.bsky.social amongst the resources! vetoviolence.cdc.gov/apps/tbi-ipv...
Look forward to welcoming you to UBC soon!
Excited to share that I landed my dream job!🎉🎉🎉 The Pennington Lab will be opening at the University of British Columbia in January 2026!
@ubcpsych.bsky.social @dmcbrainhealth.bsky.social
@ubcpsych.bsky.social @dmcbrainhealth.bsky.social
October 2, 2025 at 8:51 PM
Look forward to welcoming you to UBC soon!
Reposted by Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health (DMCBH)
By analyzing 25 years of health care data from across B.C., a new study led by VCHRI investigator Dr. Helen Tremlett identified early signs of multiple sclerosis, paving the way for earlier diagnosis & more effective prevention strategies:
Early clues of MS found years before symptom onset
A new study led by Dr. Helen Tremlett, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute researcher and professor in the UBC Faculty of Medicine, sheds light on the earliest stages of multiple sclerosis (MS). Published in JAMA Network Open and with funding from the National MS Society and MS Canada, the research team found that the disease process may begin up to 15 years before characteristic symptoms used to make a diagnosis appear.
www.vchri.ca
September 26, 2025 at 5:00 PM
By analyzing 25 years of health care data from across B.C., a new study led by VCHRI investigator Dr. Helen Tremlett identified early signs of multiple sclerosis, paving the way for earlier diagnosis & more effective prevention strategies:
We're proud to be a community partner for the film LIFE AFTER at @viffest.bsky.social! This gripping investigative documentary examines the story of Elizabeth Bouvia, a young disabled woman with cerebral palsy, exposing the tangled web of moral dilemmas and profit motives surrounding assisted dying.
Life After | VIFF 2025
Enjoy great movies at the luxurious VIFF Centre, one of the best cinemas in Vancouver and home to the Vancouver International Film Festival.
viff.org
September 25, 2025 at 10:36 PM
We're proud to be a community partner for the film LIFE AFTER at @viffest.bsky.social! This gripping investigative documentary examines the story of Elizabeth Bouvia, a young disabled woman with cerebral palsy, exposing the tangled web of moral dilemmas and profit motives surrounding assisted dying.
This week is BC Concussion Awareness Week. The goal of this annual campaign is to improve British Columbians’ knowledge of #concussions and help spread awareness of proper concussion recognition, diagnosis and management.
Learn more about concussions from this article featuring Dr. Shelina Babul:
Learn more about concussions from this article featuring Dr. Shelina Babul:
Dr. Shelina Babul on Concussions, Brain Injury Research and Public Awareness - Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health | DMCBH
Encased in a tough bony skull and suspended in shock-absorbing fluid, the brain is protected by several layers of defence. Responsible for everything from
www.centreforbrainhealth.ca
September 24, 2025 at 8:58 PM
This week is BC Concussion Awareness Week. The goal of this annual campaign is to improve British Columbians’ knowledge of #concussions and help spread awareness of proper concussion recognition, diagnosis and management.
Learn more about concussions from this article featuring Dr. Shelina Babul:
Learn more about concussions from this article featuring Dr. Shelina Babul:
This past summer, DMCBH members welcomed a number of Indigenous students into their labs as part of ICORD's seed2STEM program. Participants had the opportunity to explore neuroscience research and gain hands-on experience in lab environments.
DMCBH labs host Indigenous students in 2025 seed2STEM program - Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health | DMCBH
The seed2STEM Summer Research Program for Indigenous Youth seeks to improve representation of Indigenous students in the academic disciplines of science,
www.centreforbrainhealth.ca
September 23, 2025 at 9:19 PM
This past summer, DMCBH members welcomed a number of Indigenous students into their labs as part of ICORD's seed2STEM program. Participants had the opportunity to explore neuroscience research and gain hands-on experience in lab environments.
On Saturday, September 6th, the Wellington Lab hosted its first-ever Friends and Family Open House at the DMCBH! This graduate student-led initiative allowed trainees to practice their knowledge dissemination skills and share their research with a general audience.
Read the recap + view photos ⬇️
Read the recap + view photos ⬇️
Wellington Lab hosts first-ever open house - Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health | DMCBH
On Saturday, September 6th, the Wellington Lab hosted its first-ever Friends and Family Open House at the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health. This
www.centreforbrainhealth.ca
September 19, 2025 at 6:49 PM
On Saturday, September 6th, the Wellington Lab hosted its first-ever Friends and Family Open House at the DMCBH! This graduate student-led initiative allowed trainees to practice their knowledge dissemination skills and share their research with a general audience.
Read the recap + view photos ⬇️
Read the recap + view photos ⬇️
This summer, the @sbmeubc.bsky.social Synergy Undergraduate Research Program provided opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience working in different DMCBH labs.
Learn more about the students' experiences: www.centreforbrainhealth.ca/news/sbme-sy...
Learn more about the students' experiences: www.centreforbrainhealth.ca/news/sbme-sy...
SBME Synergy 2025 Undergraduate Summer Research Highlights - Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health | DMCBH
This past summer, the SBME Synergy Undergraduate Summer Research Program provided research opportunities for students interested in a career in biomedical
www.centreforbrainhealth.ca
September 17, 2025 at 10:25 PM
This summer, the @sbmeubc.bsky.social Synergy Undergraduate Research Program provided opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience working in different DMCBH labs.
Learn more about the students' experiences: www.centreforbrainhealth.ca/news/sbme-sy...
Learn more about the students' experiences: www.centreforbrainhealth.ca/news/sbme-sy...