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Oncology meets marine biology: When mussels spill the secrets of their environment

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INRS oncology experts use liquid biopsy to investigate the quality of marine ecosystems.

LAVAL, QC, July 23, 2024 /CNW/ – How can a team of oncology specialists provide insight into the effects of climate change on marine ecosystems? This is the challenge that a team from the Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS) brilliantly tackled under the supervision of Professor Yves St-Pierre and doctoral student Sophia Ferchiou, applying the principles of liquid biopsy—a technique used in early cancer detection—to the mussels of Quebec.

Medicine on call for biodiversity
By their very nature, mussels act as filters within their environment. As such, they are excellent bioindicators for assessing marine ecosystems. The research team therefore applied principles of liquid biopsy to the mollusks in order to investigate their ecosystem.

In humans, liquid biopsy involves analyzing DNA circulating in the bloodstream for evidence of cancer. It provides valuable indications of the type of cancer the patient has, the stage to which it has progressed, and the mutations generated by the disease. Since mussels retain traces of everything that enters their environment, liquid biopsy can provide significant insight into the ecological situation.

“The innovation lies in the use of new technology, i.e., multi-omic analysis, with which we can detect mutations, genetic and epigenetic changes, as well as DNA derived from organisms such as viruses, parasites, bacteria, and even certain species of fish in a given ecosystem,” explained Professor Yves St-Pierre, INRS oncology specialist. The researcher, who is based at the Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie Research Centre in Laval, observed: “We are at the junction between biomedical science and marine biology.”

The liquid biopsy consisted of analyzing the hemolymph—a fluid analogous to blood in vertebrates—of several thousand mussels, providing a veritable treasure trove of environmental data and information.

“We are following the same course as we would with a cancer patient,” Professor St-Pierre stated. “We diagnose the disease, prescribe treatment, and then follow up on developments. The sooner we can detect signs of cancer or, in this case, environmental problems, the sooner we can intervene. With liquid biopsy, we are applying the same methodology and even the same philosophy to biodiversity.” 

A collaborative approach rooted in fieldwork
This project is currently at the heart of the work led by doctoral student Sophia Ferchiou at INRS. “My research consists of using mussels as a sentinel species, i.e., a species highly sensitive to changes in its environment, to assess the health status of marine and coastal ecosystems,” stated the marine biology student, who studies under the joint direction of Professor Yves St-Pierre and Stéphane Betoulle of the University of Reims.

The team conducts its research in close collaboration with Parks Canada biologists at four Quebec sites: Moulin-à-Baude, Cap-de-Bon-Désir and Pointe-à-John on the coast of Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park, and Parc national du Bic, managed by Sépaq. Each site has its own distinctive features, such as proximity to domestic and agricultural wastewater disposal or a discovery and observation centre. Key differences have already been observed between these locations.

“By applying medical techniques to marine ecosystems, not only can we make a diagnosis, but we can also observe warning signs for future issues that are likely to affect an ecosystem. Are there traces of chemicals or signs of a viral outbreak? We can therefore apply early corrective measures, which we will monitor regularly using liquid biopsy,” Sophia Ferchiou highlighted.

Initially led by the doctoral student once a month since 2019, these sample collections now take place on a weekly basis thanks to the participation of Parks Canada biologists across the different sites, providing a unique opportunity to regularly monitor the ecosystems. “This partnership has enabled us to collect an extraordinary number of samples,” Sophia Ferchiou exclaimed. “Our study demonstrates the effectiveness of multi-omic analysis of liquid biopsies sampled from mussels to observe their biological response to environmental stress.”

“One of our conservation team’s mandates is to determine and monitor the health of the ecosystems in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park. The approach proposed by INRS is part of a series of scientific monitoring projects carried out by our team and various partners to gain a better understanding of the changes and threats to the marine park’s ecosystems. Not only is the method innovative and promising, but it is also non-invasive and relatively simple to apply in the field. We are very pleased to be able to work with the team and rely on their expertise.”

About the study
The article entitled “Assessing marine ecosystem health using multi-omic analysis of blue mussel liquid biopsies: A case study within a national marine park” published in the journal Chemosphere, was coauthored by Sophia Ferchiou, France Caza, Kumardip Sinha, Janelle Sauvageau, and Yves St-Pierre. DOI:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142714.

This research was funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Nature and Technologies (FRQNT).

About INRS
INRS is an academic institution dedicated exclusively to graduate research and training in strategic sectors in Quebec. Since its creation in 1969, it has actively contributed to Quebec’s economic, social, and cultural development. INRS is first in Canada in research intensity. It is made up of four interdisciplinary research and training centres located in Quebec City, Montreal, Laval, and Varennes, which focus their efforts on strategic sectors: water, earth, and environment (Eau Terre Environnement Research Centre); energy, materials, and telecommunications (Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications Research Centre); urbanization, culture, and society (Urbanisation Culture Société Research Centre); and health and biotechnology (Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie Research Centre). The INRS community includes over 1,500 students, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty and staff members. 

SOURCE Institut National de la recherche scientifique (INRS)

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MEDIA ADVISORY -Terrestar Solutions highlights how satellite infrastructure and Hybrid IoT unlock economic growth at CRRBC 2026

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November 2, 2026

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SASKATOON, SK, Nov. 2, 2026 /CNW/ — Terrestar Solutions Inc., Canada’s only domestically headquartered and controlled mobile satellite service operator, will participate in the upcoming Canada’s Rural & Remote Broadband Community Conference & Expo (CRRBC 2026) in Saskatoon from November 2–3, 2026.

During the conference, Stéphane Miljours, Director, Business Product – IoT at Terrestar Solutions, will participate in a panel session titled “Space as Infrastructure: Driving Sovereign Connectivity and New Revenue Growth in Canada’s North.”

Miljours will address how satellite-enabled Hybrid IoT technology can unlock economic opportunities across Canada. By providing seamless connectivity beyond conventional terrestrial networks, Terrestar’s solution enables resource and regional industries–including mining, forestry, utilities, energy, and agriculture–to transform remote field operations, optimize productivity, and drive sustainable growth through data-driven intelligence.

At the conference, Terrestar Solutions is also pleased to showcase its partnership with Toccata, a Saskatchewan-based full-stack data technology company that builds remote monitoring solutions. Terrestar’s Hybrid IoT solution powers Toccata’s Canaro remote monitoring platform, which makes it easy for non-technical operators and their teams to monitor remote infrastructure, properties and facilities.

Toccata’s CEO and founder, Noah Little, will also be in attendance and available for media interviews.

Event Details:

Event: Canada’s Rural & Remote Broadband Community Conference & Expo (CRRBC 2026)Speaker: Stéphane Miljours, Director, Business Product – IoT, Terrestar SolutionsPanel Session: Space as Infrastructure: Driving Sovereign Connectivity and New Revenue Growth in Canada’s NorthDate & Time: November 3, 2026, at 9:45 a.m. CSTLocation: Delta Hotels Saskatoon Downtown

Spokesperson Availability:

Stéphane Miljours and Noah Little will be available for pre-event (phone/virtual) and on-site 1-on-1 interviews to discuss:

Unlocking economic growth with satellite-cellular Hybrid IoT innovation.Hybrid IoT pilot deployments in real-world environments, such as Twinberry Farms.Terrestar’s collaboration with local Saskatoon partner Toccata on the Canaro remote monitoring platform.

SOURCE Terrestar Solutions Inc.

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Virginia Ranked Top 5 State in Nation for Innovation & Research Ecosystem by Area Development

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November 2, 2026

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National ranking builds on record growth across Virginia’s innovation ecosystem. 

RICHMOND, Va., Nov. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC) announced today that Virginia has been ranked #5 in the country for “Innovation and Research Ecosystem” in Area Development’s 2026 Top States for Doing Business report. This latest recognition follows Virginia’s Top 10 national ranking (#6) for “Technology & Innovation” in CNBC’s 2026 America’s Top States for Business study and builds on record growth across Virginia’s statewide innovation ecosystem during the past five years. VIPC serves as the Commonwealth’s nonprofit economic development authority dedicated to growing Virginia’s innovation ecosystems through public-private partnership.

Area Development is a leading executive publication covering corporate site selection and business investment. Its 16th annual Top States for Doing Business rankings are based on a survey of expert industry consultants who evaluated states across 20 categories. “Innovation and Research Ecosystem” was Virginia’s second-highest ranked category. Virginia ranked #8 overall nationally, including #1 for “Workforce Training Programs.”

“Virginia has cultivated a robust ecosystem that connects innovation, talent, and capital, enabling businesses of all sizes to build and grow in the Commonwealth,” said Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade Carrie H. Chenery. “Through collaboration with Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation and statewide partners, we are helping researchers and entrepreneurs transform ideas into companies that create thriving communities, good jobs, and create opportunities for all Virginians.”

Over the past five years, Virginia’s innovation ecosystem has accelerated, achieving record growth milestones across university research, high-growth startup formation, and venture capital investment. Annual university research expenditures in Virginia have increased more than 40% during this period, outpacing the national growth rate and climbing to an all-time high of $2.6 billion. Over 25,000 new high-growth startups have launched throughout the Commonwealth since 2020, representing a record five-year cumulative total. Venture capital investment in Virginia startups and early-stage technology companies has also nearly doubled since 2020, reaching a record-high $2.9 billion in 2025.

“Virginia is where innovation thrives, and our Top 5 national ranking reflects the tremendous momentum across our innovation ecosystem,” said Joe Benevento, President and CEO of VIPC. “This shared success is driven by collaboration with partners throughout the Commonwealth, united by a vision to make Virginia the best place to launch, grow, and thrive.”

Virginia is continuing to innovate. Last year, VIPC created Lab-to-Launch, a unique statewide collaboration with Virginia’s leading R1 and R2 research universities to accelerate research commercialization, technology transfer, and startup spinouts. Designed to simplify and streamline technology transfer, Virginia’s Lab-to-Launch offers a faster, easier, and less costly pathway for licensing university intellectual property (IP) and advancing innovation into the marketplace. This new initiative aims to help Virginia universities double their annual technology startup spinouts.

About Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation
The Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC) serves as the Commonwealth’s nonprofit statewide economic development authority dedicated to growing Virginia’s innovation ecosystems through public-private partnership. For more information, visit www.VIPC.org.

CONTACT:

 Amber Salter
804-591-9591
Amber.Salter@VirginiaIPC.org

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/virginia-ranked-top-5-state-in-nation-for-innovation–research-ecosystem-by-area-development-302926729.html

SOURCE VIPC

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HelloNation Article Highlights Downsizing Strategies From Real Estate Experts Holly Abel Grimm and Rich Grimm

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50 minutes ago

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November 2, 2026

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The article explains how long-time homeowners and seniors can prepare emotionally and financially for a successful move.

NEW PHILADELPHIA, Ohio, Nov. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — When is the right time for long-time homeowners or seniors to consider downsizing? A HelloNation article offers a clear, thoughtful guide to when and how to make this critical life transition.

In the feature, New Philadelphia-based real estate professionals Holly Abel Grimm and Rich Grimm, of Holly & Rich Grimm at REMAX Crossroads, offer practical advice to help seniors sell their homes or prepare to downsize. The article highlights the emotional and logistical challenges that often accompany selling a family home and outlines how homeowners can approach the process with confidence and clarity.

For many longtime homeowners, downsizing isn’t just about reducing space. It’s about finding a living arrangement that better matches current needs. The HelloNation article reframes downsizing as rightsizing, a mindset shift that helps lessen the emotional weight of the decision. This approach encourages homeowners to focus less on what they’re leaving behind and more on how they want to live going forward.

The article explains that preparing for downsizing is most effective when started early and approached gradually. Holly Abel Grimm and Rich Grimm emphasize that signs often emerge over time—whether in unused rooms, maintenance issues, or daily tasks that become more tiring. Recognizing these signs can prompt meaningful conversations and reduce the chance of rushed decisions later.

Seniors selling a home often face the added challenge of emotional attachment. Memories and family history tied to a house can make moving overwhelming. The HelloNation feature suggests breaking the process into small steps, starting with organizing storage areas and sorting personal items in manageable sessions. This helps long-time homeowners see progress without feeling burdened.

One key recommendation from the article is to engage in open conversations with family members early in the process. Discussing plans, financial concerns, and future goals helps align expectations and avoid misunderstandings. For seniors selling a home, these discussions also help ensure their wishes remain central to the plan, rather than being shaped by outside pressure.

From a practical standpoint, preparing a property for sale begins long before a home is listed. According to the article, addressing basic maintenance, minor repairs, and cosmetic updates can significantly improve the home’s market performance. This not only improves the sales experience but also allows homeowners to move at a pace that feels right for them.

Working with experienced real estate agents, such as Holly Abel Grimm and Rich Grimm, can provide clarity throughout this process. With a strong understanding of New Philadelphia’s local market, these professionals help clients navigate every stage, from determining the right time to move to assessing financial readiness. Their insight supports thoughtful decision-making and reduces uncertainty for those preparing to downsize.

Financial planning is another significant component of rightsizing. As the HelloNation article notes, seniors selling a home benefit from understanding how the sale will affect their overall financial situation. This includes considerations around retirement income, future housing costs, and long-term care. Having a strategy in place creates a smoother path toward a new chapter in life.

Ultimately, the article’s message is clear: downsizing a home should never be a rushed or reactive decision. By starting early and focusing on emotional, physical, and financial readiness, long-time homeowners can view the process as a step toward greater comfort and security.

Downsizing or Rightsizing Your Home: A Practical Guide for Long-Time Homeowners and Seniors features insights from Holly Abel Grimm and Rich Grimm, real estate experts at Holly & Rich Grimm at REMAX Crossroads in New Philadelphia, OH, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation
HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hellonation-article-highlights-downsizing-strategies-from-real-estate-experts-holly-abel-grimm-and-rich-grimm-302922176.html

SOURCE HelloNation

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