The dynamic environment for research, scholarly and artistic work at the University
of Saskatchewan has fostered discovery and innovation in many fields. A few
of our faculty achievements include:
In a first for radars, the Canadian designed and built “VHF Meteor” to
measure winds and temperatures, was installed at the most northerly site
possible: 80 degrees north in the Canadian Arctic at the new PEARL laboratory
of the Canadian Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Change (2006). http://www.usask.ca/physics/isas/
The first fertilization technique for bioremediation of metal and radionuclide
contaminants in uranium mine pit lakes (2005).
First comprehensive method to measure phosphate – an important
limiting nutrient - at picomolar concentrations in aquatic ecosystems (2005).
Formal development and testing of the first fertilization technique for
bioremediation of metal and radionuclide contaminants in uranium mine pit
lakes (2005).
PolarDARN, the first “HF Coherent Multi-Beam” radar to be built
on the northern hemisphere’s polar cap, was develop and installed.
It is the latest addition to the unique international SuperDARN system, which
provides a view of solar particles being directly injected into the earth’s
atmosphere (2005). See “Then and Now: Atmospheric Research” on “Searching
the Living Skies” Century of Innovation page. http://radar2.usask.ca/
The first synchrotron in Canada. The Canadian Light Source is among the
most advanced in the world (2004). http://www.lightsource.ca/
Canada Research Chairs Louis Delbaere, Soledad Pedras and other research
teams are revealing more about the structure and function of proteins and
phyto-chemicals, possibly leading to advances such as designer drugs for
plants and improved diagnosis and treatment of bacterial and viral infections
and cancer. (2000s)
Soledade Pedras Louis
Delbaere
Physicist Akira Hirose achieves first controlled synthesis of carbon nanotubes
and diamond nanostructures in plasma CVD reactors, with implications for
the manufacture of biomedical devices and a host of other applications (2004).
http://physics.usask.ca/~hirose/hirose.htm
First application of fuzzy logic in plasma position control in nuclear
fusion experiments (2004).
Gregg Adams, Angela Baerwald,
and Roger Pierson
The first evidence suggesting that the traditionally accepted model of
the human menstrual cycle is wrong, a discovery that could have implications
for infertility treatment and lead to the design of new, safer and more effective
contraception (2003). See “U of S Firsts: Human Fertility” on “Healthy
Horizons” Century of Innovation page.
The first aboriginal person awarded a PhD in solar terrestrial science,
from the Institute of Space and Atmospheric Studies in the department of
physics and engineering physics (Donald Danskin, Class of 2003).
Discovery and description of the oldest predator-prey interaction on earth – 0.6
billion years ago, when the first shells appear in the fossil record.
The first climate change record developed from bat guano (2003). http://sil.usask.ca/
The first robotic microsampling devices to digitize samples and growth
structures using laser range finders coupled with gray-scale algorithms.
Used for finely detailed studies of past climate and environments. http://sil.usask.ca/
Reuban Mapletoft has devised techniques that induce cows to ovulate at
the same time, allowing producers to plan ahead for artificial insemination,
and developed a drug that causes cows to super-ovulate, allowing production
of several fertilized embryos in each cow.
The first evidence that changes in ultraviolet radiation and high energy
visible light are affecting long term trends in water chemistry, specifically,
dissolved organic compounds. Ultraviolet light changes are linked to the
atmospheric ozone layer (2003).
First three-dimensional observation of the ozone hole from space, courtesy
the OSIRIS instrument on the Odin satellite (2002).
First recognition of tsunami deposits in ancient marine strata 1.5 billion
years old and 0.5 billion years old. (2001 and 2002).
First tomographic observation of the Earth’s atmosphere, via the
OSIRIS instrument on the Odin satellite (2001).
First nationally-accredited software engineering honours specialization
in Canada, offered through the College of Arts and Science. The program continues
its popularity with both students and employers(2001). http://www.arts.usask.ca/students/academics/programs/computerscience
The first to reconstruct daily temperature records from the past
using mollusks. http://sil.usask.ca/
The first group to microsample fish otoliths (earstones) to derive information
on climate, environment and behavior. http://sil.usask.ca/
The first to generate records of fish migration and hatchery discrimination
from isotope values.
The first numerical model of carbon cycling in modern and ancient inland
seas with implications for the interpretation of atmospheric CO2 concentrations
through time.
World’s first herbicide tolerant lentil varieties registered (non-GMO)(2004).
Canada’s first herbicide tolerant wheat variety, CDC Imagine, registered
(non-GMO).
World's first variety of Canario (canary seed for human consumption) registered.
Canary seed is high in both protein and oil, and high in healthy unsaturated
fats.
Canada’s first fenugreek and coriander varieties. Fenugreek is a
legume used as a spice, for forage, and to enhance soil fertility through
its nitrogen-fixing capabilities. Coriander yields both spice (seeds) and
a green leaf herb (cilantro).
Development of a DNA test for the gene for the hormone leptin in cattle.
Leptin is associated with marbling in beef and hence the tenderness of the
meat. http://www.quantumgenetics.ca/
First application of the stable isotopes of hydrogen and oxygen in deep
subsurface brines as a fingerprinting tool in support of petroleum exploration
and production.
The first high precision measurements of stable isotope variations of chromium
in nature, for application in the study of past oceans and atmosphere. http://sil.usask.ca/
The first high precision measurements of stable isotope variations of calcium
in nature, allowing novel investigations of calcium cycling in the modern
and ancient environment. http://sil.usask.ca/
The first measurement of the three isotopes of oxygen, applied to tracing
the temperature history of ancient oceans. http://sil.usask.ca/
The first multi-isotope approach to reconstruction of salinity profiles
in past marginal marine environments, shedding light on past environments
and the evolution of organisms.
The first demonstration that tooth-like microfossils (conodonts) found
in ancient marine sediments are unreliable recorders of the strontium isotope
composition of ancient seawater, with implications for reconstruction ancient
marine environments.
1990-1999:
The first radar in the world to operate for two full solar cycles (22 years),
providing continuous soundings, every five minutes, of the winds of the upper
atmosphere (60-110 km). http://www.usask.ca/physics/isas/
Space Shuttle
Protein crystallographer Louis Delbaere produces the first Canadian-led
space-shuttle experiments on Space shuttle discovery in 1990. Another of
Delbaere’s experiments flies in 1992 on the Mir space station. See “U
of S Firsts: Experiments in Space” on “Searching the Living Skies” Century
of Innovation page.
A first in geology: the standard model for how gold is deposited in the
Earth’s crust – by fluid circulation among ancient mountain
belts where tectonic plates once collided. http://awards.usask.ca/faculty/kerrich.php
The first cross-platform, interdisciplinary laboratory for multiple-isotope
studies of past climate and environment – the Saskatchewan Isotope
Laboratory. http://sil.usask.ca/
The first conversion of an antibody into an enzyme, a discovery
made by Biochemist Jeremy S. Lee which could lead to better drugs and drug
therapies (1998). http://skyway.usask.ca/~wettig/leegroup/
the world’s first vaccine created through recombinant DNA technology
licensed for use in animals. Pneumo-Star protects against Pasteurella infection
in cattle, part of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) complex;
the first vaccine (Somnu-Star) against pasteurellosis and haemophilosis,
again, part of BRD;
the first vaccine (Vicogen) for prevention of calf scours, a disease
in cattle that is a major contributor to livestock losses;
first vaccine (Hevlan TC) to prevent enteritis (inflammation of the gut)
in turkeys;
the first vaccine (Pleuro-Star 4) which protects pigs from pleuropneumonia.
Together, these diseases cost producers about $1.5 billion annually.
First tangential compact torus injection into a tokamak fusion reactor,
a breakthrough in terms of how to effectively add fuel to such reactors (1995).
The first discovery of a half-billion-year-old trilobite egg fossil (1994).
Canola Council of Canada
First new-generation radar of the international Super Dual Auroral Radar
Network (SuperDARN) program for space weather studies, at the U of S
Kernen Farm. The global network now includes 17 radars. http://radar2.usask.ca/
Canada’s first transgenic crop variety registered (a variety of canola)
(1990s).
Registration of Canada’s first chickpea varieties (1990s).
www.all-creatures.org
First patent issued for the use of ion exchange membranes in a soil testing
application. The membranes are used to mimic root uptake of nutrients
and thus provide an assessment of nutrient availability in soils (1990s).
http://www.westernag.ca/innov/index.php
Development of a genetic test for the polled (lack of horns) trait in cattle
(1990s).
The first commercially available genetically engineered vaccine for animals
(1990s). http://www.vido.org/
The first ultrasound of an egg release from the human ovary (1990) by Dr.
Roger Pierson, showing that ultrasonography could be a powerful new tool
for non-invasive study of the dramatic changes that occur in the structures
of the ovary just before and during ovulation (1990). This and other related
U of S discoveries have made it possible to assess the ovulation potential
of individual follicles in infertile women, thereby potentially paving the
way for safer and more effective fertility therapies. http://rsm.usask.ca/pierson.html
First high confinement (Ohmic H) mode in a tokamak in nuclear fusion research
(1990).
1980-1989:
First alternating current tokamak operation in nuclear fusion research
(1987).
First microwave full-polarization radar sensing of crops and fallow land,
as background for the Canadian RADARSAT program (1987-90)
The first to report on the 45-million-year-old mummified fossil forests
of Axel Heiberg Island produced by James F. Basinger, providing a unique
insight into the ancient vegetation of the High Arctic (1986). Fossil
titanothere teeth from large rhinoceros-like mammals were discovered in the
fossil forest, representing the northernmost record of fossil mammals in
the world. http://www.usask.ca/geology/nfaculty/jb/
The first and only toxicology centre in Western Canada (1986). See “U
of S Firsts: Environmental toxicology” on “New Natural Resources” Century
of Innovation page.
The first use of epilepsy-prone poultry for human health research (1980s).
Established the value of canola meal as an animal feed. Fractionation technologies
promise high-protein products for aquaculture, and land-based livestock.
(1990s)
Development of a genetic test for infertility in cattle due to a Robertsonian
translocation, a type of abnormality in the chromosomes (1980s).
First Canadian experiment aboard the space shuttle. OGLOW measured the
reddish glow that develops around the shuttle during missions, to determine
if and how much it interferes with other experiments and their instruments
(1984). A secondary objective was to gather data on the southern aurora (aurora
australis), air glow at night time and the bioluminescence of oceans.
The first to develop high-gravity fermentation (VHGF), which produces much
higher levels of alcohol. Now the standard procedure for brewers around the
world for the efficiencies it delivers, it is also embraced by the ethanol
fuel industry (1980s)
The world’s most successful malting barley variety – Harrington.
Introduced in the 1980s and still specified by many world brewers, it covered
more than half the barley acreage in Western Canada and up to 40 per cent
in the U.S. – by far the most of any variety. Harrington held
top spot until 2002, when it was supplanted by AC Metcalfe.
The first geophysics program in Canada to offer a field school.
North America’s first “pulse stretcher” ring, EROS (Electron
Ring of Saskatchewan). Used for nuclear physics research, EROS was a “mini-synchrotron” which
fostered the gathering of expertise that led to the Canadian Light Source
synchrotron (1980s).
The first nationally accredited software engineering honours specialization
(Arts and Science).
The first interdisciplinary graduate program in toxicology in Canada (1980).
1970-1979:
www.all-creatures.org
Canada’s first lentil varieties registered. These were the foundation
of a two-million acre lentil industry in the province and made Saskatchewan
the world’s largest exporter of lentils (1970s).
The first weigh-in-motion scale technology for measuring weight of passing
vehicles on highways (1970s). International Road Dynamics: http://www.irdinc.com/
The first energy-efficient house in Canada, built as the Saskatchewan Conservation
House in Regina (1977). The work contributed to the federal government’s
R2000 program. http://www.src.sk.ca/
Nobel Laureate Gerhard Herzberg Photo: U of S Archives
Patented the first plant-based milk replacer for calves.
The first low-cost, plastic air-to-air heat exchanger for use in houses
or livestock operations to increase energy efficiency. Several companies
across Canada, including two in Saskatchewan, were founded on this technology,
now sold around the world (1970s).
The first native law centre in Canada established by Dean Roger Carter
in 1973. See “Then and Now: Aboriginal Research” on “Of
Life and Learning” Century of Innovation page.
ITEP, the Indian Teacher Education Program, the first to develop teachers
of First Nations ancestry (1973).
The first university in Canada to provide courses in the psychology of
exceptional children.
1960-1969:
Discovery of the Kac-Moody algebras, independently and simultaneously by
mathematicians Robert Moody (Canada) and Victor Kac (Russia). The Kac-Moody
algebras, and their offspring, the Virasoro algebras, lie at the root of
superstring theory and have many other applications (1960s). http://www.math.ualberta.ca/~rvmoody/rvm/rvmcv.html
The world’s most advanced pipeline technology, now used to transport
many materials both as liquid or slurry that would otherwise be transported
by truck at much greater expense. Development continues at the Saskatchewan
Research Council Pipe Flow Technology Centre in Saskatoon (1960s).
The first successful kidney re-transplant in Canada (1964).
The first integrated internship as a part of a teacher education program
(1963)
First high-energy electron linear accelerator in Canada (1960s).
1950-1959:
The first studies (in the ‘30s and ‘40s) of the aurora and
the Earth’s atmosphere, providing early support for Canada’s
space science programs. This work led to the creation of the first space
and atmospheric institute in Canada (1957).
http://www.usask.ca/physics/isas/main.html
The first drama department in Canada and the Commonwealth (1946) and the
first University in Western Canada with a fine arts degree program. See “Of
Life and Learning” Century of Innovation Page. http://artsandscience.usask.ca/drama/greystone.php
The first Canadian Literature course in Canada and the world, offered by
Dr. Carlyle King (1944).
Canada’s first graduate degree in Education (1927).
Development of the first sulfate-resistant cement by chemistry professor
Thorbergur Thorvaldson, allowing durable concrete structures in high-alkali
soils, such as those commonly found on the Canadian Prairies (1919). http://scaa.usask.ca/gallery/uofs_events/articles/1924.php
The first school of accounting and first accounting degree in Canada (1914).
First Political Studies department in Canada (1910).
Canadian Light Source at the U of S
Soledade Pedras Louis
Delbaere
Gregg Adams, Angela Baerwald,
and Roger Pierson
Space Shuttle
James Miller
Canola Council of Canada
www.all-creatures.org
www.all-creatures.org
Nobel Laureate Gerhard Herzberg Photo: U of S Archives
Thorbergur Thorvaldson Photo: U of S Archives