Projects
NEW! Metformin Drug Trial for Patients with Fragile X Syndrome
We will be conducting a study to test the safety and benefits of Metformin, a drug given to patient with diabetes, on patients with Fragile X. Metformin has been shown to improve some difficulties and symptoms of people with the syndrome, including over-eating, obesity, hypogonadism, learning/cognition delays, and delayed puberty.
This study will be a double-blind, placebo controlled trial. If you are interested in finding out more about the trial, or know someone who would be interested in participating, please visit our website.
Characterizing the Genetic Network of Genes Involved in Memory and Intellectual Disability
Understanding the genetic basis of intellectual disability has become more important as treatments have become available.
Studying learning and memory using Drosophila has become a well-accepted method that allows us to understand the gene network related to disease-causing genes. Furthermore, Drosophila can be used to test pharmacological intervention. Understanding this, we will therefore utilize the Drosophila mutants for genes involved in intellectual disabilities such as Fragile X Syndrome, Angelman Syndrome and others to study epistatic interactions with other genes in the context of memory formation and maintenance. This will allow us to establish a genetic network that can be later used to develop therapeutic treatments.
Studies to Uncover the Genetics of Social Interaction
We have recently established a novel assay in which two flies are monitored as they interact across a mesh divider. The trajectories are monitored using an automated tracking software. We have recently seen significant difference between the behaviour of Fragile X and wild flies in this assay.
Our work aims at understanding the neuronal circuit underlying this behaviour, as well as identifying any other genes required for this type of interaction in Drosophila.
Identification of Novel Genes Involved in Intellectual Disability and Autism Using Novel Human Genetic Testing
Using novel genetic methods such as comparative genomic hybridization and exome sequencing, we aim at better understanding the genetic basis of intellectual disability and autism.
Artificial Intelligence - Powered 'chatbot' to educate families and connect them with information and interventions.
The Bolduc Lab is developing a chatbot to provide information about autism, intellectual disability, and learning disability. Families of individuals with such disorders do a lot of research and we would like to allow them to contribute what they find to the project so that others can access that information without having to spend considerable time searching for it. Moreover, local social workers, educators, and health professionals already have extensive knowledge of information which should be included in the chatbot.
- U of A NEWS - Website
- Live from Studio 5 on AMI-audio. Episode Info "Computer program designed to help people with neurodevelopmental disabilities" - Website
- La croiseé "Des conseils médicaux grâce à l'intelligence artificielle" - Website
- Inside Digital Health "University of Alberta AI Chatbot to Help Families of Kids with Neuro Issues - Website