Memorial University research team

Photo credit: Memorial University

Early warning system for dangerous infectious diseases

The sudden cardiac death genetic research team of Daryl Pullman, Terry-Lynn Young, Sean Connors and Kathleen Hodgkinson of Memorial University of Newfoundland identified a lethal gene mutation known to have caused sudden cardiac death in 25 Newfoundland and Labrador families. Moreover, the multidisciplinary team spearheaded research to establish life-saving screening methods and preventative treatments. Physicians worldwide now have the information to successfully treat hundreds of gene carriers with life-saving implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapy based on a mutation test alone, significantly lengthening the lifespan of those affected. This has resulted in a paradigm shift in clinical management and ethical oversight.

For more information: Memorial University of Newfoundland

* Daryl Pullman, Terry-Lynn Young, Sean Connors and Kathleen Hodgkinson are 2018 co-winners of the Governor General’s Innovation Awards.