Lack of funds a barrier, biotech guru says.

Carney Matheson, director of research in bio-sciences at the Paleo-DNA Laboratory, an arm of Lakehead University, has worked with DNA and molecular science that may eventually disclose some of the brightest discoveries on century old diseases like syphilis, leprosy and tuberculosis.

The problem is there are not sufficient funds or resources being allocated to his university to take advantage of the 130 projects he has carried with him from places like Israel, Central America and Australia.

"We only work at the moment on two at a time because of funding," Matheson says.

Having traveled to over 90 countries and worked in many of them, Matheson feels stymied by the lack of funding in Canada.

"It is extremely frustrating. I've submitted 14 grants this year and I have another eight to submit before the end of the year and there is not much time left. A lot of my time unfortunately is applying for grants to fund some of these projects."

Matheson wants to bring more students into the lab, but it is impossible due to funding shortages.

"It's really a Catch 22 situation."

In Israel where Matheson worked last year, there were no requirements for the supervisor to provide the funding for the students. Universities provide funding for students and faculty for the first seven years. In fact, most faculty are not expected to obtain grants for at least the first seven years of study. They apply once the manuscripts have become publicized in order to build up their reputation, he says.

Applying for grants and publishing manuscripts takes time away from research, he says.

Two or three research projects out of approximately 25 have been completed.

He is aiming to hire an assistant to help with the grant application process, ordering, public relations and scheduling for future events so that he can concentrate on research.

Currently, Matheson is looking at population genetics and the relationships between individuals. In addition, he is also looking to publish templates so that other scientists can apply the same basis to their research.

"That is most certainly a strength that we have in this laboratory."

The lab, a state-of-the-art facility, has a large list of clinics, universities, museums and governments from about 30 different countries that participate in ongoing studies.

Molecular World International and Genesis Genomics, two companies that were born out of the DNA lab, have also joined the lab's network.

Many times the techniques they have developed within the lab are used to assist in further investigations into projects pursued by the two companies, Matheson says.

"A lot of the time we have the flexibility, the research design and development, and feasibility testing that (the companies) can then follow for routine analysis."

For example, Genesis Genomics has found through research a certain tissue that works well in their research. The DNA lab was asked to find out why this tissue works so well and its capabilities in relation to the research.

This is what a university does, he explains.

"We can design the technology for rapidly detecting pathogenic bacteria in a clinical sample," he says.

Because the lab deals with ancient DNA material, they also use polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a method used to amplify DNA.

"Our PCR techniques are ultra-sensitive and for that reason we can use much smaller (samples) and that is where our advantage is."

Matheson would like to get more funding to secure the lab staff to ensure the projects and investigations carry on.

"My staff are on one-year contracts. If we run out of money, they are gone. I mean, that is pathetic."

Matheson is currently looking to adjunct with other PhD universities toattract investments. He is accustomed to supervising any where from 18 to 21 PhD, master and honour students who could in turn mentor up-and coming student scientists.

Matheson says the lab is by no means full. Any student wishing to study molecular bio-science is welcome, provided he or she has a scholarship or their own financial means.

"We have four master's students at the moment who I am supervising."

Dr. El Molto, a biological anthropologist with Lakehead University who is the brainchild behind the laboratory and the two companies, is mentoring another student, while several undergraduate students are working on short-term projects. Matheson is also mentoring students.

Matheson says the only reason why he is now head of the lab is because of his experience in so many different countries.

The lab has become integrated with the economic fabric of Thunder Bay. So far there have been two companies born from the research that has taken place, not to mention trained scientists who are now working for the local molecular bio-science companies.

www.ancientdna.com

www.genesisgenomics.com

www.lakeheadu.com

www.molecularworld.com

KELLY LOUISEIZE

Northern Ontario Business