Each week Taproot brings together the latest on the research, technology, companies and people changing health and healthcare for the better in Edmonton. If you have a suggestion for a future edition of the roundup, send it to hello@taprootedmonton.ca for consideration. Here are some highlights from this week’s Health Innovation Roundup: News Health Canada approves trial for age-related macular degeneration device. Edmonton optometrist Dr. Brent Saik will conduct an independent trial to test the Nova Oculus II device, which seeks to treat age-related macular degeneration. University of Alberta biologists have found an existing drug — telbivudine — already used for hepatitis treatment that may have the ability to slow the progression of ALS. Alberta Health Services is accepting applications for a new advisory council on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression. The panel is looking for gender and sexual minorities with lived experience in the health care system. The Institute for Reconstructive Sciences in Medicine is offering a six-week online course through the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry on surgical design and simulation. An Edmonton-based, Health Canada-accredited facility, EVIO Canada’s Keystone Labs, received a technological innovation grant from the German-Canadian Centre for Innovation and Research. In case you missed it, Nanostics CEO John Lewis gave a five-minute talk at Falling Walls in Berlin. Events Nephrologist Dr. Scott Klarenbach will be speaking about real worldevidence and how Alberta’s advantages help to facilitate cutting-edge research development at a brown bag event from noon to 1 p.m. on Jan. 17, 2019 in room 20D of ATB Place at 10020 100 Street. The 2019 Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health Symposium will be held in Edmonton from April 14 to 16. The Health Innovation Roundup, sponsored by Health City, is a weekly email newsletter written and published by Taproot Edmonton. Sign up to get the full edition delivered directly to your inbox. If you sign up for a Taproot membership using the code HEALTHCITY, you’ll get 10% off the first year.