Adam Shuhendler’s research focuses on the tiny, invisible changes in the human body that signal underlying problems.
One of his most exciting discoveries involves a new way to detect inflammation, a silent culprit behind many serious diseases, from heart failure to Alzheimer’s. When cells in the brain and heart become inflamed, they start to use a different fuel source, fructose, instead of their usual fuel, glucose. Shuhendler and his team attached a radioactive marker to fructose, which allowed them to visualize inflammation in the brain and heart with unprecedented clarity. This breakthrough is so promising that it’s already moving towards human trials in Ottawa and in Germany.
Beyond imaging, Shuhendler also explores molecular therapeutics by harnessing the body’s own processes to fight disease. His team develops methods to deliver targeted radiation therapy. It directs tiny radioactive particles to seek out and destroy diseased cells, such as cancer. “This approach already shows remarkable success in extending the lives of patients with prostate cancer,” Shuhendler says, “but there is still a lot of room for improvement. We have chemical tricks that can overcome some of the existing problems limiting therapy.”
Shuhendler’s journey into this fascinating field began during his PhD, when he became curious about the destinations of drug-delivering nanoparticles in the body. He attached a special glowing marker to these particles and observed their movement within a living mouse. That moment sparked his love for molecular imaging. “The first time I saw the image of this live animal and could see where these particles are going, I kind of fell in love with the idea of imaging,” he recalls. “I’ve always been visual,” he laughs. “Even as a kid, I drew diagrams to understand things.”
This passion for visualizing the unseen has driven his work ever since.
Rather than limiting itself to a single disease, Shuhendler’s lab embraces a broad, collaborative approach. The team works closely with doctors to uncover some of the biggest mysteries in health care. The guiding question is simple yet powerful: “What do doctors need to see that they currently can’t?” From there, the team applies its expertise to develop innovative imaging techniques that bring those hidden answers into view.
Shuhendler is also passionate about nurturing future scientists. His lab welcomes students from the undergraduate to postdoctoral levels and provides mentorship that reflects each individual’s goals. As well, Shuhendler has co-founded initiatives such as the University of Ottawa Alliance Supporting Indigenous Science Students (uOASISS) and the Pathways Program to support Indigenous students in STEM.
Shuhendler’s work is a testament to the power of curiosity, collaboration and a deep desire to solve real-world problems. But receiving the Melanie O’Neill New Investigator Award in Biological Chemistry isn’t just a personal achievement — it’s a recognition of the vital role this research plays in advancing our understanding of health and disease, and in paving the way for a future where we can see and treat illnesses earlier and more effectively.
The O’Neill award holds poignant meaning. It honours a brilliant biochemist whose life was tragically cut short. Her legacy continues to support bold, boundary-defying research that reflects the late researcher’s own spirit of discovery.
For Shuhendler, the award is a validation of his team’s relentless pursuit of answers. “It means the work we’re doing is meaningful,” he says. “It motivates us to keep pushing forward.”
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