Eco-friendly supercomputer unveiled at U of M

The U of M is now home to the province’s first energy efficient High Performance Computing (HPC) system, a supercomputer that will allow researchers to perform calculations that would have previously taken months in only days.

According to the Winnipeg Free Press, the computer can complete over 40 trillion calculations per second. The green aspect of the computer is that it uses a unique cooling system that recycles its energy generated during the winter to provide heat to U of M buildings.

Michelle Liu, assistant professor in the department of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences within the faculty of medicine, said in a U of M press release that the system will significantly benefit her research.

“Currently, my research projects involve gene mapping for autism. This includes analyzing the relationship between millions of genetic variations in the whole human genome and a particular disease,” said Liu. “The new HPC resources will benefit us by providing access to genetic analysis specific programs, faster data analysis, data security, storage and back up.”

Conservative MP for Winnipeg South, Rod Bruinooge, explained that the energy efficiency of the computer convinced the federal government to donate $2.1 million to the project.

“Computers of that nature 10 years ago were monster energy drains,” said Bruinooge in the Free Press. “The energy-efficiency of this computer system is particularly impressive, and the federal contribution has helped in making U of M one of the best places to do research in Canada.”

The $8 million price tag on the computer was paid by Canada Foundation for Innovation, Western Economic Diversification Canada, Manitoba Research and Innovation Fund, the U of M, and Silicon Graphics International.

U of M research earns international nod for grain research

U of M vice-president (research) Digvir Jayas recently received international recognition for his research in effective grain storage methods. Jayas was elected as the 2011 Foreign Fellow into the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS) India and is the first researcher from Manitoba to receive the distinction.

“Over the last two decades [Jayas] has been recognized internationally for his research in understanding stored-grain ecosystems and the results of this research have helped in preserving grain for mankind,” said H.S. Chauhan, retired dean (PG studies), GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology in Pantnagar, India, in a press release issued by the U of M.

In his research, Jayas has combined the contributions of entomologists, agricultural engineers and mathematicians to develop new methods of measuring, analyzing, and mathematically modeling the properties of grain.

In addition to helping the scientific community, Jayas’ research in grain preservation has positively impacted grain storage and thus the grain economy in several countries.

Execs vow more effort against effects of global warming

A recent trip to northern Manitoba has left some corporate executives vowing to do more to fight against the dangers of global warming after seeing the effects on polar bears in the region.

“It’s such a heart-wrenching way to learn a very hard lesson about climate change,” David Moran, director of public affairs and communications for Coca-Cola in Canada, told Postmedia News.

“We’ve used the polar bear in our marketing material for over 80 years. So for us, the polar bear has a particularly warm place in our hearts.”

The trip was organized by WWF-Canada, with the theme of “seeing is believing” to give corporate partners an up close encounter with the impacts of climate change. Executives said they found it shocking to watch the bears be stranded by huge waves.

“Without the ice they can’t properly feed themselves, and so it’s such a graphic way of saying how climate change is impacting everything around you, but more importantly, this unique Canadian icon,” said Moran.

Coca-Cola has committed to reducing its environmental footprint through initiatives such as introducing hybrid electric trucks for shipments, and is aiming to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by five per cent over the next five years.

Another insurance executive said that he’s hoping his stories and pictures inspire customers and employees to be more eco-friendly.