Oligodendrocytes are the glial cells responsible for the formation of myelin around axons of the central nervous system (CNS). Myelin is an insulating layer that allows electrical impulses to transmit quickly and efficiently along neurons. If myelin is damaged, as in chronic demyelinating disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS), these impulses slow down. Remyelination by oligodendrocytes is often ineffective in MS, in part because of the failure of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) to differentiate into mature, myelinating oligodendrocytes. The process of oligodendrocyte differentiation is tightly controlled by several regulatory networks involving transcription factors, intracellular signaling pathways, and extrinsic cues. Understanding the factors that regulate oligodendrocyte development is essential for the discovery of new therapeutic strategies capable of enhancing remyelination. Over the past decade, microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as key regulators of oligodendrocyte development, exerting effects on cell specification, proliferation, differentiation, and myelination. This article will review the role of miRNAs on oligodendrocyte biology and discuss their potential as promising therapeutic tools for remyelination.

To support the global restart of elective surgery, data from an international prospective cohort study of 8492 patients (69 countries) was analysed using artificial intelligence (machine learning techniques) to develop a predictive score for mortality in surgical patients with SARS-CoV-2. We found that patient rather than operation factors were the best predictors and used these to create the COVIDsurg Mortality Score (https://covidsurgrisk.app). Our data demonstrates that it is safe to restart a wide range of surgical services for selected patients.

The Scinapse Undergraduate Science Case Competition (USCC) provides an opportunity for undergraduate students to experience the development of a novel research proposal. A case is presented to all participants and, using in-depth literature search (publications, reports, studies and published writings), students connect and pinpoint key elements allowing them to develop a hypothesis in support of the case in question. Participants also develop a methodology which will test the validity of their hypothesis. This year's case topic focused on climate change as a global crisis that threatens many of the fundamental determinants of a healthy planet. Innovation and science play a crucial role in enabling a global, multifaceted response to this crisisfrom reducing greenhouse gas emissions, to building resilience to the harmful effects of climate change. In teams of 2-4, undergraduate students tackled the case and provided novel research ideas that may hold the key to combating the global climate crisis. The top 10% of written submissions are highlighted in this abstract booklet.

The Scinapse Undergraduate Science Case Competition (USCC) provides an opportunity for undergraduate students to experience the development of a novel research proposal. A case is presented to all participants and, using in-depth literature search (publications, reports, studies and published writings), students connect and pinpoint key elements allowing them to develop a hypothesis in support of the case in question. Participants also develop a methodology which will test the validity of their hypothesis. This year's case topic focused on antimicrobial resistance as a major threat to global health that requires a complex, multifaceted response. In teams of 2-4, undergraduate students tackled the case and provided novel research ideas that may hold the key to combating the global spread of antimicrobial resistance. In total, the 2019-2020 USCC attracted 694 undergraduate students from 19 universities across Canada and the United States. The top 10% of written submissions are highlighted in this abstract booklet.