Dr. Nancy Ames

Image Nancy Ames
Research Scientist

To examine the bioactive components in cereal grains (barley, oat, wheat, and others) and pulses, and their impact on human health; to determine the effect of processing on functionality and health benefits of grain and pulse based foods. 

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Richardson Centre for Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals

Current research and/or projects

Investigating the effect of pre-harvest glyphosate on quality of milling oats.

Evaluating the effect of processing methods, genotype and environment on the extractability of protein from oats and characterizing physiochemical and nutritional attributes of oat protein.

Investigating the effect of heat treatment on the storage stability, functional properties and sensory and microbial quality of food grade canaryseed groats and flours.

Determining levels of free asparagine (a precursor for acrylamide formation in baked foods) in Canadian Western Red Spring wheat varieties, and to identify effective mechanisms for its reduction.

Research and/or project statements

  • goal is to work in conjunction with breeders, researchers and the agri-food industry to develop improved cultivars and food processing techniques that maximize the health properties and utilization potential of Canadian grains and pulses
  • research experiments include:
    • quantification and characterization of fibre, phenolics and other compounds
    • pilot scale processing such as flaking, heat treatments and fractionation
    • functional food formulation for quality assessment and design of clinical trial test foods
    • development of in vitro methods for predicting and validating health outcomes.
  • Dr. Ames’ research program provides an important link between consumer health interests, industry development of value-added agricultural products, and genetic resources for Canadian-grown grains and pulses (fork to farm).

Professional activities / interests

Definition of Whole Grains Committee - member

AAFC Women in Science - chair

Human Research Ethics Committee - chair

AAFC Ethics Committe - chair

Oat Quality Evaluation Team - member

Prairie Recommending Committee - member

Prairie Grain Development Committee - member

Healthy Grains Institute - scientific advisory board member

Quaker Oats Center of Excellence - scientific advisory board member

Verna J. Kirkness science education program - planning committee member

 

 

Education and awards

Education

1989    Doctor of Philosophy, Department of Agriculture-Crop Science, University of Guelph, Supervised by Dr. Bert Christie. PhD thesis: “Variability among strains and field isolates of Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar trifolii as measured on red clover (Trifolium pratense L.)”.

1982    Master of Science, Department of Plant Science, University of Manitoba, supervised by Dr. Ken Clarke and Dr. Anna Storgaard

1980    Bachelor of Science, Department of Food Science, University of Manitoba

Awards

2018    Recipient of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Prize for Outstanding Achievement in Science

2016    Mentor of the year award in recognition of outstanding contributions to the Sanofi-Aventis BioTalent Challenge.       

2015    American Association of Cereal Chemists International Edith Christensen Award.

2012    Accuracy Award for Analysis of Dietary Fiber, for the most accurate and precise results in 2011 for insoluble, soluble, total dietary fiber and beta-glucan.

2012    Recognition of Analytical Performance in Analysis of Dietary Fiber, with an "Outstanding Accuracy and Precision" rating for 2011 for insoluble, soluble, total dietary fiber and beta-glucan.

2010    AAFC Instant Award for achieving the Guinness world record for the biggest bowl of oatmeal, and the success of the 2010 CIFST-AAFC Conference and AAFC Food Network Meeting.

2010    Guinness World Record for the biggest bowl of oatmeal.

2008    American Association of Cereal Chemists International Accuracy Award for Dietary Fiber Analysis.

2008    American Association of Cereal Chemists International Certificate of Proficiency for Dietary Fiber Analysis.

2007-2008      Biotech Challenge Mentor of the year-Distinction, Aventis Biotech Challenge CANADA

Additional links

http://www.agr.gc.ca/eng/science-and-innovation/agriculture-and-agri-food-research-centres-and-collections/manitoba/morden-research-and-development-centre/scientific-staff-and-expertise/ames-nancy-phd/?id=1181927055960

http://umanitoba.ca/centres/rcffn/research.html

 

Key publications

  1. Brown, D.C.W., Mazza, G., Ross, K.A., Jordan, M.A., McCallum, J.L., Netticadan, T., Siow, Y.L., Khanizadeh, S., Ames, N.P., and Lui, E.M.K. (2011). "Plant Bioactives Research in Canada.", Plant Bioactives Research in Canada. Canada-United Kingdom Gut and Health Workshop, AAFC-FRDC / AAC-CRDA, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada, February 24-25, 2011.

    2011 - View publication details

  2. Ames, N.P. (2011). "The Value Chain from Breeding to the Clinical Trials and Back to Breeding: The Barley Story.", AAFC Regional Research User Meeting, Winnipeg, MB, Canada, June 1, 2011. (Presentation)

    2011 - View publication details

  3. Ames, N.P., Blewett, H.J., Storsley, J., Zahradka, P., and Taylor, C.G. (2011). "Utilization of high fibre barley fractions in tortillas to reduce glycemic fractions in tortillas to reduce glycemic response in humans.", Cereal Foods World, 56(4, Suppl.), pp. A28. (Abstract)

    2011 - View publication details

  4. Ames, N.P. (2011). "Designing Test Foods for a Clinical Trial to Meet the Requirements of a Health Claim.", Therapeutic Applications for Functional Foods Conference, St. Boniface Hospital Research Centre, Winnipeg, MB, Canada, May 31-June 1, 2011.

    2011 - View publication details

  5. Gliwa, J., Gunenc, A., Ames, N., Willmore, W.G., Hosseinian, F.S. (2011). Antioxidant activity of alkylresorcinols from rye bran and their protective effects on cell viability of PC-12 AC cells. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, [online] 59(21), 11473-11482. http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/jf2023353

    2011 - View publication details

  6. Yan, W., Fetch, J.M., Frégeau-Reid, J., Rossnagel, B., Ames, N. (2011). Genotype × location interaction patterns and testing strategies for oat in the Canadian prairies. Crop Science, [online] 51(5), 1903-1914. http://dx.doi.org/10.2135/cropsci2010.09.0548

    2011 - View publication details

  7. Mitchell Fetch, J.W., Brown, P.D., Ames, N., Chong, J., Fetch, J.G., Haber, S.M., Menzies, J.G., Tekauz, A., Townley-Smith, T.F., Stadnyk, K.D. (2011). Summit oat, 91(4), 787-791. http://dx.doi.org/10.4141/cjps10158

    2011 - View publication details

  8. Mitchell Fetch, J.W., Brown, P.D., Ames, N., Chong, J., Fetch, T.G., Haber, S.M., Menzies, J.G., Tekauz, A., Townley-Smith, T.F., Stadnyk, K.D. (2011). Stainless oat. Canadian Journal of Plant Science, [online] 91(2), 357-361. http://dx.doi.org/10.4141/CJPS10159

    2011 - View publication details

  9. Ames, N.P., Blewett, H.J., Harding, S., Zahradka, P., and Taylor, C.G. (2010). "Investigating the role of high fibre barley ingredients on glycemic response.", 2010 Canadian Institute of Food Science & Technology (CIFST) and AAFC Conference, Fairmont Winnipeg Hotel, Winnipeg, MB, Canada, May 30-June 1, 2010, # 05-5. (Abstract)

    2010 - View publication details

  10. Ames, N.P., Blewett, H.J., Zahradka, P., and Taylor, C.G. (2010). "Investigating the role of high fibre barley ingredients on glycemic response and lipogenesis.", 49th Meeting of the Canadian Institute of Food Science & Technology (CIFST) and AAFC Conference: "Safe and Healthy Food: Harvesting the Science", Fairmont Winnipeg Hotel, Winnipeg, MB, Canada, May 30-June 1, 2010. (Presentation)

    2010 - View publication details

  11. Abumweis, S.S., Jew, S., Ames, N.P. (2010). Β-glucan from barley and its lipid-lowering capacity: A meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, [online] 64(12), 1472-1480. http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/ejcn.2010.178

    2010 - View publication details

  12. Clarke, F.R., Clarke, J.M., Ames, N.A., Knox, R.E., Ross, R.J. (2010). Gluten index compared with SDS-sedimentation volume for early generation selection for gluten strength in durum wheat. Canadian Journal of Plant Science, [online] 90(1), 1-11. http://dx.doi.org/10.4141/CJPS09035

    2010 - View publication details

  13. Ames, N.P. (2009 Internal). Beta-glucan analysis of air classified barley flour fractions. Report to Richardson Centre for Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals, July-August, 2009. (Report)

    2009 - View publication details

  14. Ames, N.P. (2009). "Functional Food and Nutraceutical Opportunities from Canadian Cereal Grains.", University of Manitoba students "Functional Foods" course, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada, March 4, 2009. (Presentation)

    2009 - View publication details

  15. Ames, N.P. (2009). "Protein analysis of air classified hemp and pea fractions. Results delivered to Dr. Curtis Rempel, Richardson Centre for Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals, February - December, 2009." (Technology transfer)

    2009 - View publication details

  16. Ames, N.P. (2009 Internal). Beta-glucan and particle size analysis of air classified oat milling fractions. Report to Viterra Food Processing - Oat & Specialty Grain Milling, October 2009 - December 2009. (Report)

    2009 - View publication details

  17. Ames, N.P. (2009). "Update on Barley Research in Western Canada.", Oat and Barley Council of Ontario Annual General Meeting, Victoria Park East Golf Club, Guelph, ON, Canada, January 20, 2009. (Presentation)

    2009 - View publication details

  18. Ames, N.P. (2009). "Barley beta-glucan and its cholesterol lowering capacity: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.", 19th International Congress of Nutrition, Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC), Bangkok, Thailand, October 4-9, 2009. (Poster)

    2009 - View publication details

  19. Ames, N.P. (2009). "Current Oat Quality Research Update.", Prairie Oat Breeding Consortium (POBC) meeting and tour, AAFC Cereal Research Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada, July 21, 2009. (Presentation)

    2009 - View publication details

  20. Ames, N.P. (2009). "Fibre and carotenoid analysis of kale-based beverage. Results delivered to Sunflower Organics, Inc., February 2009." (Technology transfer)

    2009 - View publication details

Contact

Research facility

Morden Research and Development Centre
Route 100, Unit 100-101
Morden, MB R6M 1Y5
Canada

Expertise

Agriculture›Agri-Food
Food›Nutrition›Health Benefits

Affiliations

Research Scientist, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada   

Adjunct Professor, Department of Human Nutritional Sciences, University of  Manitoba, Canada

Language

English