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Concordia University


Bilingualism could offset brain changes in Alzheimer's

A new study by Concordia professor Natalie Phillips explores the effects of bilingualism on patients with Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment. The research found that multilingual individuals may be able to compensate for AD-related tissue loss by accessing alternative networks in their brains for memory processing.

SourceConcordia University·JournalNeuropsychologia·DateFeb 6, 2018

What's the latest on gut microbiota?

A team of 106 Concordia undergraduate students co-authored a review article on human gut microbiota and its interactions with the host. The project, led by affiliate assistant professor Chiara Gamberi, aimed to improve students' writing and editing skills.

SourceConcordia University·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateSep 19, 2017

Feeling stressed? Bike to work

A recent study from Concordia's John Molson School of Business found that cycling to work significantly lowers stress levels within the first 45 minutes of work. The study collected data from 123 employees at Autodesk and confirmed previous research that cyclists perceive their commute as less stressful than those who travel by car.

SourceConcordia University·JournalInternational Journal of Workplace Health Management·DateJun 21, 2017

How to educate future therapists more effectively

A Concordia study identifies conflicting demands of education and therapy in the classroom, causing emotional stress among students. The study recommends increased transparency between teachers and students, clearer policies on affective material, and discussions on ethical practices to enhance the student experience.

SourceConcordia University·JournalThe Arts in Psychotherapy·DateJun 15, 2017

Electric car subsidies may do more harm than good

A new study by Concordia economics professor Ian Irvine reveals that electric vehicle (EV) subsidies could actually increase greenhouse gas emissions in Canada. The subsidies encourage the production of more EVs but undermine efficiency requirements for conventional vehicles, resulting in a zero or negative near-term GHG benefit.

SourceConcordia University·JournalCanadian Public Policy·DateJun 7, 2017

The 'ideal' teacher? It's all in your mind

A Concordia study found that 'best' and 'worst' teachers are often praised for contrasting qualities, highlighting the importance of individual educational values. The research also discovered gender biases in teaching perceptions, suggesting a need for further investigation.

SourceConcordia University·JournalTeaching and Teacher Education·DateMay 25, 2017

Bad feelings can motivate cancer patients

A recent study found that anger and guilt in cancer patients can inspire them to set new goals and engage in moderate-to-vigorous exercise. This motivation can counteract the negative effects of stress hormones on physical health. The research suggests that certain negative emotions can play a crucial role in directing adaptive health ...

SourceConcordia University·JournalHealth Psychology·DateApr 25, 2017

Antarctica's biodiversity is under threat

A new study finds that Antarctica's biodiversity is lagging behind the rest of the world in protected area management and bioprospecting regulation. The region faces threats from warming oceans, melting ice cover, and transnational pollution, despite some successes in invasive species management.

SourceConcordia University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 20, 2017

How to save animals by reducing roadkill

A collaborative study published in PLoS ONE found that fences with or without crossing structures can reduce roadkill by up to 54% across all species. Focusing on effective prevention methods, researchers also recommend increasing the duration and comparability of future studies to protect biodiversity.

SourceConcordia University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 4, 2017

Too much TV can impact primary school readiness for kids from low-income families

A Concordia study found that watching TV for more than two hours a day negatively impacts kindergarten readiness, particularly among children from lower-income families. The study suggests limiting screen time, especially in middle- to lower-income households, is crucial for early academic skills and executive functioning.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics·DateMar 9, 2017

Yeast mutants unlock the secrets of aging

Researchers have identified genetic mechanisms that limit yeast lifespan, which can be manipulated by natural molecules to delay aging and improve health. The study confirms programmed aging theories and provides evidence for the existence of active mechanisms limiting longevity.

SourceConcordia University·JournalFrontiers in Genetics·DateJan 31, 2017

New research: Feeling bad has academic benefits

A study published in Developmental Psychology found that students who experienced occasional negative moods had the highest GPAs at graduation, while those with high levels of negative moods and low positive moods tended to have lower GPAs. This suggests that managing negative emotions and stress is crucial for academic success.

SourceConcordia University·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateNov 30, 2016

The double wonder of worms

Researchers from Concordia University found that vermicomposting can inactivate harmful bacteria like E. coli in compost, producing high-quality material for plant fertilizers. The worms also generate valuable by-products as animal feed, promoting sustainable waste management and upcycling.

SourceConcordia University·JournalWaste Management·DateNov 9, 2016

Women have a remarkable variety of orgasmic experiences

A new review by Concordia research reveals that women can experience orgasms through multiple sensory inputs, including the external clitoris, internal vagina, and non-genital areas. The study challenges traditional notions of a single 'whole' orgasm and highlights the diversity of female arousal experiences.

SourceConcordia University·JournalSocioaffective Neuroscience & Psychology·DateNov 1, 2016

All yeasts are not created equal

A recent study published in Current Biology shows that the type of yeast used to make bread is less similar to the type that causes fungal infections than previously thought. This discovery may lead to the development of targeted drugs with limited side effects.

SourceConcordia University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 19, 2016

How climate change will hurt humanity's closest cousins

A new Concordia study reveals that climate change may be one of the biggest emerging threats to primates, with 419 species expected to experience 10% more warming than the global average. The researchers identified hotspots of primate vulnerability in Central America, the Amazon, and Southeast Asia.

SourceConcordia University·JournalInternational Journal of Primatology·DateAug 10, 2016

Looking to beat the heat and save money?

A new study published by Concordia University researchers confirms that cool roofs provide net energy and monetary savings in colder climates. Using modelling software, they found annual energy expenditure savings of $4-14 per 100 square meters in four cold-climate cities.

SourceConcordia University·JournalEnergy and Buildings·DateMay 31, 2016

What can Pavlov's dogs tell us about drinking?

A study by Concordia University researchers found that cues associated with alcohol can trigger behaviors leading to addiction. The study used lab rats conditioned to associate a visual cue with ethanol, showing the rats began interacting with the cue rather than waiting for the reward.

SourceConcordia University·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·DateMay 25, 2016

How to calm an anxious mind

Researchers at Concordia University have discovered a more effective way to treat anxiety disorders by incorporating safety behaviors into therapy. The study found that patients who used new safety behaviors during exposure therapy had better outcomes than those who relied on traditional safety behaviors.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Anxiety Disorders·DateMay 18, 2016

Molecules that may keep you young and alive

Researchers from Concordia University and Idunn Technologies have discovered six groups of plant extracts that decelerate the aging process in yeast. These extracts, which include a specific willow bark extract, increase chronological lifespan by 475% and have been recognized as non-toxic by Health Canada.

SourceConcordia University·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateMar 15, 2016

The real value of taking your business offshore

A new study published in the Journal of Corporate Finance found that companies with offshore subsidiaries are worth 11% more than purely onshore firms, while those with headquarters in OFCs are valued 14% lower. However, tax benefits are offset by costs such as lax monitoring and loose legal regimes.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Corporate Finance·DateFeb 17, 2016

Practice makes perfect: Switching between languages pays off

Research from Concordia University reveals that bilingual children are better at certain types of mental control, with those who practice more language switching showing greater skills. This advantage is attributed to the cognitive benefits of bilingualism, including increased cognitive flexibility and selective attention abilities.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Experimental Child Psychology·DateFeb 3, 2016