A Québec research team studied the expression of three families of genes in the placenta and found associations with febrile seizure characteristics. The study, led by Professor Sarah Lippé, may help understand the underlying mechanisms of febrile seizures and their impact on children's cognitive development.
A new imaging technique called single-shot photoluminescence lifetime imaging thermometry (SPLIT) measures temperature in 2D, without contact, and in real-time. This technology could improve photothermal therapy and help detect skin cancers.
Researchers have demonstrated the effectiveness of polymer-coated nanoparticles in delivering drugs to the brain, overcoming the blood-brain barrier challenge. The study showed that zwitterionic polymers improve accessibility but are rapidly absorbed by blood vessel walls.
A research team led by Professor Luca Razzari at INRS has successfully generated coherent, intense visible light pulses with femtosecond duration using a simplified setup. This innovation opens up new possibilities for studying various phenomena in physics, chemistry, and biology.
A Quebec research team conducted the first-ever study to examine the long-term protective effect of the BCG vaccine against COVID-19. Despite previous studies suggesting a correlation between childhood vaccination status and lower mortality rates, the researchers found no long-term protective effect of BCG against COVID-19.
The INRS team has developed an intelligent optical chip that uses autonomous learning approaches to generate optical waveforms, paving the way for further advances in telecommunications. The device can autonomously adjust to a user-defined target waveform with strikingly low technical and computational requirements.
Researchers found that optimizing energy metabolism through autophagy can improve the immune system response in HIV-affected cells, providing a potential therapeutic approach. This metabolic optimization enables CD4 lymphocytes to better defend against HIV-1 by secreting IL-21, a key protein in defense against the virus.
Researchers found an early indicator of Alzheimer's disease is an oxidation-antioxidant imbalance in the blood. Oxidative markers increase up to five years before the onset of the disease, suggesting a potential avenue for prevention through antioxidant intake.
A recent study published in European Journal of Epidemiology reveals that widowers are at a higher risk of being diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer. The research highlights the importance of social environment and lifestyle factors in the development of the disease.
A new warning system has been proposed to address increasing heat waves due to climate change, taking into account evolving heat thresholds and longer hot seasons. The system aims to prevent heat-related mortality outside typical heat wave periods through health alerts.
Researchers at INRS and Université de Montréal are developing new electrodes based on nanostructured materials to degrade chemical compounds, including persistent organic pollutants (POPs) like PFAS. The project aims to create innovative solutions to decontaminate waters containing harmful chemicals.
A team led by Professor Monique Lacroix at INRS has demonstrated that fermenting drinks fortified with pea and rice proteins yields the same quality of protein as casein. The study found that plant proteins can be predigested by lactic acid bacteria, facilitating their absorption during digestion.
Targeting an RNA sequence in pathogenic bacteria could make them more sensitive to antibiotics, offering a new avenue for treating drug-resistant bacteria. The study found that eliminating this regulatory RNA sequence had an impact on urinary tract infections related to E. coli.
A mutation in the C9orf72 gene may disrupt communication between motor neurons and muscles in ALS patients, leading to motor disorders, muscle atrophy, and mortality. The study reveals that the loss of function induced by the mutation affects synaptic transmission and protein TDP-43's location within the cell.
A new bioactive packaging film made of chitosan, essential oils and nanoparticles can keep strawberries fresh for up to 12 days. The film has been tested against several types of pathogens, including Aspergillus niger, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella Typhimurium.
Abdominal obesity is associated with an increased risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer, while general obesity does not show the same correlation. The research team recommends prioritizing studies on obesity exposure over a lifetime and further analysis of body fat distribution to better understand the risks.
A $1M NSERC grant will investigate the effects of nanoplastics on nervous, immune, and reproductive systems. The research aims to understand long-term consequences of exposure to these tiny plastic fragments.
A recent study found that nanoplastics and arsenic exposure affects oyster biological functions, with increased bioaccumulation of arsenic in Canadian Crassostrea virginica oysters compared to Guadeloupean Isognomon alatus oysters. Gene deregulation was also observed in C. virginica.
An international research team has discovered a new molecule, ananatosides, produced by non-pathogenic bacteria Pantoea ananatis, which could potentially replace harmful rhamnolipid molecules. The team's findings aim to address the health risks associated with growing pathogenic bacteria on a large scale.
Researchers at INRS discovered a compound that alleviates some neurological symptoms of CHARGE syndrome, a rare genetic disorder affecting 1 in 10,000 newborns. The treatment targets GABAergic neurons and shows therapeutic effects on both neurological and behavioral symptoms.
A new research chair led by INRS Professor Monique Lacroix aims to develop standardized natural antimicrobial solutions for ensuring food safety and quality. The project will investigate the stability, interactions, and applications of various natural extracts and bio-based technologies.
The project aims to determine the mechanism of Neisseria pathogenesis to find innovative treatments. The researchers will use high-throughput sequencing, bioinformatics, and infection models to study the genetic modifications and their roles in adaptation.
The INRS project aims to improve access to safe drinking water for rural communities along the Ikopa River in Madagascar. The study will assess the risks of well water contamination and propose solutions to address frequent floods that contaminate underground and surface drinking water sources.
Research from INRS identifies ways to prevent coronavirus infection in the central nervous system, using protein S cleavage and innate immunity. The study suggests two potential therapeutic approaches to limit viral spread and severity of neurological disorders.
Scientists studied perylene diimide derivatives to understand their electrical behavior, finding that different molecular vibrations affect the speed of electrons. The breakthrough could lead to more efficient electronic materials, including applications for computers and energy storage.
Researchers found that exposure to brominated flame retardants can cause premature development of the mammary glands, increasing the risk of breast cancer. The study, led by Professor Isabelle Plante, suggests that young women exposed to BFRs in utero and through breastfeeding are now at higher risk for breast cancer.
A combined treatment of irradiation and essential oil vapors effectively destroys insects, bacteria and mold in stored grains. The addition of eucalyptus and tea tree essential oils improves effectiveness.
Researchers from INRS have developed a new approach for foldable and solid electrochromic devices using silver nanowires coated with compact gold shells. The device demonstrates high stability and flexibility in harsh environments, overcoming the limitations of traditional indium tin oxide-based devices.
A research team from INRS has developed a modified therapeutic molecule that reduces glutamate toxicity in the brain after an ischemic stroke. The treatment, which works on the periphery of the blood-brain barrier, is effective for six days and may also have potential applications for other neuronal diseases.
Researchers from INRS identify a protein called interleukin-21 that restores mitochondrial energy metabolism in immune cells, potentially leading to improved treatment options for HIV patients. The study also explores its applications in other diseases associated with persistent inflammation.
Researchers used a novel imaging technique to study motor deficits in ALS, revealing asymmetrical movement patterns and limited capacity. The technique, called DECALF, captured three-dimensional motion of zebrafish in real-time.
Researchers at INRS have discovered two early plasma markers that can detect Alzheimer's disease five years before its onset, enabling earlier intervention. The study found that these markers are present in plasma extracellular vesicles and can be analyzed through a blood test, opening up new possibilities for studying the disease.
A research team has developed new nanostructured electrodes to split water molecules under sunlight, paving the way for efficient green hydrogen production. The electrodes, made with titanium dioxide and cobalt oxide, can absorb up to 50% of visible light and produce hydrogen through photocatalysis.
Researchers from INRS develop electrolytic treatment of wastewater to degrade microplastics directly at the source. The technology breaks down microplastics into non-toxic CO2 and water molecules, offering a promising solution for mitigating their environmental impact.
The Advanced Laser Light Source Laboratory (ALLS) at INRS has received significant funding to upgrade its laser facilities, enabling researchers to access revolutionary applications in physics, chemistry, and materials science. This upgrade positions INRS as a leader in ultrafast science and quantum technologies.
Researchers have developed a new optical neural network that can process large-scale data and images at incredible speeds, surpassing electronic computing hardware. This innovation has the potential to transform artificial intelligence in applications such as image recognition, medical diagnosis, and real-time video analysis.
A team of researchers, led by INRS professor Federico Rosei, has developed a novel process to modify graphene's structure and properties using ultraviolet light. This breakthrough enables the creation of a band gap in graphene, making it suitable for use in electronics.
Three INRS researchers, Kulbir Ghuman, Dongling Ma, and Sophie Van Neste, are leading $2.6 million Canada Research Chairs in computational materials, nanocomposites, and urban climate action. Their research projects aim to address pressing energy and environmental challenges.
Researchers capture roaming molecular fragments in real-time using advanced laser technology, shedding light on the dynamics of chemical reactions. The study provides insight into how to measure elusive processes and has implications for environmental and atmospheric chemistry.
An international research team led by Professor Jonathan Roberge has been awarded a $2.4 million grant to explore the sociological implications of artificial intelligence. The project, titled "Shaping 21st Century AI", will analyze debates around AI in four countries and examine how it is perceived as a problem or solution.
Researchers in Quebec have developed a first-of-its-kind cold-health watch and warning system to predict health risks associated with cold waves. The system considers temperature thresholds that trigger alerts for healthcare professionals, taking into account delays between exposure and observed health impacts.
A Canadian team has developed an inexpensive molecule to fight antibiotic-resistant strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and N. meningitidis, two bacteria responsible for gonorrhea and meningococcal meningitis. The molecule's specificity allows it to target pathogenic Neisseria while leaving other types unaffected.
Researchers at INRS used the Advanced Laser Light Source facility to generate extremely short and intense laser pulses that are highly-stable in time and space. The discovery has significant technological impact, enabling compact high-power laser systems for industrial applications and advanced biomedical imaging.
Researchers have developed nanoparticles that can cross the blood-brain barrier and be captured by neuronal cells, enabling direct drug delivery to the brain. This breakthrough finding holds promise for improved treatment of neurodegenerative diseases affecting millions of Canadians.
LaserNetUS, a high-power laser consortium including Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, receives $18 million from the US Department of Energy. The funding will support user support and expand LaserNetUS operations for three years.
A team of Canadian virologists identified a critical role played by the RTN3 protein in the progression of Hepatitis C virus infection. This discovery could lead to better treatments and potentially effective vaccines for the disease, which affects over 130 million people worldwide.
INRS is investing $1 million in COVID-19 research to tackle treatment, detection, and rapid diagnostic tests. The program aims to promote interdisciplinarity and support audacious projects with strong potential for spin-offs.
A team of researchers at INRS has discovered a method to tune the spectrum of a laser to the infrared using a simple and much less expensive system: a hollow-core fiber filled with nitrogen. This approach delivers optical pulses shorter than those of the input laser and with high spatial quality.
Researchers designed a compact UV camera capable of recording photons in the ultraviolet range in real time, achieving an imaging speed of 0.5 trillion frames per second. The system uses compressed ultrafast photography to capture unparalleled resolution with just one click.
The new membraneless fuel cell, developed by INRS researchers, powers an LED for four hours using only 234 microlitres of methanol. The device uses selective electrodes to minimize crossover and can be optimized to use ethanol, a greener fuel.