A national wildfire risk assessment found 30% of dialysis facilities within 5km of wildfires, serving 2/3 of Canadians receiving in-centre hemodialysis. Poor air quality can further harm patients, with 64% of facilities in high, very high, or extreme wildfire risk areas.
A short workout or a nap can help improve memory performance after 30 hours without sleep, according to a new study. Researchers found that people who exercised or napped performed 22% better on memory tests than those who did neither.
McGill researchers have developed a more energy-efficient method for building AI systems that can measure and indicate their own uncertainty. This approach cuts memory and training costs while maintaining strong predictive performance. The researchers aim to make reliable, uncertainty-aware AI practical for large and complex systems.
A new McGill University study analyzed six years' worth of data across 309 Canadian neighbourhoods and found that restrictions on short-term rentals result in lower rents. The researchers estimate that these restrictions saved Canadian renters $192.4 million in rent payments each month in 2023.
A study on the 2019 global climate strikes found that online conflict enables millions of strangers to discover they are telling the same story and act together. The researchers identified three phases: exposure, entanglement, and coalescence, where distinct causes fuse into a single global movement.
A new study led by McGill University researchers found that a pan-Canadian youth mental health program saved the public healthcare system an average of $4,355 per patient annually. The program, ACCESS Open Minds, shifted care from hospitals to community-based services, reducing reliance on emergency departments and inpatient programs.
A McGill University-led study recommends cold-climate cities expand electric bus fleets and implement slow charging to optimize operations and reduce energy consumption. The approach aims to eliminate diesel reliance and minimize operating costs, making transit systems more cost-effective and eco-friendly.
A recent McGill University study found that participants in an upright posture performed better at a risk-taking task and reported more positive feelings. The researchers suggest that everyday features of our environment, such as workplace ergonomics, can subtly influence mood and behavior.
A new prediction model developed by McGill University researchers can identify younger women at higher heart disease risk years before traditional screenings. The model takes into account pregnancy complications such as hypertension and gestational diabetes to estimate future risk.
A new study by McGill University researchers suggests that electoral competition can create challenges for social cohesion, especially as partisan animosity grows. Voters who strongly disliked rival parties show even greater distrust of their fellow citizens.
A new study by McGill researchers provides detailed insights into how quitting smoking affects the human lung at the cellular level. Quitting appears to leave lasting changes in genes linked to tissue structure, immune function, and blood vessel health in some lung cells.
Researchers from McGill and MIT used fast radio bursts and galaxy locations to map the distribution of missing matter, finding it surrounds galaxies and extends four million light-years from them. The discovery supports the idea that black hole jets and other energetic processes fling matter outside galaxies.
Researchers found that crowd crushes and stampedes may develop gradually through repeated physical contact and pushing. Understanding these conditions can help improve safety planning, reduce injuries, and identify high-risk zones.
A single monitoring network developed by McGill University and partners detected multiple types of data in the Lower St. Lawrence, including underwater earthquakes, whale calls, ship noise, and tidal activity. The results show potential applications for conservation and marine policy.
A new study led by McGill researchers found that reducing vehicle emissions could prevent over 3,600 premature deaths in Montreal and Toronto. The policy mix includes keeping traffic levels steady and retiring older heavy-duty diesel trucks.
Researchers created a device that senses and interprets light in the same place, like biological neurons do. This breakthrough could increase the efficiency of vision-based technologies like artificial retinas and smart optical sensors.
A new study confirms aspen trees can act as a fire barrier, with larger stands linked to lower fire severity. The research used remote-sensing data to create maps of forest stand disturbances, highlighting the importance of retaining aspen for biodiversity and fire prevention.
A McGill study found that caregivers spending over 20 hours a week on unpaid care experience poorer mental health outcomes. However, provision of social support can mitigate these negative effects. The researchers highlight the need for policymakers to take note and invest in strengths-based supports.
A new study finds that public specialized gambling addiction treatment services are underutilized in Quebec, with patients averaging fewer than two treatments over 13 years. Researchers emphasize the need for sustained, long-term care to address this chronic condition, comparable to substance-related disorders.
A study of three Canadian cities found that children and older adults are less likely to live near bike lanes. Montreal made significant progress in closing the gap, while Vancouver and Victoria had more concentrated expansions in downtown areas.
Researchers have digitized nearly two million weather observations from Canada's colonial history, offering new insights into the country's changing climate. The dataset includes temperature, precipitation, wind, and detailed descriptions of extreme events, revealing a highly variable climate near the end of the Little Ice Age.
A new study at McGill University found that a listener's desire to extend a conversation depends mainly on their interest in the topic, not the speaker's oratorical style. The researchers also discovered that engaging vocal styling is marked by higher loudness and pitch, but this has no impact on conversation length.
A global study of over 200,000 people across 22 countries found that those who feel worse off financially than their peers are more likely to report signs of languishing, including lower happiness, health, and financial stability. The negative effects were strongest among young people, particularly young women.
A study by McGill University researchers found that individuals with a weaker sense of self are more likely to experience less bodily awareness. The 'rubber hand illusion' experiment replicated previous findings, revealing the connection between mind-body perceptions and self-concept clarity.
A new study finds most childhood lying does not lead to serious problems in adulthood. However, children who lied frequently or showed increasing lying over time were more likely to exhibit early aggression and impulsivity, leading to anti-social personality symptoms and criminal convictions.
A new study has identified a group of blood proteins that can flag multiple sclerosis risk years before diagnosis. Researchers found that these proteins are altered in people who develop MS, potentially leading to early intervention and prevention.
A study by McGill University researchers suggests that the brain's sensory processing cortex, not motor control cortex, plays a crucial role in learning or regaining speech. Disrupting this area significantly impaired participants' ability to retain newly learned speech movements.
New research from McGill University and the University of California, Santa Barbara, shows that the earliest eukaryotes inhabited shallow, oxygenated coastal environments nearly 1.7 billion years ago. This finding challenges the long-held belief that early complex life emerged in oxygen-poor environments.
Scientists at McGill University developed new composite materials by mimicking the natural adhesives and fibers found in mussels and mistletoe. These sustainable materials can be reused and have potential biomedical applications.
A digital literacy program designed by McGill researchers improved students' ability to evaluate websites and identify credible sources. The program targeted key skills such as searching for information and addressing conflicting data. Students showed significant improvements in their global performance across all skill categories.
A centuries-old genetic mutation has been discovered in French-Canadian populations, revealing a significant association with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer. The 'jumping gene' causes DNA repair disruptions, leading to a 10-fold higher incidence in pancreatic cases compared to unaffected individuals.
A study published in Anesthesiology found that icing can delay recovery time and prolong pain in some cases, highlighting a paradox between short-term pain relief and full recovery. The research suggests that anti-inflammatory strategies may be helpful but also interfere with biological processes required for full recovery.
Researchers at McGill University identify molecular switch that activates energy-burning pathway in brown fat cells, leading to potential breakthroughs in bone health. The discovery sheds light on the futile creatine cycle and its role in mineralization process.
Researchers at McGill University found that moderate UV light exposure enhances vitamin D₂ levels in edible mushrooms without compromising quality attributes. The study provides standardized guidance for industry to follow, highlighting a clear gap in species-specific and unified UV treatment guidelines.
Researchers at McGill University have developed a rapid way to engineer blood clots that stop severe bleeding and support tissue healing more effectively. The technique, called 'click clotting,' links red blood cell surface proteins through a chemical reaction, resulting in a biocompatible clot.
Researchers at McGill University have developed a novel device that generates sound-like particles known as phonons at extremely cold temperatures. The technology has potential applications in high-speed communications, sensing tools, biological materials, and medical systems.
Scientists have developed a strategy to enhance the cancer-fighting power of natural killer cells by suppressing specific proteins. This approach effectively kills human cancer cells across several hard-to-treat tumour types, including leukemia and triple-negative breast cancer.
Researchers at McGill University have discovered that brief cold plasma treatment can significantly reduce the potential of peanuts to cause allergic reactions. The process alters protein structure and improves functional properties, enabling hypoallergenic peanut protein powder development for new products.
Researchers have discovered a new species of basal medusozoan, Paleocanna tentaculum, in fossil specimens found in Saint-Joachim, Quebec. The ancient creature, closely related to modern jellyfish, is a rare find due to the limited preservation of soft-bodied organisms.
A McGill University study found that internalized homophobia and transphobia among LGBTQIA+ people of faith can undermine the positive mental health outcomes associated with religiosity and spirituality. Mindfulness may offer a supportive spiritual pathway outside non-affirming religious contexts.
A McGill-led study found that non-producing oil and gas wells emit microbial methane at rates roughly three times higher than earlier estimates. The team collected samples from 401 non-producing wells across Canada and detected traces of microbial methane in over 50% of them.
A multinational study of five psychedelic compounds has identified two consistent neural effects across different drugs, weakening internal brain networks and increasing communication between networks. This breakthrough could help guide the design of future treatments for mental health disorders.
A new study reveals that even low concentrations of pharmaceuticals, microplastics, and other chemicals can subtly alter plant physiology and disrupt soil health, posing wider environmental and human health risks. The review emphasizes the need for stronger regulation and redesign of chemicals to make them safer.
Researchers found the brain's internal compass, tracking direction and spatial information, remains structurally intact despite changes in memory structures, suggesting it acts as an anchor for memory. This stability could help clarify why spatial abilities deteriorate in Alzheimer's disease.
A scoping review found that shorter, simpler programs with caregiver support lead to better outcomes for dementia patients. Mind-body interventions can improve depression, anxiety, stress, and quality of life, especially when tailored to individual needs.
A study found that pre-teens with problematic gaming habits are more likely to experience mild paranoia and disturbed perceptions. However, young gamers who felt supported at home and school were less likely to develop problematic gaming habits overall.
A comprehensive review of over 100 brain-imaging studies reveals that connecting with nature triggers changes in the brain, calming stress and restoring attention. The study supports the emerging field of nature connectedness, suggesting that spending time outdoors can lead to measurable changes and has a broader societal impact.
Researchers identified 95 facilitators for increasing physical activity participation among autistic children, including predictable routines, family involvement, and sensory-friendly spaces. The study suggests that a strengths-based approach can help build confidence, enjoyment, and social connection in autistic youth.
Researchers found a pattern of gene activity associated with higher depression risk in women who experienced childhood abuse. This discovery may help explain individual differences in risk and provide biological markers for depression.
Researchers found that plants living in areas with human activity causing population crashes have reduced genetic diversity and higher inbreeding levels. Conservationists must consider a population's history-influenced genetics alongside its size and habitat in planning.