A recent study by McGill University researchers has identified a common brain signal underlying a range of schizophrenia symptoms, including perception, action, and speech. The study's findings suggest that this signal may be an early indicator of psychosis and a potential treatment target.
Researchers at McGill University found that urbanization is weakening the latitudinal diversity gradient, with tropical cities containing 42% fewer species than nearby natural areas. Preserving green space is a hopeful measure to allow birds and other species to coexist with humans.
A McGill University study found that Montrealers reduced their outdoor activities by only 5.8% when wildfire smoke warnings were issued, switching to more enclosed modes like bikeshare and public transit. The researchers suggest pairing advisories with practical incentives to encourage compliance.
Researchers at McGill University's Trottier Space Institute found that the gas orbiting Sagittarius A* is rich in metals, similar in composition to the stars in its orbit. The metal enrichment likely resulted from stars that exploded and released material into the black hole's surroundings over time.
Researchers have identified genetic differences between humans and chimpanzees that affect gene activity, shedding light on human evolution and degenerative skeletal diseases. The study suggests humans evolved to have lower levels of molecules that help cartilage retain water and withstand pressure, potentially contributing to conditio...
Researchers found that the brain stores memories in an overlapping manner, which may help recall past threats quickly and respond to danger faster. This could be a survival strategy rather than a flaw, guiding therapeutic approaches to address rapid 'danger mode' transitions.
A study by McGill researchers found that certain diets associated with obesity improve cancer treatment responses, suggesting a complex relationship between diet, gut microbiome, and the immune system. The findings aim to improve cancer treatment success by understanding the synergistic effect of diet and gut bacteria.
Researchers analyzed Nijinsky's diary to study language patterns during psychosis. The findings suggest a unique form of repetitive thinking, with a narrow vocabulary and mechanical coherence. The study aims to contribute to AI-powered tools for detecting mental illness symptoms in language.
Researchers found that hyper-local conditions shape eastern grey squirrel coat colors in Montreal, with factors like forest canopy cover and river presence influencing population traits.
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.