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McGill University


Untangling APOE ε 4's association to tau tangles

A new study by McGill University researchers found that APOEε4 carriers have greater levels of tau tangles in memory centers, even after controlling for amyloid plaques. The study provides evidence that the gene's risk of dementia is related to both hallmark pathologies of Alzheimer's disease.

SourceMcGill University·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateDec 20, 2019

Perpetual predator-prey population cycles

Experiments by McGill University and University of Oldenburg confirm regular oscillations in predator-prey populations can persist without complete depletion of prey resources. The study found that less efficient predators can lead to prey recovery, potentially creating endless cycles.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature·DateDec 18, 2019

Puffins stay cool thanks to their large beak

Researchers from McGill University and the University of California, Davis, discovered that puffin beaks can drop by 5°C within 30 minutes of landing, suggesting an evolutionary trait to cool down during flight. This study suggests that large bills may have evolved to help birds dissipate heat from energetically demanding activities.

SourceMcGill University·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateNov 27, 2019

Cellular origins of pediatric brain tumors identified

A research team discovered that several types of highly aggressive and fatal pediatric brain tumors originate from stalled development of progenitor cells in the pons and forebrain. The cells' progress is arrested, and they transform into malignancies while retaining features of the original cells.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Genetics·DateNov 25, 2019

Cellular origins of pediatric brain tumors identified

A research team identified that several types of highly aggressive pediatric brain tumors originate from stalled development of progenitor cells in the pons and forebrain. The findings represent a significant advance in understanding these diseases, which are the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in children.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Genetics·DateNov 25, 2019

New understanding of antibiotic synthesis

Researchers at McGill University have made significant strides in understanding the functioning of enzymes that produce antibiotics and therapeutics. The study found a surprising level of flexibility in the assembly line of nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs), which could lead to new therapeutic design possibilities.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience·DateNov 11, 2019

Abrupt shifts in Arctic climate projected

Researchers from McGill University project abrupt changes in the Arctic climate and permafrost, potentially leading to increased wildfires. The study suggests a doubling of wildfire severity over one year in regions like the Northwestern Territories and Yukon.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateOct 30, 2019

Researchers identify improved avenues to train plastic surgeons in microsurgery

Researchers at McGill University have identified improved avenues for training plastic surgeons in microsurgery. By adopting non-biological simulators, they found a 48% decrease in the number of animals needed for training and a 50% reduction in costs. This shift also reduces animal use, death, and improves performance on animal models.

SourceMcGill University·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateOct 25, 2019

Mapping global biodiversity change

A recent study mapping global biodiversity change reveals varying rates of loss and gain in marine and terrestrial ecosystems. The research found that some regions are recovering while others are experiencing significant declines, with changes occurring faster in marine than terrestrial assemblages.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience·DateOct 17, 2019

Canadian astronomers determine Earth's fingerprint

Two McGill University astronomers have assembled a transit spectrum of Earth, a fingerprint of the planet's atmosphere in infrared light. This detection could help scientists identify planets capable of supporting life, such as TRAPPIST-1 system with seven habitable zone planets.

SourceMcGill University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateAug 28, 2019

Study finds Nunavik Inuit are genetically unique

A new study has found that the Nunavik Inuit population in Canada's Arctic have a distinct genetic profile, which may predispose them to brain aneurysms. Researchers analyzed the genetic characteristics of 170 Inuit volunteers and identified unique variants correlated with a higher risk of this condition.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 22, 2019

Inducing seizures to stop seizures

A new study found that inducing seizures in epilepsy patients can determine the brain region where seizures originate, reducing hospital stays from two weeks to 48 or 72 hours. This method is as effective as relying on spontaneous seizures and could lead to cost savings for hospitals.

SourceMcGill University·JournalJAMA·DateJun 11, 2019

Towards a new era of small animal imaging research

A new study from McGill University and the University of Antwerp has developed a PET imaging platform that allows simultaneous scanning of multiple awake animals. This breakthrough enables unprecedented experimental designs and opens up new avenues for research into brain function, neurochemistry, and behavior.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNeuroImage·DateMay 30, 2019

Same-sex marriage legalization associated with reduced anti-gay bias in the US

A new study by McGill University researchers found that state legislation played a significant role in reducing anti-gay bias in the US. By analyzing data from over 1 million respondents, the team discovered that laws supporting same-sex marriage led to a sharp decline in biases, with the effect being roughly double the previous rate.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 15, 2019

Using sleep disorder to predict Parkinson's disease

A large multi-centre study of over 1,200 patients with REM sleep behaviour disorder found a high risk of Parkinson's disease progression and identified several strong predictors, including motor difficulties and mild cognitive impairment. The study's findings will improve clinical trial selection and therapy development.

SourceMcGill University·JournalBrain·DateMar 4, 2019

The unexpected creates reward when listening to music

Research at McGill University found that musically unexpected events elicit reward prediction errors in the nucleus accumbens, a brain region associated with musical pleasure. This discovery establishes music as a neurobiological reward capable of motivating learning and pleasurable listening experiences.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 12, 2019