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McGill University


Measuring stress around cells

Researchers developed sensors to map cell-generated forces in 3D tissues, finding that small tensions can balance large compressive loads. This insight could help understand developmental processes and develop novel tissue-engineering strategies.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 30, 2019

Men and women remember pain differently

Research confirms men and women remember pain differently, with men recalling earlier painful experiences and being stressed by later pain. Blocking memories of previous pain alleviates the stress response, suggesting a potential treatment approach for chronic pain sufferers.

SourceMcGill University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 10, 2019

A new 'atlas' of genetic influences on osteoporosis

Researchers have created an atlas of genetic factors associated with estimated bone mineral density, explaining 20% of the genetic variance linked to osteoporosis. The study identifies over 500 genetic determinants, providing promising targets for novel therapeutics to prevent or treat the disease.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Genetics·DateDec 31, 2018

The importance of 'edge populations' to biodiversity

A study published in Ecology Letters found that edge populations of plants, such as yellow rattle, are better suited to surviving climate change. These populations have adapted to high-elevation summers by flowering earlier, allowing them to thrive in areas where lower elevation populations fail.

SourceMcGill University·JournalEcology Letters·DateDec 18, 2018

Predicting the transmission of rare, genetically based diseases

A McGill-led research team has developed a computational process to track the transmission histories of rare genetic diseases, tracing CAID back to two European founding families in 17th century Quebec. The researchers hope to extend their search techniques to more common genetically based diseases and identify new genetic variants.

SourceMcGill University·JournalJournal of Human Genetics·DateDec 6, 2018

When a city feels good, people take more risks

Researchers found that unexpected positive outcomes in cities, such as sports wins or sunny days, are correlated with a change in city mood and an increase in citizens taking risks like gambling. This effect is subtle but significant, with a predicted 2.5% increase in spending on gambling in reactive neighborhoods.

SourceMcGill University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 28, 2018

Stigma impairs cognition in men living with HIV

A recent study found a direct link between the amount of stigma men with HIV report experiencing and their scores on cognitive tests, measuring abilities like memory and attention. The researchers suggest that addressing stigma may address cognitive impairment in this population by reducing anxiety and depression.

SourceMcGill University·JournalJAIDS Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes·DateNov 27, 2018

Hairy nanotechnology provides green anti-scaling solution

A team of McGill researchers has created a phosphorus-free anti-scaling solution based on hairy nanocellulose, providing an effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional methods. The breakthrough uses negatively charged carboxyl groups on cellulose nanoparticles to control scale formation.

SourceMcGill University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateNov 21, 2018

Alterations to seabed raise fears for future

The ocean floor is dissolving rapidly as a result of human activity, with calcite formation being neutralized by acidic CO2. Researchers predict that this process will intensify in the future, leading to long-lasting repercussions on marine ecosystems.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 29, 2018

The making of soldier ants

Scientists at McGill University found that a rudimentary 'organ' in ants regulates the balance between soldiers and workers, allowing colonies to maintain a constant ratio. By controlling the growth of this organ, ants can rapidly produce more soldiers when needed.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature·DateOct 10, 2018

Disease causing mutation found in French-Canadians

A team of Canadian scientists discovered a French-Canadian founder mutation gene linked to synucleinopathies, a group of neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson's disease and dementia. The GBA mutation increases the risk of developing these diseases, particularly in people with other mutations.

SourceMcGill University·JournalClinical Genetics·DateOct 1, 2018

Sex in plants requires thrust

Scientists discovered that pollen tubes exert forces similar to car tire pressure as they navigate through plant tissue to fertilize eggs. The research found that cells can 'feel' and respond to physical resistance in their environment, leading to changes in growth patterns.

SourceMcGill University·JournalTECHNOLOGY·DateSep 24, 2018

New insight into aging

Researchers at McGill University found that aging brains retain neuroplasticity but experience dysregulation leading to unstable learning. Increasing GABA levels in older rats prolonged the effects of audio tone exposure, suggesting a potential strategy for improving retention in the aging brain.

SourceMcGill University·JournaleNeuro·DateSep 19, 2018

Do we trust people who speak with an accent?

A study by McGill University found that confidence in speech can overcome accent bias, making accented speakers equally believable to native speakers. The researchers discovered different brain regions are activated when evaluating speech from within and outside groups.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNeuroImage·DateSep 18, 2018

The link between obesity, the brain, and genetics

New research at McGill University found that people with higher BMI tend to have reduced cognitive flexibility, increased volume in the left amygdala and decreased volume in certain memory structures. The study suggests a model where genetics play a role in obesity through brain anatomy and cognitive functions.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 28, 2018

Chirality switching in biomineral structures

Researchers have discovered a method to synthesize helical biomineral structures with opposite spiral directions by adding specific amino acids, shedding light on how certain biological structures can exhibit both rotations within the same species or individual organism.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 1, 2018

Rewriting our understanding of gastric tumors

Researchers at McGill University have made a groundbreaking discovery linking stomach tumours in patients with Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome to immune system inflammation. The study suggests targeting inflammatory pathways may lead to potential new treatments for this rare genetic disorder.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience·DateJul 26, 2018

Unique brain 'fingerprint' can predict drug effectiveness

Researchers developed a personalized Therapeutic Intervention Fingerprint (pTIF) to predict the effectiveness of targeting specific biological factors for controlling neurological disease progression. This technique can categorize patients with their unique physiological needs, leading to more effective and tailored treatments.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNeuroImage·DateJul 10, 2018

Pathway of Alzheimer's degeneration discovered

Researchers at McGill University used sMRI and PET scans to track brain degeneration in early-stage Alzheimer's disease, revealing a link between cholinergic neurons and cortical regions. The study suggests that combining PET with sMRI may be a powerful tool for diagnosing Alzheimer's before cognitive symptoms appear.

SourceMcGill University·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 4, 2018

New insight into how Autism might develop in human brain

A team of scientists from McGill University discovered a key role for the GRIN2B gene in early neural stem cell development and autism. They used genetic engineering to reprogram skin cells into brain cells with the patient's mutation, showing how improper protein production leads to impaired brain development.

SourceMcGill University·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateJun 26, 2018

The secret to longevity is in the microbiome and the gut

A study from McGill University found that combining probiotics with an herbal supplement called Triphala increases fruit fly lifespan by 60%. The researchers observed reduced traits of aging, including insulin resistance, inflammation, and oxidative stress. The findings suggest a potential link between gut bacteria and human longevity.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 31, 2018

A new molecular target identified in depression

A new mechanism involved in depression has been discovered, and a potential drug targeting this mechanism shows promise as an effective treatment with fewer side effects. The research found that Elk-1, a molecule directly involved in depressive disorders, can be targeted to give quicker response times.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Medicine·DateMay 7, 2018