A study published in PNAS found that genes regulating immune system and metabolic processes fail to adapt to new sleep patterns caused by night shifts. Eight healthy volunteers were subjected to a five-day schedule simulating night shift work, showing that almost 25% of rhythmic genes lost their biological rhythm.
A new study suggests that early HIV treatment can prevent brain atrophy and cognitive decline, emphasizing the importance of timely antiretroviral therapy. By analyzing MRI data from patients with early HIV infection, researchers found that cART treatment halted volume loss and cortical thinning in several brain regions.
A new study from McGill University found that southern US states with high gun ownership rates have the highest rates of white firearm suicide, while Midwestern states have the highest rates of black firearm homicide. The research suggests that different factors influence rates of firearm homicide for black and white men across states.
A recent study published in Communications Chemistry found that tungsten accumulates in specific regions of the bone, particularly in bone marrow and cancellous bone tissue. This accumulation raises concerns over the element's safety for human exposure, especially among young individuals.
Researchers at McGill University have discovered a unique nanostructure in chicken eggshells that contributes to their strength and fragility. The findings, published in Science Advances, could lead to improved food safety by enabling the selection of genetic traits in laying hens that produce consistently stronger eggs.
A study by McGill University researchers found that complex interactions among roots, fungi, and bacteria drive the degradation of hydrocarbons in polluted soil. This discovery suggests a new approach to phytoremediation, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary research.
A study by McGill University researchers reveals that birds with high problem-solving skills have higher levels of a neurotransmitter receptor associated with human intelligence. The findings provide insight into the evolutionary mechanisms affecting cognitive traits in animals.
Researchers at McGill University have developed a new technique for measuring enzyme inhibition, offering a universal approach to drug discovery. The method uses isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) to measure heat generated by enzyme activity, providing a direct window into the mechanisms of enzyme inhibition.
A Canadian study found that individuals close to their parent's onset age of Alzheimer's are more likely to have amyloid plaques in their brain. The research also suggests a stronger link between parental age, ApoE4 gene carriers, and increased disease risk.
A new study published in Neurology suggests that individuals who do not recognize their own memory problems are nearly threefold more likely to develop dementia within two years. This lack of awareness is associated with impaired brain metabolic function and higher rates of amyloid deposition, a protein linked to Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at McGill University and Columbia University Irving Medical Center found that variations in large airway branches are associated with higher COPD prevalence. People with certain airway tree variations are more likely to have COPD, especially if they smoke, highlighting the importance of quitting smoking as the best antidote.
Researchers at McGill University discovered a molecular mechanism that allows viruses to evade the immune system by modifying glycoproteins on CD8+ T cells. This pathway can be targeted to restore immune function and control chronic viral infections.
A new study from McGill University compares the nutritional values of soy milk and other popular plant-based milks with cow's milk. Soy milk emerges as a clear winner due to its balanced nutritional profile, containing anti-carcinogenic properties and essential nutrients.
Astronomers discovered a 'hot Jupiter' with westward winds, defying theory. The planet's atmosphere may interact with its magnetic field or be affected by clouds, raising new questions about the phenomenon.
Researchers from McGill University develop a miniature life detection platform to identify and analyze microorganisms in extreme environments, providing proof-of-concept for direct life detection on Mars and other planets. The technique has potential applications on Earth, including detecting pathogens during epidemics in remote areas.
Astronomers studying the aftermath of a distant neutron-star merger are puzzled by the continued brightening of its afterglow, which defies initial expectations. New X-ray observations suggest a more complex emission process, potentially involving a hot 'cocoon' around a jet that shock-heated surrounding debris.
A recent study published in Scientific Reports challenges the scientific consensus on Alzheimer's disease, suggesting that neuronal loss is relatively limited. The research found minor declines in synaptic markers in patients' prefrontal cortices, which had little impact on cognitive skills.
A new study published in Child Development suggests that bilingualism may increase cognitive flexibility in kids with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Bilingual children with ASD outperformed their monolingual peers in shifting tasks, indicating a potential benefit of language exposure on executive functions.
A team of Canadian researchers has discovered a way to re-program innate immune cells to kill tuberculosis. The innovative work aims to make vaccines more effective against TB and other infectious diseases like the flu. By targeting stem cells in the bone marrow, scientists were able to boost the killing efficiency of macrophages.
Scientists have discovered that the basis for photosynthesis in today's plants was set in place 1.25 billion years ago, according to a new study published in Geology. The research pinpoints the age of ancient algae fossils, which had previously been estimated between 720 million and 1.2 billion years.
Scientists have created asymmetrical polymer structures that bind together in a spatially defined manner, similar to atoms coming together to make molecules. This breakthrough technique could lead to new materials for applications ranging from drug delivery to 'soft robotics',
Researchers have linked changes in brain anatomy to early biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease, suggesting a non-invasive test may detect AD before symptoms appear. The study found that specific regions of the hippocampal circuit shrink in individuals with high levels of tau and amyloid-Beta proteins.
Researchers use language tree to identify unique languages with low close relatives, guiding preservation efforts. A tool is developed to target conservation priorities, helping minimize linguistic diversity loss.
Biologists document changes in teeth and skull structure in two mouse species over the past 50 years, with the white-footed mouse showing more pronounced changes. The findings suggest a reversal in population proportions and highlight the consequences of climate change for small mammals.
Researchers found that young zebra finches are biased to produce specific sound patterns, similar to those in human languages and music. This bias is thought to be influenced by innate brain mechanisms, supporting the idea of a 'universal grammar' for language learning.
Brain stimulation reveals that fronto-striatal circuits are essential for enjoying music. Researchers used TMS to manipulate these circuits, increasing or decreasing participants' liking of music and motivation to listen again.
McGill University has received a $10-million donation to establish a new School of Public Policy, bringing together faculty and students from across Canada and worldwide. The school will offer a one-year graduate program in public policy and executive teaching programs.
The Azrieli Centre for Autism Research will foster innovations in therapy and a better understanding of autism spectrum disorder. Researchers will use advanced brain imaging techniques to map differences in children and adults living with ASD, leading to earlier diagnosis and effective intervention.
McGill researchers uncover a cellular mechanism contributing to communication breakdown between neurons in Alzheimer's disease. They found inadequate levels of the protein RBFOX1, which stabilizes RNAs involved in synaptic transmission, may be a factor in faulty connections characteristic of Alzheimer's.
A new study by McGill University researchers reveals that the brain's motor signals play a crucial role in distinguishing complex sounds. By anticipating the occurrence of next tone, the motor system sharpens auditory perception, even when participants remain still.
Researchers found reduced myelin coating thickness and molecular alterations in brains of adults who experienced severe childhood abuse. These changes may contribute to depressive disorders, suicidal behavior, and altered emotional processing.
Researchers at McGill University have discovered that mitochondria play a key role in preventing cells from dying when nutrients are scarce. The findings suggest that targeting the mTOR pathway could lead to the development of new cancer therapies that promote cell death.
A new study published in Scientific Reports found that Leishmania parasite infections are controlled by internal body clocks, leading to varying severities depending on the time of day. The research, led by Professor Nicolas Cermakian, discovered that the immune response is strongest at night, making it an ideal time for the parasite t...
Scientists identified network inefficiencies in six-month-old infants who later developed autism, with these abnormalities linked to severity of symptoms at 24 months. This study brings us closer to understanding the pathology of autism and developing effective interventions.
A new technique developed at McGill University has made it possible to study the behavior of individual sarcomeres in muscles. The researchers found that neighboring sarcomeres adjust to the activation of one single sarcomere, leading to a cooperative mechanism that is crucial for understanding muscle contraction.
Researchers developed an algorithm using AI and big data to recognize dementia signatures two years before onset from a single amyloid PET scan. The tool could improve patient care and accelerate treatment research into Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers found that individuals with difficulty identifying odors had elevated AD-related proteins in their cerebrospinal fluid. The study suggests a potential cheaper alternative for tracking the progression of Alzheimer's disease through simple smell tests.
Scientists at McGill University have discovered a new biological pathway involved in pain processing, which could lead to the use of existing cancer drugs as alternatives to opioids. The researchers found that EGFR blockers were as potent analgesics as morphine in mouse models of inflammatory and chronic pain.
A new study by Dr. Véronique Bohbot and Dr. Greg West found that playing action video games for 90 hours can lead to grey matter loss in the hippocampus, but playing 3D-platform games may be safer and more beneficial for brain spatial memory. This research highlights the importance of choosing the right type of game to play.
Researchers have identified serotonin's role in inhibiting a specific brain cell type, which may lead to faster-acting and more effective antidepressants. By targeting this protein, scientists hope to develop more targeted treatments with fewer side effects.
A recent study found that the scent of a praying mantis can cause fruit flies to spend less time eating, more time being vigilant, and produce fewer offspring, leading to increased extinction risk. The study sheds light on the Allee effect, a long-standing biological conundrum related to population size and extinction.
Researchers at McGill University have shown that practice can alter the way the brain uses sensory information, including visual perception. By temporarily deactivating a critical brain region, subjects who practiced with moving lines were able to perceive motion despite the region's inactivation.
Researchers developed an AI signature to detect long-term concussion effects using artificial intelligence, detecting up to 90% accuracy. The tool could aid in diagnosing and treating concussion-related symptoms, which often persist for years after the injury.
Researchers found that female zebra finches need to hear their father's song to develop the ability to distinguish between high-quality and low-quality courtship songs. The study suggests that environmental factors play a crucial role in shaping the developing brain's perception of vocal signals.
A survey by McGill University found that experts and novices predicted a high success rate for replicating preclinical cancer studies, but none actually met these criteria. The study's findings raise questions about the interpretation of scientific reports in cancer research.
A new study by McGill University biologists Bryan G. Hughes and Siegfried Hekimi found no evidence for a limit to human lifespan, challenging previous research that suggested an upper age limit of around 115 years. The study analyzed the lifespan of centenarians from various countries since 1968 and extended trend lines to predict pote...
A new method for refining metals uses organic molecules and mechanical force to remove toxins, making it a more sustainable alternative to conventional techniques. The process has been successfully tested on several metals, including germanium, zinc, copper, manganese, and cobalt.
Researchers from McGill University and the University of Minnesota warn that humans are driving the sixth mass extinction, threatening biodiversity. However, they offer specific strategies to turn this tide, suggesting investments in conservation could provide economic benefits.
Researchers at McGill University found that cues associated with cocaine consumption trigger dopamine release in the dorsal striatum, a structure involved in compulsive behavior, even among non-dependent users. This suggests that recreational users may be further along the road to addiction than they realize.
Researchers at McGill University and others have found that metformin improves social, behavioural and morphological defects in Fragile X mice. The study suggests that the drug could be used to treat other autism spectrum disorders.