Gene therapy research in low- and middle-income countries has raised concerns about the ethical use of patients from deprived populations. Researchers argue that these trials should address local health needs and be affordable for implementation in those countries' healthcare systems.
Researchers at McGill University confirmed Einstein's prediction that a binary-pulsar system's spin axis should precess due to general relativity. The team observed the unique PSR J0737-3039A/B twin-pulsar system and found that one pulsar's spin axis is indeed precessing as predicted.
Researchers at McGill University have discovered a compound called silvestrol that can re-sensitize tumors to chemotherapy, making them susceptible to anticancer drugs. Silvestrol, derived from Malaysian folk medicine, has been shown to effectively reduce resistance to chemotherapy agents used to treat cancer.
Charles Taylor, a renowned scholar of spirituality and secularism, has been awarded the Kyoto Prize in Arts and Philosophy. The recognition acknowledges his decades-long efforts to integrate spiritual dimensions into public policy, history, and other humanities fields.
A McGill University study has found a significant link between breastfeeding and improved cognitive development in children. The research, which followed 14,000 children for six years, suggests that prolonged and exclusive breastfeeding can improve IQs and academic performance.
A genetic breakthrough explains dangerously high blood glucose levels in healthy individuals by identifying a DNA sequence that controls variability. This discovery holds out hope for 'personalized medicine' and may lead to customized treatment based on an individual's unique genetic structure.
A study of 900 Vancouver-area teenagers found that physical activity and healthy eating are not strongly linked, contradicting established assumptions. Boys reported more physical activity but a less-healthy diet than girls, while individuals with lower BMI values were no more likely to be physically active.
Scientists identified the MMADHC gene responsible for a rare genetic disorder, isolated and combined homocystinuria and methylmalonic aciduria. The research provides clues to how vitamin B12 works in the body and offers earlier diagnosis and treatment options for the serious disease.
Researchers warn that modern agriculture can lead to major disruptions of the world's water flows, particularly in the world's poorest regions. Ecosystem flips can have significant and sometimes devastating effects on human well-being, as global populations suddenly lose resources they are dependent on.
Researchers have discovered a neutron star that undergoes a dramatic transformation from a pulsar to a magnetar, providing insight into the evolutionary connection between these two types of ultradense objects. The discovery was made using data from NASA's Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer and Chandra X-ray Observatory satellites.
Researchers at McGill University have discovered a genetic process that boosts an organism's natural anti-virus defences by knocking out genes repressing interferon production in mice. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new anti-viral therapies in humans, providing a potential solution to combat viral pandemics.
A study by Dr. Catherine Sabiston found that breast cancer survivors who participated in dragon boat racing reported significantly improved physical and mental health. The social aspect of the activity provided a sense of community and empowerment, helping women cope with post-recovery trauma.
Scientists have uncovered a previously unknown mechanism that causes embryonic germ cells to go through a period of transcriptional silence, preventing the production of sperm or eggs. This regulation is crucial for germ cell development in various organisms and may hold significance for mammals as well.
A recent study by McGill researchers has identified that small genetic variations can significantly affect the way genes produce proteins, resulting in diverse physical characteristics. These changes may contribute to the development of diseases such as cystic fibrosis and Type 1 diabetes.
A study by McGill University researchers found that certain immunoregulatory T-cells lose potency with age, leading to the onset of autoimmune diabetes. This discovery provides insight into the mechanism of type 1 diabetes and may lead to new immune system-based therapies.
Researchers have developed a new technique to detect malaria infection in human blood using lasers and non-linear optical effects, eliminating the need for slides and microscopes. The technique holds promise for simpler, faster, and labor-intensive detection of the malaria parasite.
A research team has uncovered the molecular mechanism by which osteocrin controls bone growth, a discovery that may have important implications for people suffering from bone diseases affecting skeletal growth. Osteocrin was found to locally control the bone's supply of a hormone known as CNP, regulating bone growth.
A recent clinical trial has shown that tesamorelin can decrease deep abdominal fat by 15% and improve blood lipid levels in patients with HIV/HAART-associated Lipodystrophy Syndrome. The treatment has minimal side effects, offering a therapeutic breakthrough for many patients.
A recent study by McGill researchers found that the enzyme focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is crucial for tumour progression from a pre-malignant to a malignant state in the mammary tumour system. The discovery opens up new avenues for developing targeted treatments against breast cancer.
Researchers propose an entirely new model of human-centered biomes, acknowledging that humans have a significant impact on the global environment. The current system of classifying ecosystems may be misleading, and it's time to study ecosystem functioning in backyards and urban areas.
A new study found that a synthetic form of THC increases serotonin levels in the brain at low doses, acting as an effective anti-depressant. However, at higher doses, the effect reverses and can worsen depression and psychosis.
A new study from McGill University finds that the HPV screening test outperforms the traditional Pap test in detecting pre-cancerous lesions without false negatives. The HPV test achieved an accuracy of 94.6%, while the Pap test only reached 55.4% accuracy, making it a more reliable method for cervical cancer screening.
A recent study led by McGill University found that breastfeeding does not offer protection against childhood asthma and allergies. The research, which followed 13,889 children from birth to age 6½, revealed an increased risk of positive allergic skin tests among breastfed infants.
McGill University has been awarded $10.5 million in federal funding to support the work of 12 new and three renewed Canada Research Chairs. The chairs focus on various fields including green chemistry, biochemical pharmacology, international security, and ethnic conflict.
A McGill University study has discovered that a new class of serotonin receptor agonists can take effect four to seven times faster than existing selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This breakthrough has the potential to significantly improve treatment outcomes for patients with depression.
A study by McGill University found that physicians who score poorly on patient-physician communication skills exams are more likely to generate patient complaints. The exam's results prove its value in predicting patient complaints and could be used earlier in medical school admissions.
Researchers at McGill University have identified two closely related nuclear receptors, ERRa and g, that play a key role in coordinating the expression of genes guiding the heart's complex energy pathways. These findings may suggest novel approaches to managing diseases affecting the heart's pumping power.
A new MUHC-led study reveals the oral fluid-based OraQuick HIV1/2 test to be 100% accurate and a patient-preferred choice for HIV testing in rural India. The test demonstrated higher accuracy than traditional blood tests, with minimal discomfort during sample collection.
A new study by McGill University researchers has found that a diet low in folate may increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer. The study demonstrates a clear link between low dietary folate and the initiation of colorectal cancer in animal models, with 1 in 4 mice on a folate-deficient diet developing at least one tumour.
A new MUHC study provides conclusive evidence that the MMR vaccine is not associated with autism spectrum disorders. The study's findings contradict previous molecular studies that falsely linked the vaccine to autism. The research team uncovered fundamental errors in these earlier studies, clearing the MMR vaccine of its link to autism.
A study by McGill University Health Centre researchers finds that sperm banks are unpopular with patients due to lack of accurate information and improved doctor-patient communication. Quebecers are less likely to choose sperm banking than patients of immigrant descent.
A recent study by Dr. Robert Koenekoop and colleagues has identified the CEP290 gene as the most common cause of Leber Congenital Amaurosis (LCA), a form of congenital blindness. The discovery could lead to improved screening and treatment options for affected children.
A McGill University study found no difference in time for men and women to reach peak arousal, contrary to previous assumptions. The use of thermal imaging technology allows for minimally invasive measurement of sexual arousal rates.
Researchers have identified a gene, TREK-1, linked to depression, breeding mice without this gene showed resistance to the condition. A potential new treatment could be developed based on this discovery.
A study by Dr. Eric Fombonne and colleagues found no link between MMR vaccinations and autism rates in Quebec children, contradicting previous concerns. The incidence of autism remained high despite reductions in thimerosal use.
A new study by McGill University researchers demonstrates that mice can display empathetic behavior, increasing their own pain sensitivity when exposed to the pain of a familiar mouse. This form of emotional contagion sheds light on the role of social interaction in pain management.
The McGill University Health Centre has received funding to develop new insulin-producing tissue in the laboratory, which can be implanted into diabetics. This breakthrough complements research aimed at stimulating pancreatic cell regeneration and addresses a growing diabetes epidemic.
A recent MUHC study found that Vioxx-related heart attacks can happen as early as two weeks after starting the medication. The risk of cardiovascular events decreases with longer duration of use and returns to normal after one month of stopping the drug.
A patient on warfarin developed life-threatening internal bleeding after consuming chamomile tea and lotion. Chamomile's synergistic effect with warfarin highlights the potential dangers of mixing herbal remedies with prescribed medications.
A new study examining 911 babies treated with either letrozole or clomiphene citrate found no statistically significant difference in major and minor malformations or chromosomal abnormalities between the two groups. The findings confirm concerns about a link between letrozole and birth defects are unfounded.
A study by McGill University researchers found that people who expect to smoke soon are more susceptible to visual cues, leading to increased cravings. The study suggests that stress or disruptions to the prefrontal cortex can also trigger relapse, shedding light on nicotine addiction treatment.
A gene called caspase-12 is found in around 20% of people of African descent, but was lost from other ethnicities 60,000 years ago. Researchers hope to develop treatments that may strengthen the immune system of those carrying the gene.
A recent study published in Chemical Senses found that the sense of smell is dependent on body position. Researchers at McGill University exposed participants to different concentrations of rose odor while sitting or lying down and discovered a significant decrease in sensitivity to smell when in a supine position.
A new study suggests that heartburn medications may be contributing to the spread of community-acquired C. difficile (C. difficile) infection. Over a 10-year period, community C. difficile cases increased from less than one case per 100,000 people in 1994 to over 22 cases per 100,000 by 2004. The study also found that most patients who...
Researchers have discovered a new drug that raises the level of endocannabinoids, providing measurable antidepressant effects. The study found similar results to commonly prescribed antidepressants, suggesting URB597 as a safer, non-addictive alternative for pain and depression treatment.
A team of scientists has identified the responsible gene, MMACHC, for a rare and devastating genetic disease. The discovery enables the development of early diagnosis and carrier assessment tests, improving the lives of those afflicted with the disease.
The new blood safety test is capable of detecting major parasitic diseases, including malaria and fasciola, with instant results. Developed by the Montreal Neurological Institute (NRCP) at McGill University, the test has the potential to save countless lives by reducing the risk of parasite transmission through blood transfusions.
The study focuses on two main areas: dyspareunia and vaginismus, exploring their connection to fear and developing more effective treatments. Researchers aim to improve therapies for women suffering from genital pain associated with menopause.
A new study suggests that investing in tuberculosis control programs in high-incidence countries like Mexico, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic can reduce TB cases and deaths in the US. The research predicts that $35 million in funding would result in net savings of $108 million over 20 years.
Researchers at McGill University have identified a gene, NRAMP1, that controls the speed of tuberculosis development. The study found that variants of this gene affect the time frame between initial infection and disease progression.