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.
Researchers at McGill University Health Centre discovered that T lymphocytes, part of the body's defense mechanism, cause airway remodeling in asthmatics. This process leads to thickening of airway muscle and increased symptoms.
Researchers at McGill University have identified a genetic pathway responsible for breast cancer cell growth, including the FOXA1 gene. This discovery offers a new target for developing more precise treatments with fewer side effects.
Researchers have made significant progress in understanding the genetic mutations that cause familial migraines. By studying how these mutations affect the sodium pump, a crucial cellular mechanism, Dr. Rhoda Blostein and her team identified key changes that disrupt its operation, leading to migraine development.
A study at McGill University investigates the links between brain behavior, neurochemistry, and molecular biology in relation to mental disorders. The researchers aim to develop diagnostic tools, treatment, and prevention strategies for conditions like schizophrenia.
Researchers have discovered that nonlinguistic monkeys have an area comparable to Broca's area, which is responsible for controlling oral and facial actions. This finding suggests that Broca's area may have evolved to control certain aspects of the speech act in humans.
Researchers have identified a new mechanism of resistance to CMV, involving the interaction between two genes that flag infected cells for destruction and allow Natural Killer cells to recognize and terminate them. This discovery increases the likelihood of therapies being developed to fight CMV.
Researchers found that high cortisol levels lead to poor memory performance and a smaller hippocampus in older adults. Stress also affects young adults and children, causing reversible memory impairments and higher cortisol levels in low SES children.
Patients with a personal or family history of melanoma exhibit similar sunbathing patterns and protective measures to low-risk populations, highlighting the need for improved education and awareness campaigns.
A Canada-wide team led by Dr. Louise Pilote at the McGill University Health Centre is investigating key unknowns in cardiovascular disease manifestation between men and women. The project will address both biological and genetic factors as well as social and behavioural factors involved in the disease.
Researchers found that football players suffered significantly more neck injuries than those playing hockey or soccer. The study attributed this increase to the design of football tackles, which impede opposing player motion.
Researchers have discovered two new species of giant amphibians in Africa, which are similar to crocodiles in shape. The findings suggest that climate change over 250 million years ago had a dramatic effect on species survival and evolution.
Researchers from McGill University and the University of Illinois found that toddlers can understand when others have mistaken beliefs. The study presented infants with an actor who played with a toy and hid it in a box to verify their understanding of false beliefs.
A McGill doctoral student presents findings that educators have a responsibility to protect students from verbal and physical abuse. The study highlights the need for effective policies and enforcement to prevent homophobic harassment in schools.
Dr. Brenda Milner, a renowned cognitive neuroscientist, has been awarded the 2005 Gairdner Award for her pioneering work on brain function and memory systems. Her research with patient HM has significantly advanced our understanding of episodic and procedural memory.
A new UK survey found that 947 people use cannabis for medical purposes, with 68% reporting improved symptoms. Younger people and those with chronic pain were more likely to use it for medicinal reasons.
MUHC researchers have identified a potential new cancer target using antisense technology, which inhibits the MTHFR gene. The breakthrough has shown promise in reducing lung and colon cancer tumors in laboratory-based tissue cultures and mice.
A recent study by McGill University Health Centre researchers found that over 55% of Quebec seniors with late-life depression were given recommended first-line antidepressants, while nearly half received other medications. Benzodiazepines were also commonly prescribed, which may worsen depression in the elderly.
A new syndrome of colorectal cancer has been identified, characterized by frequent mutations in the BRAF oncogene and DNA methylation. This inherited form of cancer often develops in previously harmless polyps and can occur in young individuals, emphasizing the importance of early detection and prevention.
McGill researchers identified a link between heat-induced breakdown of amino acids and sugars in food, producing the potential carcinogen furan. Traces of furan have been found in processed and cooked products, particularly canned and bottled foods, but quantities are below considered dangerous thresholds.
A study by McGill University researchers found that COX-2 inhibitors like Vioxx increase the risk of heart attack by 24% in users who have not previously suffered a heart attack. Aspirin use can help mitigate this risk, but only in those taking low doses of Vioxx.
A new study found that combining plant sterols with exercise can significantly improve cholesterol levels in previously sedentary adults. The combination therapy favourably altered lipid profiles by decreasing total cholesterol and increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels.
A new study led by McGill University aims to collect data on the safety of medical cannabis use in Canada. The COMPASS study will follow patients with chronic pain and assess various safety issues, including adverse events and cognitive function.
Researchers led by Graham Bell discovered that increased carbon dioxide concentrations negatively impact algae growth, disproving the notion that plants absorb extra CO2. The study's findings have implications for all plant species, including agricultural ones, as fossil fuel emissions continue to rise.
Researchers at McGill University have identified a new gene, beta1-integrin, that plays a crucial role in the growth and development of breast cancer. Blocking this gene's function has been shown to halt tumour proliferation and prevent tumours from growing.
Researchers at McGill University have made a groundbreaking discovery that patients can be infected with more than one type of HIV, which poses significant challenges for treatment and management. The study's findings, published in the August issue of AIDS, suggest that existing drug cocktails may need to be tailored accordingly.
The McGill researchers developed a new method to produce CNTs with the possibility of scale up to large industrial levels, based on thermal plasma technology. This technology has the potential to bring down production costs and increase availability in large quantities.
The federal government's investment in Canadian biomedical and health research has yielded significant results, including a 50% increase in licenses, 200% increase in income, and 40% increase in new spin-off companies. The funding has also led to increased international recognition and participation in global projects.
Researchers found that 'early blind' subjects excelled in recognizing changes in pitch, a skill impaired in both sighted and late-blind individuals. This study demonstrates the brain's capacity for reorganization in response to early sensory loss.
A study by McGill scientists identifies a new function for the Runx1 gene in the development of hindbrain visceral motor nerve cells. These cells regulate internal environment stability and vital functions such as blood pressure and heart rate.
Researchers at CAMOS found a significant 'osteoporosis care gap,' with many cases going undetected in older adults. The study also revealed that even diagnosis can lead to a decline in quality of life due to fear of fractures.
A new technique for preserving fertility in young women with cancer has been successfully used on eight female patients. The method involves removing immature eggs from the ovaries, maturing them through in-vitro maturation (IVM), and freezing them for later use.
Researchers at McGill University have identified a central enzyme that can sense subtle changes in protein folding, enabling the removal of misfolded proteins from cells. This discovery may lead to innovative prevention and treatment strategies for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Researchers at McGill University have developed three computer games that can help people feel more positive about themselves and build their self-esteem. The games, Wham!, EyeSpy: The Matrix, and Grow Your Chi, work by training players to focus on positive feedback and develop automatic thought patterns that boost confidence.
Researchers at McGill University have identified 209 proteins involved in the cellular uptake process, shedding light on protein interactions and disease mechanisms. The study provides a comprehensive molecular inventory of clathrin-coated vesicles, with broad implications for various fields in biology and medicine.
A new study by McGill University researchers has identified phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) as a key enzyme that triggers multiple sclerosis-like disease in an animal model. Treatment with a chemical inhibitor of this enzyme results in a marked reduction in the onset and severity of the disease.
MUHC researchers have developed a new method to diagnose and treat sleep apnea in children, significantly reducing wait times. The new approach allows for early detection and treatment of severe cases, enabling timely interventions.
The McGill Centre for Intellectual Property Policy has received a $3 million grant from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada to examine patent systems and their impact on society. The research aims to inform policy-makers in Canada and globally about how to balance industry interests with societal benefits.
A recent study found that biological DMARDs significantly increase the risk of serious hepatic events. The study showed no such link with leflunomide or traditional DMARDs, suggesting further investigation is needed.
Researchers at McGill University Health Centre identify two key gene mutations in French-Canadian families with retinitis pigmentosa. The study reveals variable and severe symptoms, including hearing loss. The breakthrough promises new screening and diagnostic tests for affected families.
Researchers discovered a group of breast cancer tumors unrelated to typical patterns, with no clear link between tumor size and axillary lymph node cancer. This finding has significant implications for early diagnosis and treatment of women carrying the BRCA1 gene mutation.
Researchers at McGill University have identified a receptor protein on fat cells that stimulates lipid storage when stimulated. Dr. Katherine Cianflone's team found that disrupting the ASP-C5L2 complex may help slow down fat production, which could be a potential key to treating obesity.