A recent study suggests that even low levels of fine particulate matter can cause significant mortality risk, contributing to 1.5 million extra deaths globally each year. The research used Canadian data to inform global estimates and highlights the need for improved air quality guidelines.
Researchers from McGill University found that pneumococcal vaccination uptake is low among adults at high risk in Canada. Despite the importance of pneumococcal vaccination to prevent pneumonia and other forms of pneumococcal disease, many people missed opportunities for vaccination.
Researchers from McGill University developed a medical adhesive inspired by flatworms that uses suction to absorb blood and promote blood coagulation. The adhesive can be removed without causing re-bleeding, making it a potential replacement for wound sutures or delivering drugs.
Researchers from McGill University and MIT developed an AI system that can learn the rules and patterns of human languages on its own. The model automatically generates higher-level language patterns that can be applied to different languages, achieving better results.
A team from McGill University has created a database called neuromaps, which combines over 40 existing brain maps to help scientists find correlations between patterns across different brain regions. The tool provides standardized space to view and compare each map, improving reproducibility of results.
Researchers at McGill University developed a cost-effective way to produce nanocrystals from cellulose and chitin using high-humidity shaker aging. The new technique reduces water usage, eliminates toxic solvents, and increases yields.
Cyanophycin synthetases, previously thought to require primers, have a hidden reaction centre that cleaves bonds between amino acids. This discovery reveals a 'Swiss army knife enzyme' capable of slow polymerization in the absence of primers.
A new genetically based score developed by McGill University researchers can identify children at high risk for impulsive behavior with a high degree of accuracy. The score was created by analyzing the co-expression of genes in key brain regions, providing a novel understanding of the neurobiology of impulsivity.
Researchers at McGill University have discovered that exercise can restore health to cells in the cerebellum, a part of the brain affected by SCA6. The treatment also works on mice with other movement disorders, suggesting potential applications for other conditions.
A national survey of 1000 adults in Greenland found that 3 out of 4 support extracting and exporting sand from the melting ice sheet, with most preferring local involvement. The study highlights a rare example of an Arctic Indigenous population wanting to be involved in decision-making about adapting to accelerated Arctic changes.
A team of researchers from McGill University has discovered a way to control the stickiness of adhesive bandages using ultrasound waves and bubbles. This breakthrough could lead to new advances in medical adhesives, especially in cases where adhesives are difficult to apply.
A study led by McGill University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) found that Ukrainians who engage in more analytic thinking are less likely to believe pro-Kremlin disinformation. Analytical thinking helps curtail belief in disinformation, according to the researchers.
A recent study by McGill University researchers found that birds with higher numbers of neurons in the pallium, a brain region involved in memory and learning, are also more innovative. Longer development times in the nest may play a crucial role in the evolution of intelligence.
Research warns of substantial loss in kelp canopy, decline in Dungeness crab and razor clam survival rates, and loss of aerobic habitat for anchovy and pink shrimp. Climate change impacts will be complex, with some effects boosting metabolism but others decreasing survival rates.
McGill University researchers identify ventral striatum as key area in brain decisions between future pain and profit, potentially advancing treatments for disorders characterized by excessive avoidance. The study uses brain scans to monitor activity and machine-learning algorithms to predict participants' choices.
A team of experts presents a new framework for understanding the complex relationship between AI and climate change, suggesting ways to better align AI with climate goals. The study highlights the need for holistic evaluation of AI's impact on greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers at McGill University have discovered microbes that can survive in conditions similar to those on Mars. These microorganisms thrive in extremely salty, cold, and oxygen-free environments by eating and breathing simple inorganic compounds. The study provides insights into the possibility of life on Mars.
Researchers discovered mistletoe viscin can be stretched into thin films or assembled into 3D structures, showing its potential as a wound sealant or skin covering. The material's reversible adhesive qualities make it highly versatile for diverse applications.
Researchers identify fast-fashion waste as a result of low environmental awareness and desire for varied clothing options. The study proposes policy solutions to reduce waste, including sustainable disposal and production tax incentives.
Airports in colder climates accumulate more pollutants like PM2.5 during fall and winter months, posing a significant threat to human health and the climate. Researchers recommend targeted reduction of PM2.5 emissions, particularly in cold climate regions.
A recent study found that as women gain fame, their media coverage becomes increasingly negative, while men's coverage remains stable. Successful women are scrutinized more closely for flaws in their performance.
Researchers tracked medium ground finches' movements day and night, finding they cover areas equivalent to 30 soccer fields and gather nightly in a lush grove. This behavior helps birds fight cold and reduces predation risk.
A new study by McGill University and US National Cancer Institute researchers reveals that antigen strength, rather than quantity, drives T cell responses. This discovery has implications for predicting vaccine efficacy and designing more effective immunotherapies.
Male mice exhibit increased stress hormones and decreased pain sensitivity when near pregnant or lactating females, which is linked to a specific olfactory signal. This finding has significant implications for improving experiment reliability and represents a breakthrough in mammalian social signaling.
McGill University researchers have created a class of cellular metamaterials that can flat-fold and lock into positions that remain stiff across multiple directions. These materials offer unprecedented properties for deployable structures such as submarines, robots, and low-volume packaging.
McGill University researchers found that participants who implemented a nudge-based intervention reduced their screen time by about an hour per day, leading to better sleep quality. The intervention also helped individuals report feeling less addicted to their phones.
Researchers at McGill University used fatty acid signature analysis to reconstruct killer whale diets, finding they mainly feed on harp and hooded seals. The study provides insights into how killer whales may disrupt Arctic food webs and contribute to climate change.
A new study by McGill University researchers has shed light on the complex relationships between concussion symptoms and brain damage in children. The findings suggest that certain combinations of brain injury can lead to specific symptoms, such as attention difficulties and sleep problems.
Researchers from McGill University and Italy found that blocking neutrophils can prolong pain, even with anti-inflammatory drugs. The study suggests reconsidering acute pain treatment, and findings are supported by a large UK analysis.
A new study from McGill University finds that people living near regions prone to wildfires may have a higher incidence of lung cancer and brain tumors. Exposure to carcinogenic wildfire pollutants on a chronic basis increases the risk of certain cancers, according to researchers.
A large-scale Canadian study found that shielding children from food insecurity only reduces the risk of mood disorders in youth, but has no significant impact on anxiety disorders or overall mental health. The study also suggests that adults' mental health is improved when they can shield their children from food insecurity.
A recent study found that most older adults in Canada are willing to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, with only a small percentage expressing hesitation. Factors such as safety concerns and previous flu shot history played a significant role in determining willingness.
Researchers created a set of fiberglass tubes to test participants' ability to sense the location of a rolling metal ball. The study found that people could accurately determine the ball's movement without training, highlighting the role of physical cues in tactile perception.
A new study forecasts 1.4 million US street tree deaths from invasive insects by 2050, with the emerald ash borer responsible for most fatalities. Urban diversity can help mitigate this impact, and prioritizing management efforts like quarantining wood products may be necessary.
Researchers at McGill University argue that urban runoff toxicity is a growing concern due to increasing urbanization, impacting surface water quality and aquatic ecosystems. Sustainable strategies such as retention ponds and settling tanks can be implemented to control pollutant release and mitigate ecological impacts.
A worldwide analysis of over 2 million women in 161 countries found intimate partner violence affects 27% of women before age 50. The study also revealed high levels of violence against young women and regional variations in prevalence rates.
Researchers have identified a single gene, FOXG1, that can control brain cell growth in humans. The discovery provides hope for developing new treatments for neurodevelopmental disorders and stopping brain tumor cells from growing.
A team of researchers from McGill University and other institutions analyzed 6,850 testimonials from psychedelic users, creating a 3D map of brain receptors linked to subjective experiences. The study found associations between serotonin receptors and ego-dissolution, suggesting potential new treatments for psychiatric conditions.
A bi-national regulation targeting ships entering the Great Lakes since mid-2000s has reduced invasive species risk by 85%, with a significant impact on fisheries and biodiversity. The study suggests that saltwater flushing through ballast tanks is a crucial control strategy.
A study by McGill University researchers shows that tailored fertilizer recommendations based on on-site soil tests can significantly improve maize yields. The approach also helps farmers overcome financing constraints, increasing productivity and profits while minimizing environmental impact.
A new global database reveals 1.2 million km of rivers at risk from treated wastewater discharge, with some exceeding environmental thresholds for concern. The research aims to identify hotspots and pinpoint individual treatment plants in need of improvement to mitigate water pollution risks.
A new study at McGill University found that an AI tutoring system improved surgical skills and learning outcomes among medical students compared to human instructors. The AI-powered Virtual Operative Assistant taught safe techniques and provided personalized feedback, leading to a 36% better performance rate.
The study found that face masks significantly reduce the ability to recognize facial expressions, with accuracy reductions ranging from 10% for fear to 46% for disgust. Individuals with higher social competence and agreeableness tend to perform better in emotion recognition when faces are masked.
A study by McGill University researchers found that child marriages in 14 US states violated statutory rape laws, often due to exemptions allowing sex between married couples. The research highlights the need to reexamine marital exemptions and raise the minimum legal age for marriage to avoid inconsistencies.
A new study found COVID-19 hotspots in Canadian cities are concentrated along social determinants of health, including visible minority status. Prioritizing public health supports to specific neighborhoods can help curb transmission and improve pandemic response.
Researchers from McGill University found that oxygen levels rose with complex eukaryotic ecosystems, indicating low oxygen was a significant limitation on evolution for billions of years. The discovery has implications for searching for biosignatures in other planets, focusing on ozone detection.
A massive new dataset highlights the effects of human disturbances and pollution on contemporary evolution, with pollution driving the most rapid rate of phenotypic change. The study confirms that harvesting and invasive species also have significant impacts, while climate change alters traditional notions of a natural habitat.
The study of XO-3b reveals stronger seasonal variations than Earth's, with temperatures reaching 2,000 degrees C. The planet's oval orbit and high surface temperatures suggest a history of migration toward its parent star.
A new study from McGill University suggests that a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors can predict early onset psychiatric disorders with over 90% accuracy. The study identifies temperament, trauma, and dopamine as the key factors in this prediction.
A new web-based application can predict which epilepsy patients will not benefit from stereo-electroencephalography (SEEG), a costly and invasive procedure. The '5-SENSE' score reliably identifies patients who will not have a focal seizure onset zone, allowing clinicians to avoid unnecessary procedures.