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McGill University


What crocodile DNA reveals about the Ice Age

Researchers from McGill University found that changes in sea levels during the Ice Age affected crocodile gene flow, isolating Caribbean and Pacific populations with distinct genetic mutations. The study reveals the resilience of American crocodiles to climate swings and highlights the need for targeted conservation efforts in Panama.

SourceMcGill University·JournalEvolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 25, 2023

Astronomers capture radio signal from distant galaxy

Researchers detect radio signal from record-breaking distance galaxy, measuring gas composition and gaining insights into the early universe. The signal was amplified by a factor of 30 using gravitational lensing, allowing scientists to study a previously inaccessible region.

SourceMcGill University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 16, 2023

Women experiencing intimate partner violence three times more likely to contract HIV

A new study published in The Lancet HIV reveals that women experiencing recent intimate partner violence are three times more likely to contract HIV. The research highlights the intersectional epidemic of IPV and HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa, where women face increased risk of HIV acquisition and less frequent viral load suppression.

SourceMcGill University·JournalThe Lancet HIV·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 5, 2023

The hidden secrets of flowers

A team of researchers from McGill University and the Montreal Botanical Garden used photogrammetry to create 3D models of flowers, shedding light on their evolution and interaction with pollinators. The technique has the potential to revolutionize research in plant biodiversity.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNew Phytologist·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 14, 2022

An ecological rule breaker shows the effects of climate change on body size evolution

A study by McGill University researchers found that Northern Tree Shrews' body size increased with warmer climates, contradicting Bergmann's rule. The team analyzed museum specimens and historical climate data, revealing a reversal of the Island rule as well, highlighting the complex interaction between ecological factors.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateDec 14, 2022

Poverty linked to Facebook and Instagram addiction in teens

Research finds a strong link between economic inequality and addictive social media use in teenagers, who often escape negative feelings by using these platforms. The study, involving over 179,000 schoolchildren worldwide, highlights the need for new strategies to promote responsible social media use.

SourceMcGill University·JournalInformation Communication & Society·DateNov 25, 2022

Vaccine uptake remains low among at-risk Canadians

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.

SourceMcGill University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 2, 2022

Flatworm-inspired medical adhesives stop blood loss

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.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 13, 2022

AI that can learn patterns of human language

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.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 11, 2022

A one-stop-shop for brain imaging

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.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Methods·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 6, 2022

A new understanding of the neurobiology of impulsivity

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.

SourceMcGill University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateSep 22, 2022

Greenland’s Indigenous population favours extracting and exporting sand from melting ice sheet

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.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeSurvey·DateAug 18, 2022

Why are some birds more intelligent than others?

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.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateAug 2, 2022

No pain, no gain? How the brain chooses between pain and profit

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.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 27, 2022

A blueprint for life forms on Mars?

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.

SourceMcGill University·JournalThe ISME Journal·DateJun 21, 2022

Air pollution gets worse during winter at airports

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.

SourceMcGill University·JournalEnvironmental Science and Pollution Research·DateJun 9, 2022

Decoding the language of immune responses

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.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience·DateJun 2, 2022

Why are male mice afraid of bananas?

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.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 24, 2022

How to break up with your phone

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.

SourceMcGill University·JournalInternational Journal of Mental Health and Addiction·DateMay 19, 2022

Exposure to wildfires increases risk of cancer

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.

SourceMcGill University·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 9, 2022

What shaking a container can teach us about touch

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.

SourceMcGill University·JournalQuarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology·DateApr 7, 2022

Sustainable strategies to treat urban runoff

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.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Sustainability·DateApr 7, 2022

Largest ever psychedelics study maps changes of conscious awareness to neurotransmitter systems

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.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 16, 2022

Improved maize yields in Tanzania

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.

SourceMcGill University·JournalJournal of Development Economics·DateMar 9, 2022

Global environmental risks from treated wastewater

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.

SourceMcGill University·JournalEarth System Science Data·DateMar 9, 2022