Menopause is now believed to be an unintended outcome of natural selection, with older women being less likely to reproduce due to preference for younger mates among men. This new theory suggests that natural selection protects fertility in women while they are most likely to reproduce.
A large international study led by McMaster researchers found that one in six women arriving at orthopedic fracture clinics have been victims of physical, emotional, or sexual violence within the past year. This highlights the need for healthcare professionals to identify and support victims of intimate partner violence, who are often ...
Researchers at McMaster University have discovered that removing a key protein can significantly improve the lifespan and neurological function of mice with Tay-Sachs disease. The findings suggest that FDA-approved drugs, readily available on the market, may help alleviate symptoms of the devastating condition.
Researchers at McMaster University found that women's ability to recall faces is superior to men's, likely due to their subconscious focus on facial features. By changing their eye movement patterns, individuals can potentially improve their own face memory and recognition skills.
A survey of over 600 board directors found that women are more likely to consider the rights of others and take a cooperative approach to decision-making. This results in better performance for their companies, with women-led boards experiencing higher returns on equity and lower rates of bankruptcy.
A study suggests that humans rely on past experiences to predict future outcomes, which can lead to irrational decisions in games of chance. This strategy may contribute to problem gambling behavior and is resistant to current behavioral intervention strategies.
A study published in PLOS Pathogens found that immune cells from older adults can respond to virus infections similarly to those from younger individuals. This discovery has important implications for vaccination strategies targeting the elderly.
A five-year study of almost 32,000 patients found that a heart-healthy diet significantly reduces the chance of a second heart attack and stroke in people with cardiovascular disease. The study showed that dietary modification offers consistent benefits beyond drug therapy alone, saving lives globally.
Researchers at McMaster University discovered a novel molecular basis for depression, finding the FTO gene is associated with an eight per cent reduction in the risk of depression. The study found no link between obesity and depression, contradicting common perception that obese individuals are more likely to be depressed.
A study published in Animal Behaviour found that a hormone similar to oxytocin increases responsiveness to social information and promotes cohesion in fish. The discovery sheds light on the evolution of complex social behaviors in some species.
Researchers found that ragweed plants will invest resources for the benefit of their group when planted with kin, leading to a larger fungal network and greater benefits. This cooperation is likely due to plant kin recognition, which can enhance altruism towards relatives and promote sustainable farming practices.
A global study of 154,000 individuals from 17 countries found that healthy foods are consumed more often by the wealthy, while poorer people rely on carbohydrates. The study also revealed lower levels of obligatory physical activity among the poor and higher rates of smoking among richer populations.
Child psychological abuse is linked to disorders of attachment, developmental and educational problems, socialization problems and disruptive behaviour. The effects of psychological maltreatment during the first three years of life can be particularly profound.
New research from McMaster University debunks the bodybuilding myth that growth-promoting hormones stimulate strength after weightlifting. Contrary to conventional wisdom, anabolic hormones do not influence muscle protein synthesis, leading to bigger muscles.
A study of over 12,500 people in 40 countries found that long-term insulin use does not increase the risk of heart disease or cancer. Participants who received daily basal insulin injections had a lower chance of developing type 2 diabetes even after treatment stopped.
A simple blood test can identify people at high risk of dying within a month after non-cardiac surgery. The test called Troponin T measures protein markers of heart injury and is strongly associated with 30-day mortality.
Researchers at McMaster University have discovered a drug, thioridazine, that kills cancer stem cells in humans while avoiding toxic side effects of conventional treatments. The study holds promise for new strategies and discovery pipelines for developing anticancer drugs.
Research at McMaster University found that interactive music classes with parents improve babies' communication skills, such as smiling and waving goodbye. The study also showed that infants' brains respond differently to musical tones in interactive versus passive listening conditions.
Researchers at McMaster University have developed rapid testing method using paper strip to detect E. coli in recreational water within minutes, improving public safety and closing the gap between outbreaks and detection. The test strips can detect potentially harmful concentrations of E. coli with much greater accuracy than existing p...
Researchers found that working to fatigue with lighter loads is equally effective for inducing muscle growth and promoting strength as training with heavy weights. The study challenges conventional wisdom on weightlifting and provides evidence for a simpler paradigm of resistance training.
A recent study by McMaster University researchers has found that floc, microscopic communities hosting large populations of bacteria, contain high levels of antibiotic resistance. The discovery highlights the widespread presence of antibiotic resistance in aquatic environments, with varying intensities based on human influence.
Researchers found that anti-depressants have negative health effects on developmental problems in infants, sexual stimulation and function, digestive issues, and abnormal bleeding in elderly patients. The benefits of most anti-depressants compare poorly to the risks, including premature death in elderly patients.
Researchers found that salicylate increases AMPK activity, leading to reduced liver fat and improved fat burning in obese mice. The study suggests a potential link between aspirin and preventing type 2 diabetes.
McMaster University researchers found a remarkable prevalence of antibiotic resistance bacteria isolated from Lechuguilla Cave, one of the deepest and largest caves in the world. The discovery suggests that there are far more antibiotics in the environment that could be used to treat currently untreatable infections.
The centre aims to understand genetic and environmental causes of common diseases in diverse ethnic groups. It will provide innovative training for the next generation of health researchers.
Researchers say anti-clotting effect of heparin is well established but its impact on cancer patients remains unclear. The SAVE-ONCO study found semuloparin reduced thromboembolism incidence but had no significant effect on major bleeding and death.
A McMaster University study finds that closing schools can significantly reduce the spread of pH1N1, with a 50% reduction in transmission observed. The research used high-quality data from Alberta to demonstrate the effectiveness of school closures as a control measure during pandemic outbreaks.
Researchers at McMaster University found a 10-minute massage significantly reduces inflammation in muscle, triggering biochemical signals that can aid healing. The study suggests massage may be an effective alternative to pain medications for recovery from injury.
Researchers at McMaster University found that nearly 1 in 3 patients with pacemakers and no history of atrial fibrillation experience asymptomatic atrial arrhythmias, increasing stroke risk. These episodes were often undetected until they were picked up by the pacemaker, highlighting the importance of monitoring for silent fibrillation.
A new study by McMaster University researchers has found that certain proteins involved in cancer treatment can also combat antibiotic resistance. The study, led by Gerry Wright, screened 14 antibiotic-resistant molecules against 80 chemically diverse protein kinase inhibitors and identified potential repurposing opportunities.
A study by McMaster researchers found consistent evidence that hormone replacement therapy is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer globally. The research suggests that decreased HRT use after the WHI trial led to a decline in breast cancer incidence in many countries.
A recent study found that less than 47% of adults are properly immunized for tetanus and 39% of those over 65 receive the pneumococcal vaccine. Dr. Vivien Brown advocates for moving immunization to the top of health checklists, with both doctors and patients taking responsibility for tracking vaccination records.
A study by McMaster researchers found that young adults' physical activity declines sharply after transitioning to university or college, with men experiencing the largest decrease. This decline can be attributed to a combination of factors, including changes in lifestyle and reduced engagement in leisure activities.
A new study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that brief high-intensity workouts can rapidly lower blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetics. The study, conducted on eight participants, showed improved glycemic control and increased skeletal muscle mitochondrial capacity.
A calorie-restricted diet high in protein from dairy foods and low in carbs, combined with daily exercise, improves bone health in overweight women. Dairy-based protein supports calcium and vitamin D levels, reducing markers of bone loss.
A McMaster University study found that moderate salt intake was linked to the lowest risk of cardiovascular events, while excessive or low salt intake increased the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other complications. The research calls into question current guidelines recommending low sodium intake.
A study by McMaster University researchers found that voters tend to prefer candidates with lower-pitched voices, perceiving them as more attractive and dominant. This preference is related to the cue of dominance, which has been an important factor in human leadership throughout evolution.
Scientists have sequenced the entire genome of the Black Death, revealing a direct ancestor that causes modern plagues worldwide. The study provides insights into the evolution of human pathogens and historical pandemics.
Researchers at McMaster University discovered that consuming generous amounts of fruit and raw vegetables can significantly weaken the effect of the 9p21 genetic variant, which increases the risk of heart disease. This study supports public health recommendations to consume more than five servings of fruits or vegetables daily.
McMaster researchers discovered that mice without essential exercise genes have impaired muscle function and lower mitochondrial levels. The study highlights the importance of AMPK enzyme in exercise regulation and its potential implications for individuals with mobility issues or obesity.
Research led by McMaster University found that exercise triggers mesenchymal stem cells to become bone instead of fat, leading to improved blood production and overall health. This finding suggests a new potential for exercise as a non-medicinal treatment for blood-related disorders.
A McMaster University study found that stomach acid-suppressing drugs used to treat arthritis may cause damage to the small intestine, aggravating ulcers. The researchers suggest using probiotics as a potential cure for this damage.
Scientists have discovered that antibiotic-resistant genes existed in ancient DNA from 30,000-year-old permafrost. This finding suggests that resistance is a natural phenomenon that predates modern clinical antibiotic use.
A high-protein, dairy-rich diet has been found to lead to greater whole-body fat and abdomen fat losses, as well as lean mass gains and increased strength. The study also shows that the tissue composition of lost weight is predominantly fat, with no muscle loss.
A global study by McMaster researchers found that too few patients are using simple, cheap, and proven drugs to prevent heart attacks and strokes. The study, which included data from 17 countries, found significant gaps in the use of these medications, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
A new rehabilitation approach for children with cerebral palsy, called 'context-focused intervention', has been shown to be equally beneficial as traditional child-focused therapy. The study found no significant differences in daily functioning between the two treatment groups.
A study by McMaster University found that milk is more effective than water or sports drinks in rehydrating children after exercise. Milk provides high-quality protein, carbohydrates, calcium, and electrolytes, helping the body retain fluid better and supporting muscle development.
A new study by McMaster University researchers found that South Asians are more likely to store fat in internal organs like the liver, increasing the risk of diabetes and coronary artery disease. The study suggests that this type of visceral fat is associated with metabolic problems and may affect organ function.
A meta-analysis by McMaster researcher Paul Andrews found that patients who have used anti-depressant medications can be nearly twice as susceptible to future episodes of major depression. The study suggests that people who have not been taking any medication are at a 25 per cent risk of relapse, compared to 42 per cent or higher for t...
Human stem cells can be directed to specific cell types through molecular cues, enabling more efficient tissue regeneration. Researchers found that pluripotent stem cells have unique 'suitcases' for different destinations, increasing specialized cell production.