Daily practice enhances tactile sensitivity in blind participants, with proficient Braille readers showing exceptional performance. The study's findings challenge the long-held assumption that vision loss alone contributes to improved tactile abilities.
Researchers find increased MAN2C1 levels enhance prostate cancer recurrence and metastasis, highlighting a potential target for blocking tumor progression. The study could lead to the development of new treatments for patients with advanced prostate cancer.
Combination therapy of loperamide and minocycline may provide a safer method for treating devastating lung infections in people with cystic fibrosis. The approach could cut drug development time in half, offering new hope for those affected by this genetic disease.
Biochemist Yingfu Li and his research team have developed a universal test that can quickly identify any bacteria, reducing the time for detection from days to hours. This breakthrough could help safeguard the health of Canadians and supply industry with a reliable means to bring safe food products to consumers.
A landmark study has found that radial access for angioplasty is a safe and effective alternative to traditional femoral access, resulting in fewer vascular complications and similar success rates. The RIVAL trial involved over 7,000 patients and compared radial and femoral access for coronary angiography and intervention.
A new vaccine has been developed by McMaster University researchers, effective in treating people with cat allergies. The peptide immunotherapy vaccine is given through skin injections and may require fewer doses than traditional allergy shots, reducing side effects.
A two-year energy audit by McMaster University identified significant energy conservation measures that could save Hamilton schools almost $2.4 million annually. The audit found opportunities to install advanced heat recovery systems, boilers, solar, and wind generating systems.
Researchers found that gut bacteria influence how the brain is wired for learning and memory, leading to anxiety-like behavior. The study also suggests that targeting the immune system and gut function could lead to new therapies for psychiatric illnesses.
Children and adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are less fit than their peers, with aerobic fitness levels 25% lower and muscle function 10% lower. The study suggests that active living can help reduce the risk of future health problems in IBD patients.
A study by McMaster University found that people use voice pitch as a warning sign of future betrayal. Women are drawn to men with lower pitches, while men are attracted to women with higher pitches. This evolutionary mechanism helps protect individuals from infidelity and its associated costs.
A recent McMaster University-led study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has found that apixaban significantly reduces stroke or embolism risk in high-risk patients with atrial fibrillation, preventing one stroke for every 20 patients treated. The drug also reduces major bleeding risk compared to aspirin.
Scientists at McMaster University have discovered how to make human blood directly from adult skin cells, bypassing the need for a pluripotent stem cell conversion. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for patients in need of blood transfusions, reducing reliance on donor matches and increasing access to life-saving therapies.
The AVERROES study found that apixaban was superior to aspirin for preventing stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation, with a relative risk reduction of over 50% and a small increase in bleeding risk. The study's results will reduce the burden of stroke in society.
Researchers found that standard dose unfractionated heparin (UFH) added to fondaparinux maintains a low rate of major bleeding and prevents catheter thrombosis. The study suggests that standard dose UFH may be the optimal treatment strategy in PCI patients on fondaparinux.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine contradicts earlier reports that people with a certain genetic make-up don't benefit from the blood-thinner clopidogrel. Researchers found that the gene variant previously thought to be associated with reduced effectiveness had no impact on patients taking clopidogrel.
A new study at McMaster University shows that using lighter weights can build muscle just as effectively as heavier ones. The key is to lift until fatigue sets in, pumping iron for a specific duration.
A study published in Clinical Neurophysiology found that an electroencephalography (EEG) test can predict how patients with schizophrenia will respond to clozapine therapy. The test achieved an accuracy of 89%, showing promise for improving treatment outcomes and reducing the risk of serious side effects.
A study by McMaster University researchers found that overweight and obese women have a 30% greater risk of induced preterm birth before 37 weeks, increasing to 70% for very obese women. This higher risk is associated with serious health problems for the baby, especially when born earlier than 32 weeks.
A recent study found that ultra-low-molecular-weight heparin semuloparin reduces the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and all-cause death by 25% in orthopedic surgery patients compared to enoxaparin.
McMaster University researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding the molecular mechanisms of hereditary colorectal cancers. They discovered how a specific protein, MutL, works within cells to repair DNA errors, paving the way for alternative cancer treatments and assessment tools.
Researchers at McMaster University have identified a chemical, prostaglandin D2, that may trigger remission in patients with ulcerative colitis. Elevated levels of this chemical were found in patients in long-term remission, suggesting it as a key factor in preventing new episodes.
The study reveals a small chemical makes Staphylococcus aureus stronger, more infectious and resistant to antibiotics. Shutting down this synthesis renders the bacteria non-functional and non-infectious.
Researchers from McMaster University and Brookhaven National Laboratory captured images of electrons changing form in metals at extremely low temperatures. The discovery reveals a previously unknown phase transition, shedding light on heavy fermion behavior.
A McMaster University study found that women who drank two large glasses of milk a day after weightlifting gained more muscle and lost more fat compared to those who consumed sugar-based energy drinks. The researchers attributed the gains to the combination of calcium, high-quality protein, and vitamin D in milk.
Bacteria recognize and develop resistance to vancomycin through a specific sensing mechanism. The discovery provides new understanding of the molecular basis of vancomycin resistance and represents an essential first step in developing new antibiotics that can evade bacterial sensing mechanisms.
A recent international study on osteoporosis in women has found that most postmenopausal women are not aware of their actual risk of debilitating bone breaks. The study, which involved over 60,000 women aged 55 and older in 10 countries, highlights the need for public education about osteoporosis risk factors and treatment.
Researchers at McMaster University have discovered a new mechanism by which HIV infects women, exploiting the breakdown of the mucosal barrier in the intestinal and female genital tract. This breakthrough understanding could lead to the development of more effective prevention strategies, such as microbicides and vaccines.
A novel anti-inflammatory drug, ATB-346, has shown promise in relieving inflammation symptoms while reducing bleeding and intestinal damage caused by commonly used NSAIDs. The researchers found that ATB-346 is at least as effective as naproxen in animal models and is significantly safer.
Researchers at McMaster University have discovered how specific proteins on cell surfaces bind to double-stranded RNA, triggering an immune response. This finding could lead to the development of targeted antiviral therapies with reduced side effects.
Researchers at McMaster University found that interval training can be an effective and time-efficient way to reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes. The study involved eight to 12 one-minute bouts of exercise with rest intervals, resulting in a total of 20-25 minutes per session.
The discovery reveals QPD is caused by an extra copy of the PLAU gene, leading to overproduction of an enzyme that accelerates blood clot breakdown. This breakthrough genetic test will uncover many more cases and provide fundamental insights into how the uPA gene is controlled.
A complex dietary supplement has been developed to offset ageing processes in mice by increasing energy supply and reducing free radicals. The formula maintains youthful levels of locomotor activity into old age, preventing key symptoms of ageing.
A three-week course of accelerated hypofractionated whole-breast irradiation has been shown to be as safe and effective as the standard five-week regimen for women with early-stage breast cancer. The study, led by Dr. Tim Whelan, found that patients treated with this accelerated therapy had a low risk of side effects and recurrence of ...
A new research network, backed by $5 million in funding from NSERC, aims to accelerate solar cell research and development to make large-scale PV deployment more competitive. The network will train 88 researchers over five years and focus on increasing device conversion efficiency and reducing costs.
Researchers found a maternal East Asian ancestry in ancient mitochondrial DNA from 2,000-year-old bones in Italy. The findings indicate that at least one individual was of non-Italian descent, possibly a slave or worker from the Roman Empire.
A $1.4 million research collaboration aims to develop RFID technology to notify subway vehicles of track inspectors' exact location, enhancing worker safety. The project, involving McMaster University and industry partners, is expected to create up to 100 jobs upon successful completion.
A study published in Pediatrics found that children diagnosed with concussions spent fewer days in hospital and returned to school sooner than those with head injuries not labeled as concussions. Children with concussion diagnoses were also more likely to return to school sooner after discharge.
Researchers at McMaster University have developed a way to propel microscopic worms using an electric field, enabling high-throughput micro-screening devices for drug discovery. The technique demonstrates movement of worms forward and in reverse guided by the direction of the electric field, allowing for rapid screening of chemicals an...
Astronomers found two types of blue stragglers that defy aging: those rejuvenated by cosmic collisions and those formed by vampirism. The latter is thought to be caused by a smaller star siphoning hydrogen from its companion, while the former occurs in nearly head-on collisions where stars merge, mixing their nuclear fuel.
Research by McMaster University scientist Mark Loeb found that long-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter increases the risk of hospitalization for pneumonia in adults aged 65 and older. Exposure to air pollution may compromise lung immune defenses, making individuals more susceptible to pneumonia.
Researchers suggest that compulsive eating may be a legitimate addiction, sparking a new perspective on weight management. The concept of food addiction shares similarities with other addictive behaviors, including tolerance and withdrawal symptoms.
Cichlid fish make strategic decisions about group living arrangements based on social rank and predation risks. Larger, bossier groups are preferred over unfamiliar ones for enhanced protection.
A new study by McMaster researcher Sam Schulman found that an oral drug called dabigatran etexilate is as safe and effective as warfarin for treating venous thromboembolism (VTE), a common clotting disorder affecting millions annually. The drug does not require frequent monitoring or dose adjustments, making it a convenient alternative.
A study by McMaster University reveals that plants prefer to share space with their own kind but divert resources towards leaves when paired with non-kin. This complex behavior allows siblings to access sunlight and compete more effectively for limited resources.
A tiny injector has been developed to speed up drug development by increasing the precision of protein and DNA injection into cells. This device achieves an 80% success rate in injecting Zebrafish embryos, enabling rapid preclinical trials and genetic engineering.
The study emphasizes the role of population mobility in spreading drug-resistant diseases worldwide. Researchers propose a new approach that considers the 'human factor' in health policy and processes to combat this growing threat.
A new study from McMaster University found that young adults are more likely to donate blood, but this trend may not sustain due to aging population. The study suggests targeting campaigns to encourage more Canadians to consider blood donation.
A high-fat diet impairs muscle health in adolescents with pre-diabetes, leading to initial adaptations but ultimately decreased ability to use fat or glucose as fuel. The study suggests early therapeutic interventions are needed to prevent long-term functional impairment.
A McMaster University study found that surgical masks are as effective as N95 respirators in protecting healthcare workers against influenza. The research showed an estimated effectiveness within one percent of the respirator, with no increased rate of infection.
Researchers at McMaster University have identified a novel chemical compound that targets drug-resistant bacteria, offering a promising solution to combat resistant infections. The discovery provides a new approach to tackle antibiotic resistance by blocking a specific step in the development of bacterial cell surfaces.