A new study from McMaster University researchers found that many people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) who believe they are sensitive to gluten or wheat may not actually react to these ingredients. The study suggests that expectations and beliefs, rather than the ingredients themselves, may be driving symptoms in many cases.
A new study led by McMaster University researchers compared over 40 treatment options for chronic hives and found that certain treatments are more effective and safer than others. The findings will inform upcoming international clinical guidelines, providing patients and clinicians with a clear 'menu of treatment options' to choose from.
Researchers have discovered a protein called BACE1 that helps lung cancer spread to the brain, where treatment options are currently limited. The study suggests that existing Alzheimer's drugs could be repurposed to prevent or slow the spread of lung cancer to the brain.
Researchers at McMaster University have developed new strains of the split gill mushroom with customized properties for various applications. The study demonstrates that natural genetic variations can be used to create sustainable materials like vegan leather and foam alternatives.
A large international study has found that managing low and high blood pressure in non-cardiac surgery has no significant impact on in-hospital delirium or cognitive changes one year after surgery. The study included 2,603 patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery and compared two strategies for mean arterial pressure targeting.
Researchers found that a single gene in Yersinia pestis, causing bubonic plague, allowed it to adapt and survive by reducing virulence and increasing infection time. The gene's copy number decreased in later outbreaks, leading to lower mortality rates and longer infection times.
A Canadian study found a strong association between ultra-processed food consumption and cardiometabolic risk factors, including high blood pressure and diabetes. Individuals who consumed the most ultra-processed foods had higher BMI, waist circumference, and blood pressure levels than those who consumed fewer or no such foods.
The study identified six modifiable factors associated with adiposity in South Asian children, including reduced screen time and extended breastfeeding. Targeted interventions such as subsidized nutrition programs and increased physical activity can support healthier life trajectories.
A team led by Gerry Wright has identified a strong candidate to challenge even some of the most drug-resistant bacteria: a new molecule called lariocidin. The molecule holds great promise as an early drug lead because it attacks bacteria in a way that's different from other antibiotics.
A Canadian-developed, needle-free COVID-19 vaccine has begun phase-2 human trials, testing its efficacy and safety in a broad study group. The trial aims to evaluate the vaccine's ability to induce immune responses and prevent recurrent infections, with researchers hoping to include 350 participants from across Canada.
New research from McMaster University challenges the popular notion that women can build more muscle by syncing their workouts with their menstrual cycles. The study found no difference in muscle protein synthesis regardless of cycle timing, contradicting long-held advice and internet trends.
A McMaster University research team identified several small molecules in blood that inversely associate with developmental outcomes. The study highlights the complex connections between diet, gut health and a child's growth and cognitive milestones.
Researchers have identified a new blood clotting disorder, VITT-like monoclonal gammopathy of thrombotic significance (MGTS), which shares similarities with vaccine-induced immune thrombocytopenia and thrombosis. The disorder can cause severe blood clots due to antibodies resembling those that cause VITT, even without known triggers.
A new study from McMaster University reveals that oral cannabis use during pregnancy can disrupt fetal growth, nutrient delivery, and development of the placenta. The research also found potential long-term consequences on offspring behavior and learning ability.
Research reveals that wildfire smoke can carry contaminants hundreds of kilometers, leaving a toxic and lingering footprint. Urban landscapes accumulate
A McMaster University study finds that screenings of a locally-produced film about parenting reduced physical violence against children by nine percent. The film was created with and by refugees and migrants, making it an authentic and effective tool for promoting positive parenting practices.
A recent study has discovered a unique population of immune cells in the airways of patients with severe asthma, which may play a crucial role in worsening symptoms. The 'intermediate ILC2s' can change their characteristics and are linked to inflammation and difficulty breathing.
Researchers at McMaster University discovered a critical vulnerability in drug-resistant bacteria: zinc deficiency. By depriving bacteria of zinc, they found that it becomes vulnerable to azithromycin, an existing antibiotic. This study opens the door to new clinical utility for old drugs and cementing nutrient stress as a viable path ...
A genomic analysis reveals eight different sex chromosomes in 11 species of the frog, indicating unique and newly evolved genes for male or female sexual differentiation. This unexpected variation allows researchers to explore rapid evolution in sex determination, with possible 'on-off switch' genes orchestrating sexual differentiation.
A 500-year-old latrine from Bruges, Belgium has yielded evidence of intestinal parasites, shedding light on the spread of diseases through medieval travel and trade. The discovery provides key insights into human migration and disease transmission in the past.
A new test developed by McMaster University uses bacteriophages to detect bacteria in fluids such as water, urine, or milk. The test produces quick results within hours, making it a valuable tool for diagnosing diseases and ensuring food safety.
Researchers at McMaster University have identified a potential treatment for Sandhoff and Tay-Sachs diseases, two rare lysosomal storage disorders that cause progressive damage to nerve cells. The FDA-approved drug 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA) showed significant improvements in motor function, lifespan, and healthy motor neurons.
Researchers at McMaster University discovered thousands of bacteria and fungi on the wings of bats in Lillooet, British Columbia, which may help combat white-nose syndrome. The findings suggest that a probiotic cocktail could be effective against the disease, with promising results from previous tests.
A group of McMaster researchers have discovered that phages can form into three-dimensional flower-like shapes, making them 100 times more efficient at finding bacterial targets. This breakthrough has significant implications for the detection and treatment of diseases, as it enables the creation of novel antimicrobial materials.
A systematic review of 33 rehabilitation clinical trials found that cycling in the ICU leads to better physical function and shorter hospital stays. Patients who cycled spent one day less in the ICU and 1.5 days less in the hospital, with no increase in mortality rates.
Researchers at McMaster University have identified a critical vulnerability in metastatic brain cancer that can be exploited with new drugs. By targeting an enzyme called IMPDH, they anticipate preventing brain metastasis from occurring. The study has shown promising results and could lead to an alternative treatment option for patients
McMaster researchers found that the mutated huntingtin protein doesn't stimulate Poly [ADP-ribose] (PAR) production, resulting in less effective DNA repair. This discovery has implications for understanding Huntington’s Disease and potentially treating cancer.
A team of researchers at McMaster University discovered that the epithelium plays a crucial role in directing the inflammatory response to gluten in celiac disease. They found that this inner lining of the upper intestine is not just involved in absorbing nutrients, but also activates immune cells in response to gluten.
A new pathway used by cancer cells to infiltrate the brain has been discovered, offering hope for glioblastoma treatment. Researchers developed a CAR T cell therapy targeting this pathway, showing promise in blocking and killing tumor cells.
A new study of over 175,000 people in 25 countries found that individuals in low- and middle-income countries face greater challenges with daily activities and are less likely to use assistive devices compared to those in high-income countries. The study highlights the need for policies and programs to make sure people with disabilitie...
Scientists have developed a user-friendly system to quickly match specific infections to the phages that can stop them. The new technology combines a biobank and testing lab in one small package, enabling phages to be stored at room temperature for months, making them more accessible to patients who need them.
A new clinical test has been developed to detect Calcium Release Deficiency Syndrome (CRDS), a life-threatening genetic arrhythmia that causes dangerous heartbeats. The test monitors changes in electrocardiography after a fast heartbeat and pause, allowing for the diagnosis of CRDS in individuals who have previously gone unexplained.
A new wearable patch, called the Wearable Aptalyzer, can continuously monitor levels of blood sugar, lactates, and other critical biomarkers without piercing the skin. This technology holds promise for improving care in remote settings and allowing early detection of diseases.
A global study and meta-analysis confirm pantoprazole's effectiveness in preventing upper GI bleeding in critically ill adults on a breathing machine. The research, led by McMaster University, shows that pantoprazole reduces the risk of clinically important upper GI bleeding but has no significant impact on mortality.
Research from McMaster University found that orienteering exercise can improve spatial memory and delay cognitive decline. Those who ran while orienteering showed greater benefits than those who walked or exercised without navigation. The study suggests that orienteering could be a preventative measure for age-related cognitive decline.
Researchers have developed a system to detect food contamination, which could save hundreds of billions of dollars globally by reducing food waste. The technology would replace the current 'best before' date system, which often leads to perfectly safe food being wasted.
The McMaster University research team created the first-ever guidelines for preparing families to build their child's tolerance to common food allergens through oral immunotherapy. The guidelines, published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, standardize the preparation process and provide a consent form template.
A team of researchers is using 'pathogen prospecting' to study archived mosquitoes for clues about malaria's history. By analyzing DNA from these specimens, they aim to reconstruct the disease's evolution and distribution, informing efforts to combat its ongoing threat.
Researchers have developed an AI model called SyntheMol that can design new antibiotics against deadly bacteria like Acinetobacter baumannii. The model identified six potent antibacterial compounds with non-toxic properties, offering a potential solution to the global crisis of antibiotic resistance.
Anemia affects about 2 billion people worldwide and has been a significant health concern since its recognition as a blood condition in the 1800s. The new method uses microscopic gaps between bone layers to diagnose anemia in both living and dead subjects.
Researchers have identified a new therapeutic option for patients with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), a rare autoimmune disease. Benralizumab has been shown to be non-inferior to mepolizumab in reducing exacerbations and providing disease remission, with the added benefit of reduced oral corticosteroid use.
McMaster and ALK researchers have discovered a new type of memory B cell, MBC2, that remembers allergies. This discovery offers new hope for those affected by food allergies and could lead to new therapeutics.
A team of researchers at McMaster University uncovered the elusive bottleneck hindering the conversion of carbon dioxide into fuels and chemicals. The study provides new insights into the degradation process of catalysts, enabling the development of strategies to improve their operational lifetimes.
A new study by McMaster researchers found that immune system's response, specifically T cells, are responsible for neurological damage caused by viral infections. The research suggests a unique population of T cells called NKG2D+CD8+ T cells is responsible for the damage.
A Canadian-American study has found that the use of iodine povacrylex in alcohol as a skin disinfectant can significantly reduce the risk of surgical site infection in patients undergoing surgery for closed fractures. The trial, which enrolled nearly 8,500 participants, compared two commonly used antiseptic products and showed that iod...
Researchers at McMaster University have developed an instructional manual to identify and study rare B cells, which play a crucial role in allergies. The manual, published in Nature Protocols, provides a step-by-step guide for scientists to detect these cells using antigen tetramers, a method originally created by Justin Taylor.
A female woolly mammoth named Élmayuujey'eh travelled hundreds of kilometres through northwestern Canada and Alaska before encountering early people crossing the Bering Land Bridge. The study's findings suggest that human activity may have indirectly affected mammoth populations by curtailing their movements and access to grazing areas.
Researchers at McMaster University have discovered a molecular barcode system used by disease-causing bacteria to distinguish between beneficial and toxic molecules. This discovery sheds light on the mechanisms underlying bacterial pathogenicity, allowing for potential biotechnology applications to combat infectious diseases like tuber...
A new review found sparse research on women and exercise, as well as limited understanding of the effect of menstrual periods on sports performance, physiology, or physical fitness. Hormone levels vary substantially between women during their menstrual periods, making a one-size-fits-all approach to training ineffective.
Researchers analyzed over 18 million virtual and in-person care visits to find that those using virtual care had fewer bad outcomes, hospitalizations, and ICU visits. Virtual care's effectiveness was attributed to patients' ability to use it with minimal guidance.