A large clinical study of 1,495 patients in 10 countries found that those who had a total hip arthroplasty reported better function but also higher incidence of serious complications. The study suggests the advantages of total hip replacement may not be compelling.
A team of scientists has solved the mystery of 'Fraser's Clawed Frog', an unusual species found in West Africa. The study, published in PLOS ONE, reveals that the frog inhabits hot and arid regions of northern Cameroon and Ghana, contradicting previous assumptions about its geographic origin.
A new study by McMaster University researchers reveals that over 1,125,000 men globally have hemophilia, with 418,000 having severe forms of the disease. The study found a significant life expectancy disadvantage for those with hemophilia, particularly in lower-income countries.
A large international study found that cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death worldwide, but its share has declined in high-income countries where cancer deaths have become more frequent. CVD risk factors are highest in rich countries, yet mortality rates are lower, suggesting other factors may be at play.
A large international study found that more than 70% of cardiovascular disease and deaths globally may be attributed to a small number of modifiable risk factors. The 14 identified risk factors include hypertension, low education, poor diet, air pollution, and indoor air pollution, which have varying impacts on health across countries ...
A community-based intervention involving non-physician health workers and personal supporters significantly reduced cardiovascular risk in patients with hypertension. The study found a 40% reduction in cardiovascular risk, improved blood pressure control, and enhancements in medication adherence, physical activity, and diet.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that opening all clogged arteries after a serious heart attack leads to a 26% reduction in patient risk of dying or having a recurrent heart attack. This approach also shows no major downside to additional procedures.
A meta-analysis of 40 studies reveals that individuals with psychiatric disorders such as major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and borderline personality disorder exhibit heightened impulsivity. The study suggests a continuum between impulsive and self-controlled decision-making across different disorders.
Researchers at McMaster University found that extreme weather events like hurricanes can drive the evolution of more aggressive spiders in storm-prone regions. Colonies with more aggressive foraging responses produce more egg cases and have more spiderlings survive into early winter after tropical cyclones.
A study published in The Lancet found that covert strokes are more common than overt strokes in people over 65 who have surgery, with one in 14 patients experiencing a silent stroke. This increases the risk of cognitive decline and other complications, affecting up to three million people globally.
Researchers extracted genetic programs for glycopeptide antibiotic production from Actinobacteria, revealing precursors date back over 1 billion years. The study shows that resistance co-evolved with production as a means of self-protection for producing bacteria.
A large international study published in EClinicalMedicine journal reveals that home births have no increased risk of baby's perinatal or neonatal death compared to hospital births. The study analyzed data from over 500,000 intended home births and similar numbers of hospital births in eight countries.
Researchers at McMaster University developed a novel antibacterial gel made entirely from bacteria-killing viruses, which can be targeted to attack specific forms of bacteria. The gel holds promise for numerous beneficial applications in medicine and environmental protection.
Scientists at McMaster University have identified biomarkers for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) in urine, which could lead to better treatments and reduce the need for costly colonoscopy procedures. The study found distinctive metabolic signatures that were elevated in IBS patients, suggesting an impairment of the gut's elastic lining.
Researchers from McMaster University mapped a toxic protein linked to Alzheimer's disease, providing new insights into its behavior and interactions with neurons. The findings highlight the importance of understanding the structural features that differentiate toxic and non-toxic forms of amyloid beta.
A new study reveals that DDT persists in remote lakes at concerning levels half a century after its ban, impacting key aquatic species and potentially entire lake food webs. The study found high levels of DDT in modern sediments, similar to those found in previously sprayed areas of Canada and the U.S.
A new study from McMaster University found that physical activity in children as young as three years old benefits blood vessel health and cardiovascular fitness, reducing early risk indicators of adult heart disease.
A large international clinical trial found that dulaglutide reduced cardiovascular events by 12% and kidney disease by 15% in people with Type 2 diabetes. The study, REWIND, followed over 9,900 participants for five years.
Researchers from McMaster University and the University of Montpellier have reached almost identical results in two separate studies, overturning a longstanding consensus on sloth evolutionary relationships. The combined molecular evidence suggests that ancient sloths may have been at home on both land and in trees.
Researchers at McMaster University have developed a novel form of computing using light patterns and materials that react intuitively to light. This new approach enables simple calculations such as addition and subtraction without the need for power sources.
A new method combines active ingredients in existing vaccines with a sugary gel, making them viable for eight weeks or more. This technology can replace the cumbersome cold chain and transport vaccines safely and cheaply to remote populations.
A major study by the Ontario Child Health Study found that one in five Ontario children and youth suffer from a mental disorder, with a significant increase in anxiety and depression. The study also revealed that many children have contact with other health providers and settings, often through schools.
Researchers at McMaster University have discovered a unique subset of cells, called human pluripotent founder cells, that appear to signal how surrounding cells will develop and grow. These 'kingpin' cells are found in primates but not in mice, suggesting they may play a key role in understanding cancerous tumours.
According to a study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, vaccine allergies are extremely uncommon, affecting only one in 760,000 vaccinations. Most side effects from vaccines are not allergic reactions, but rather minor responses that can be managed with over-the-counter medications.
A study published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health found that children with obesity experience a range of health issues, including anxiety, dyslipidemia, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The research suggests that using a clinical staging system is more useful than BMI alone to identify these health concerns.
The use of medically assisted death (MAID) has resulted in ethical concerns over body donations to anatomy programs in Canada. McMaster University's head of anatomy, Bruce Wainman, argues that guidelines are needed to ensure respectful treatment of MAID donors and avoid pressuring vulnerable individuals into donation.
Researchers found that docile societies outperform aggressive ones when resources are scarce, while the opposite occurs when aggression dominates. This trade-off suggests a balance between domination and survival is key to successful spider societies.
Researchers at McMaster University have developed a method to create artificial tumours using magnetic 3D printing, enabling faster and more affordable testing of new treatments. The technique uses magnets to concentrate human cells in a predetermined area, forming 3D cell clusters that mimic human tissues.
New research by McMaster behavioural scientists reveals evolution can work backwards to benefit related members of the same group. Selfless traits like sharing food and keeping watch are mathematically equivalent to decreased evolution of individually beneficial traits.
Guidelines update suggest children can begin some activity sooner, as long as symptoms don't worsen. Average time to move through stages of recovery varies from 48 hours to six weeks.
Researchers are investigating ways to conduct meaningful science and send valuable information back to Earth in the harsh Martian environment. Scientists have simulated mission conditions using basalt samples from Idaho and Hawaii, seeking clues to the ongoing search for life on Mars.
Researchers have developed a motion-powered, fireproof sensor that can track the movements of firefighters and others in high-risk environments. The sensor generates power through triboelectric charging and has been successfully tested at temperatures up to 300C.
A study led by McMaster University found that providing additional health-care services to help heart failure patients transition from hospital to home does not improve their outcome. Despite this, patients receiving the intervention reported improvements in discharge preparedness and quality of life.
Researchers debunked a common misconception that millions of people have an antibiotic allergy. Studies show that only 10% of reported allergies are true, and many lose their allergy over time.
Researchers at McMaster University have identified a simple mechanism used by bacteria to resist antibiotics. By understanding this mechanism, scientists can design better drugs to fight infection. The study found that when bacteria become resistant, their membrane becomes more rigid and harder for the drug to penetrate.
A team of researchers at McMaster University discovered a way to analyze how musicians intuitively coordinate with each other during performances, predicting their movements to convey emotions. The study found that musicians predicted each other's movements more when playing expressively than non-expressively.
Chemists at McMaster University have identified new chemical signatures in a small amount of blood that could detect cystic fibrosis in infants earlier and more accurately. These biomarkers can be analyzed using mass spectrometry, reducing costs and anxiety for families.
Researchers linked health factors like access to public transit, grocery store variety, and food prices to major diseases. The study found significant differences in environmental factors across Canada's provinces, urban-rural communities, and regions.
A recent study published in JAMA found that opioids provide only modest benefits for patients with chronic non-cancer pain. The research suggests that while opioids may help alleviate symptoms, their use comes with a high risk of side effects and addiction.
A study from McMaster University and the Netherlands found that the impairment rating of injured workers significantly differs depending on the edition of the American Medical Association (AMA) guides used. The researchers compared two editions and found that the sixth edition resulted in lower impairment ratings.
A study examining Twitter language reveals Canadians tend to be polite, using positive words like 'great' and emoticons, while Americans are negative with words like 'hate' and emojis. The findings suggest that national stereotypes are reflected on Twitter despite the lack of accuracy in real-life personality traits.
Researchers from McMaster University have discovered a novel genetic control of lipid maintenance that links to lifespan. The study found that the WNT signalling pathway plays a key role in regulating lipid production, which is essential for healthy living.
Researchers analyzed data from 28 papers involving over 1,300 participants and found no evidence linking high protein diets to kidney disease in healthy individuals or those at risk of kidney disease. A high-protein diet can actually increase kidney function, making it a safe and important tool for muscle health across the lifespan.
Researchers have designed 'smart' surface coatings that can repel harmful elements but permit targeted beneficial exceptions for medical applications. This technology holds promise for safer implants, more accurate diagnostic tests, and reduced false positives and negatives.
Researchers at McMaster University discovered a new way bacteria evade the human immune system by shutting down flagella expression, making it difficult for the immune system to detect and respond. This finding has significant implications for understanding antibiotic resistance and developing new treatments.
A new study from McMaster University reveals that whey protein is the most effective protein source for seniors to rebuild lost muscle, with minimal impact on lean muscle loss. In contrast, collagen peptides showed no benefits in mitigating muscle loss.
Researchers at McMaster University are pioneering a new Origins of Life Laboratory to mimic early-Earth conditions, testing RNA sequence formation and potential self-replication. The lab's Planetary Simulator will simulate years of cycles in days, studying the emergence of life on Earth and potentially elsewhere.
A McMaster University-led review of 52 articles found no significant association between progression-free survival and health-related quality of life in cancer patients. The study suggests that clinical trials should measure health-related quality of life directly to ensure patients are receiving effective treatments.
A new study published in the Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience suggests that our brains prioritize character development when listening to or viewing a story. This study used fMRI scans to examine how participants conveyed narrative ideas through different forms of expression, such as speech, gestures, and drawings.
Researchers at McMaster University have identified a previously unknown cell population that triggers the return of acute myeloid leukemia after remission. This discovery provides a potential new target for therapies and offers hope for improving treatment outcomes for patients with leukemia.