Researchers have developed a new treatment that significantly reduces morphine use after hysterectomies, leading to improved lung function and more consistent pain relief. The treatment combines two non-opioid drugs, gabapentin and rofecoxib, which work together to alleviate movement-related pain and promote better breathing.
Researchers found that male songbirds who shed their feathers too late may have duller, less colorful plumage, which could disadvantage them in attracting mates. The study, published in Science, used stable hydrogen isotopes and spectrometry to analyze feather color and carotenoid concentrations.
Dr. Smol, a renowned environmental scientist, has made significant contributions to the field of paleolimnology through his research on long-term environmental change. His work has been recognized with the Council's highest honour, the Herzberg Gold Medal, and $1 million in funding.
Research by Queen's University finds that northern plant populations switch from sexual to asexual reproduction due to genetic factors causing sterility. This shift allows for faster adaptation to harsher environments, but may impact management decisions and species survival.
A Queen's biologist calls for immediate protection for two distinct rock ptarmigan populations in Newfoundland and Alaska, citing genetic differences and threats from human activities. The study's findings suggest that these populations should be considered separate species, deserving special preservation under the Species at Risk Act.
A new 'hyperactive' antifreeze protein has been identified in the blood of winter flounder, enabling them to withstand temperatures as low as -1.9 degrees Celsius. This discovery explains the previously unknown mechanism behind these fish's survival in polar oceans.
Researchers have identified two specific brain areas activated when people make mental state judgments, shedding light on the neural basis of everyday theory of mind. This finding may help develop interventions for individuals with autism who struggle with social skills and mental state decoding.
A study by Queen's University researchers found that taste and odour-causing algae have increased in 90% of lakes in the Muskoka-Haliburton region since the early 1800s. The increase is attributed to climate change and acidic deposition, with significant rises over the past two decades.
Researchers found that prehistoric Inuit whalers dramatically altered high Arctic pond ecosystems through their hunting practices over 800 years ago. The team's study revealed a significant increase in moss growth and nutrients in the water, coinciding with deposits of nutrient-rich whalebones and other refuse.
A new study finds that declining winter habitats of migratory songbirds significantly affect their ability to reproduce. Researchers measured stable carbon isotopes in the birds' blood, revealing a 'food chain signature' tied to habitat quality.
A team led by Queen's urologist Dr. J. Curtis Nickel will investigate herbal remedies like saw palmetto and pygeum africanum for treating BPH, prostatitis, and bladder disease. The study aims to determine the true effectiveness and safety of these alternative therapies.
A $1.9 million grant will study the impact of personal data flow on society, exploring how individuals and organizations collect, share, and use personal information across borders. The project aims to generate informed debate and positive change in global policies around handling personal data.
A physiologist's research has led to the development of improved catch-and-release procedures in fishing tournaments, resulting in better physiological condition and higher energy stores for fish. The new methods prioritize water immersion during weigh-ins to minimize stress and improve survival rates for species like bass and walleye.
Researchers at Queen's University discovered that brain patterns of people watching and performing tasks are similar, suggesting a common neural process. This finding may help assess individuals with impaired movement control and understanding of others' actions.
The study found that up to half of hospital-acquired infections are preventable and that many hospitals lack adequate resources to prevent these infections. The research highlights the need for improved infection control measures to protect patients and staff.
A five-year initiative aims to change primary care practice in Canada by focusing on physical activity, rather than diet. The PROACTIVE study will examine the effectiveness of a behavioral-based program to increase physical activity and reduce obesity.
A recent study published in Psychological Science reveals that fetuses can recognize their mother's voice before birth and prefer it after delivery. The research found that fetuses responded differently to their own mother's voice versus a stranger's, suggesting they were learning about language in the womb.
A new evidence-based protocol has been shown to significantly improve healing rates and reduce costs for people with venous leg ulcers. The study found that by standardizing assessment and follow-up care, nursing teams can deliver more effective and less expensive care.
Researchers found signs of marked environmental changes in Arctic lakes over the past two centuries, consistent with warmer conditions. The study uses fossil markers to track ecosystem changes and predicts these effects will be seen farther south.
The Human Media Lab invents computers that sense user attention, prioritizing messages based on user availability. Their Attentive User Interfaces use eye contact sensors to track user focus, optimizing communication and minimizing distractions.
A study found a previously unknown abrupt shift in climatic conditions around AD 700 in the Canadian prairies and 500 years later in US prairies. Persistent changes in jet stream shape and storm tracks are believed to cause such patterns.
A new study led by Queen's University aims to increase the sensitivity of prostate cancers to anti-cancer drugs using nitroglycerine. Researchers hope to develop a better understanding of how prostate cancer cells become resistant to chemotherapy, with potential applications for other cancers such as breast cancer.
A recent study by Queen's University researchers has found a link between trichloroethylene (TCE) exposure and male infertility. TCE, used in various industrial applications, is metabolized in the human reproductive tract and can adversely affect sperm development.
A small region in the frontal lobe is selectively activated when an individual intends to make a particular action. This finding helps explain why individuals with frontal lobe damage often have problems making decisions and act impulsively.
A new system integrating wireless technology reduces clinical errors by providing real-time access to patient data, allowing medical staff to spend more time with patients. The system has been shown to decrease the time required to see each patient by 30% in post-operative acute pain management wards.
Researchers used paleoenvironmental techniques to study West Coast salmon populations over 2000 years, finding low population numbers in ancient periods solely due to natural fluctuations. Climatic change is the primary cause for past fluctuations, while humans have contributed to decline, particularly in southern range.
Researchers have demonstrated that human fetuses can hear by the eighth month of pregnancy, with cardiac and motor responses to computer-generated white noise detected at around 30 weeks. The study's findings suggest that the fetus's auditory system is developed enough to detect sound, but the exact nature and impact of this experience...
Researchers at Queen's University have discovered potent antifreeze proteins in insects, which can withstand temperatures as low as minus 30 degrees Celsius. The findings hold promise for agriculture and the frozen food industry, potentially extending growing seasons and improving crop yields.
Dr. Kisilevsky and his team aim to develop agents that prevent protein-carbohydrate binding, effectively inhibiting malaria parasite infection. The project builds on expertise gained in amyloid and Alzheimer's research, exploring novel ideas at a molecular level.
A new study by Queen's University researchers reveals that extreme water shortages occurred naturally in Eastern Africa over the past 1,100 years. The research warns of potential devastating impacts of future climate changes on global water supplies and food security.
Researchers at Queen's University have made a groundbreaking discovery about the cause of sudden heart failure after open-heart surgery. They found that a specific protein called troponin I is damaged, leading to cardiac stunning. This new understanding could lead to new ways of preventing and treating this specific heart problem.