Researchers have finally tracked adult American eels in the Sargasso Sea, solving a 100-year-old mystery. The study reveals that eels use magnetic field detection to navigate their 2,400km journey from Nova Scotia to the reproduction site.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that people with roseola virus DNA in their chromosomes are three times more likely to suffer from angina. The virus's genetic material can be transmitted like human genes, and its presence may lead to premature aging and inflammation.
A new study by Université Laval researchers found that noroviruses responsible for 50% of global gastroenteritis cases can spread through the air up to several meters from an infected person. The discovery suggests that existing measures in hospitals may be insufficient to contain these infections.
Researchers have identified significant vascular changes in Huntington's disease brains, finding mutant huntingtin in blood vessels and increased permeability of the blood-brain-barrier. These findings suggest that healthy cells can be infected by the mutant protein, offering new potential therapeutic targets.
Researchers at Université Laval have developed smart textiles that can monitor and transmit wearers' biomedical information, including glucose levels, heart rhythm, and brain activity. The technology has the potential to revolutionize healthcare for people with chronic diseases and elderly individuals living alone.
Researchers have identified a natural resistance gene in white spruce trees that makes them resistant to the devastating spruce budworm. The gene, betaglucosidase-1, produces compounds toxic to the caterpillar, potentially allowing for replanting of forests affected by the pest.
Researchers at Université Laval developed a new method to alleviate chronic pain by rekindling pain and then erasing it. By injecting capsaicin and administering a protein synthesis inhibitor, they induced temporary pain hypersensitivity, which was subsequently reversed.
International study reveals blood product sterilization processes can prevent platelets from carrying out their functions correctly, potentially leading to hemorrhages. The processes alter the genetic material of pathogen-reducing treatments, depleting platelets of RNA and impairing their ability to synthesize essential proteins.
A recent study published in Annals of Neurology reports that healthy human tissue grafted to the brains of patients with Huntington's disease developed signs of the illness, several years after grafting. The study has profound implications on the understanding of the disease and how to treat it.
Researchers at Université Laval have discovered a natural molecule called protectin DX (PDX) that improves insulin sensitivity and reduces blood glucose levels in obese diabetic rats. PDX triggers the production of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in muscle cells, similar to exercise, but its efficacy may be comparable to certain diabetes drugs.
Researchers at Université Laval discovered unusually high levels of the protein LINGO1 in people with essential tremor, which could lead to an effective treatment. The study found that inhibiting this protein may be a promising treatment avenue for essential tremor.
A recent study found that consuming certain probiotics from the Lactobacillus rhamnosus family can lead to significant weight loss in women, with an average loss of 4.4 kg over 12 weeks. The probiotics also helped maintain weight loss over a longer period and reduced appetite-regulating hormone leptin levels.
Researchers found that over half of subarctic lakes show signs of desiccation, with some drying up completely in summer 2013. The decline in meltwater is linked to dry summers and less snowy winters, which could lead to significant ecological consequences.
Researchers at Université Laval have developed biomaterial-free biological wound dressings made from human skin grown in vitro. These dressings successfully treated venous ulcers in patients who had been chronically suffering from such wounds, with an average healing time of seven weeks.
A new method for converting CO2 into methanol has been developed by Université Laval researchers. The catalyst is made of two chemical groups and produces little waste, making it more effective than previous methods.
A study of over 800 twins found that genetic factors account for 73% of relationship problems in kindergarten through Grade 4. Identifying children at risk early on can help intervene and prevent chronic rejection or victimization, which can lead to academic, health, and mental health issues.
Researchers at Université Laval have identified a molecule that stimulates the activity of the brain's immune cells, which could lead to a treatment and vaccine for Alzheimer's disease. Weekly injections of MPL eliminated up to 80% of senile plaques in mice with Alzheimer's symptoms, improving cognitive function.
A research team from Université Laval has discovered a molecular pathway by which morphine can increase pain, leading to potential new strategies to improve treatment of post-operative and chronic pain. The researchers identified specialized cells called microglia as the culprit behind morphine-induced pain hypersensitivity.
The study found that conifers' genomic structure has remained stable for at least 100 million years, leading to their resemblance with ancient fossils. This stability allows conifers to thrive in cold climates without undergoing significant evolutionary changes.
Researchers at Université Laval conducted a study examining the relationship between moon phases and psychological problems. They found no connection between the two, contradicting widespread beliefs. Anxiety disorders were slightly less frequent during the last lunar quarter, but this could be due to other factors.
Researchers found that premature infants who received Kangaroo Mother Care had better brain functioning in adolescence, comparable to those born at term. The technique, which provides skin-to-skin contact with the parent's chest, promotes immediate and future brain development.
A study published in the British Food Journal found that US consumers have a better understanding of dietary fats than French counterparts, which contradicts the notion that nutritional information encourages healthy eating habits. Researchers suggest that detailed nutritional knowledge may not be the key to healthy eating.
Researchers found a decrease in GABA receptor concentration in ET patients' cerebellums, which may affect motor coordination and movement control. The study opens doors to new research avenues and potential treatments for the condition.
A recent study by Université Laval researchers found that the risk of insomnia is significantly higher in people from families where at least one member is an insomniac. The study involved 3,485 participants and showed a 67% increase in insomnia risk for family members with one or more relatives suffering from insomnia.
A study by Université Laval researchers found that 40% of adult Canadians experience insomnia symptoms at least three times a week. The survey also revealed that many people try to treat their sleep problems themselves, rather than consulting a healthcare professional.
Researchers identified a new gonorrhea strain, H041, with extreme resistance to cephalosporin-class antibiotics. This discovery poses a significant threat to public health as the last remaining effective treatments are no longer effective against the bacterium.
The first permanent anti-fog coating has been developed by researchers at Université Laval, eliminating the need for regular reapplication. The coating prevents water droplets from forming on surfaces, maintaining optical properties and durability.
Researchers at Universitâ Laval have discovered what causes Christmas tree needles to drop off and how to double their lifespan. They found that the plant hormone ethylene is responsible for needle loss, but using a gas called 1-MCP can delay this process.
Scientists discovered CRISPR/Cas, a bacterial immune system that protects against foreign DNA invasions. The system may help prevent antibiotic resistance in certain bacteria, benefiting industries like yogurt and probiotics.
High doses of glucosamine can cause the death of pancreatic cells, potentially increasing the risk of developing diabetes. Research by Université Laval's Faculty of Pharmacy found that prolonged exposure to glucosamine triggers a mechanism that negatively affects cell survival in the pancreas.
A 12-year study of 14,000 Canadians found that using medications for insomnia or anxiety increased mortality risk by 36%. The study controlled for personal factors, suggesting a link between medication use and increased risk of death due to falls and other accidents, as well as respiratory problems.
A team of researchers from Université Laval has proven that it is possible to repair the defective gene responsible for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. They developed enzymes called meganucleases that can correct the dystrophin gene and restore its expression in muscle cells.
A recent study by Université Laval found that 40% of commercial disinfectants are ineffective in eliminating noroviruses, which cause over half of all foodborne gastroenteritis outbreaks. Bleach-based products are the only ones to drastically reduce virus concentration.
Researchers measure permafrost retreat with natural hummocks called 'palsas.' The James Bay region's permafrost has retreated 130 km north in 50 years due to climate change. Pallas will disappear if warming trend continues.
A recent study by Université Laval found that TBI victims may experience persistent motor deficits despite regaining normal walking speed. The research suggests that even in simple situations, the affected individuals show decreased speed and response times when faced with obstacles or sensory distractions.
A recent study found that transplanted neurons develop disease-like pathology in Huntington's patients, raising concerns about the therapeutic potential of cell transplantation therapy. The research suggests new mechanisms involved in the development of the disease and offers a new direction for developing novel therapeutic strategies.
Researchers at Université Laval found that people who sleep too much or not enough are at greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance. Approximately 20% of those with long and short sleep duration developed type 2 diabetes, compared to only 7% among average sleepers.
A 15-week weight loss program found that obese women who consumed less than 600mg of calcium per day lost nearly 6kg, compared to 1kg for those in the control group. Sufficient calcium intake stiffs desire to eat more, aiding weight loss success.
A study by Université Laval researchers found that omega-3 supplements significantly improved menopause-related mental health problems, including depression and hot flashes, in women aged 40 to 55. However, the effectiveness of omega-3s for more severe depressive symptoms was limited.
A recent study published in Nature Medicine reveals that Treg cells limit brain damage after a stroke by blocking neurotoxin production and modulating lymphocyte and microglia action. This discovery offers potential treatments for preserving crucial functions and treating other types of brain damage.
Children born to mothers with pregnancy-related diabetes are twice as likely to experience language development problems. Research from Université Laval found that babies' brains develop differently due to gestational diabetes, affecting vocabulary and grammar skills even after starting school.
Researchers found that a high-fat diet rich in animal fat and poor in omega-3s can exacerbate neurological markers for Alzheimer's disease in mice. The study suggests that diets typical of most industrialized countries may promote the development of Alzheimer's.
Research finds that intellectual work leads to a significant increase in calorie intake, with students consuming up to 253 more calories after mentally demanding tasks. The study suggests that fluctuations in glucose and insulin levels may trigger food overcompensation.
A recent Université Laval study reveals that omega-3 intake during the last months of pregnancy has a positive impact on an infant's sensory, cognitive, and motor development. The study found a strong correlation between DHA concentration in umbilical cord blood and infant visual acuity and cognitive development.
A research team at Université Laval has identified genetic markers that allow the selection of eggs with the best chance of leading to successful pregnancy after in vitro fertilization (IVF). This method increases the success rate of single embryo transfer and diminishes the risk of multiple pregnancies.
A recent study published in Archives of General Psychiatry found that genetic and environmental factors play a crucial role in shaping cortisol responses to stress in young children, with family context being a significant determining factor.
A weight control program has been shown to reduce weight gain and improve cholesterol levels in patients taking antipsychotic medication. The study found that participants who engaged in regular physical activity and healthy eating experienced significant improvements in their lipid profile and body mass index.
Researchers at Université Laval discovered that a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids protects the brain against Parkinson's disease. The study found that mice fed an omega-3 rich diet were immune to the toxic compound MPTP, which causes damage to dopamine-producing neurons.
A new study from Université Laval found that people who experience chronic job strain after a first heart attack double their risk of suffering from a second one. Researchers discovered that high levels of work stress increase the probability of experiencing another CHD event, even after taking into account other health factors.
Researchers found that aquatic life in Ward Hunt Lake has undergone significant transformations over the last two centuries, with abrupt changes in algae population and diatom presence. The lake's conditions have become more favorable for algae growth, raising concerns about climate change's impact on Arctic ecosystems.