Researchers discovered a connection between high-fat diets and insulin resistance through gut bacteria, specifically the protein IgA produced by B cells in the gut. A high fat diet weakens the gut immune system, leading to inflammation and worsening blood sugar levels.
Researchers found that 150,000 Ontarians experience a concussion each year, with children under 5 and adults over 65 being at higher risk. Summer months see a peak in concussions, with rural communities experiencing a higher rate than non-rural areas.
A study models the demand, benefit, and cost of implementing a 20-year strategy for radiotherapy to treat cervical cancer in low- and middle-income countries. The research estimates that 9.4 million women will require radiotherapy, generating $151.5 billion in economic benefits.
Patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea have a significantly higher risk of heart complications in the first 30 days after surgery. The risk is 50% higher than those without sleep apnea, and can lead to cardiac death, heart injury, and heart failure.
A clinical trial using mesenchymal stromal cells from patient bone marrow shows significant improvements in pain levels and quality of life for osteoarthritis patients. The study, led by Sowmya Viswanathan and Jaskarndip Chahal, found that higher doses of MSCs resulted in more effective outcomes.
Researchers have discovered that immune cells produce brain chemicals like acetylcholine to fight off infections and control chronic virus infections. This breakthrough, published in Science, solves a puzzle scientists have pondered for over a century.
A team of researchers has discovered a potential method to treat radiation-induced skin fibrosis by manipulating metabolism. They found that metabolic abnormalities are a key factor in the development of this condition, and identified several compounds and cell therapy techniques that may help alleviate its symptoms.
Scientists at the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre have discovered that macrophage cells play a crucial role in helping the heart repair and regenerate following a heart attack. The study found that these cells can act in a neo-natal-like state, aiding in tissue growth and development.
Researchers have developed a blood test that can detect and classify cancer at its earliest stages by analyzing epigenetic alterations. The approach holds promise of detecting cancer long before symptoms appear, making it easier to treat.
Researchers have discovered a gene signature biomarker that can predict which patients will respond to immune therapy based on the extracellular matrix's stiffness around cancer cells. The study suggests that stiffening of the ECM barrier may physically block the immune system.
A recent study suggests that drinking coffee may protect against both Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. The research found that phenylindanes, compounds present in dark roasted coffee, inhibit the formation of beta amyloid and tau protein fragments, which are common in these diseases.
Scientists have created a comprehensive map of individual human liver cells, identifying 20 distinct cell populations and new aspects of the liver's immunobiology. The study, published in Nature Communications, reveals new insights into the liver's cellular landscape and its impact on disease.
A team at the Krembil Research Institute in Toronto has developed a novel strategy to target dormant neurons that can restore breathing following spinal cord injury. The research, published in Nature, shows promise for treating dysfunctional breathing, a major cause of death or disease among people with spinal cord injuries.
Researchers at Krembil Institute have developed a novel therapeutic treatment that can potentially stop knee and spine osteoarthritis in its tracks. The treatment targets microRNA-181a-5p, a biomarker believed to cause inflammation, cartilage destruction, and collagen depletion.
A new Ontario clinical study shows adding PET imaging to CT scans can change treatment plans for women with locally advanced cervix cancer. The study found that patients who received PET scans were twice as likely to have a change in their treatment, leading to more extensive radiation therapy.
A UHN study found that CIHI's model significantly underestimates mortality in patients undergoing high-risk heart surgery. The study compared outcomes with the Society of Thoracic Surgeons' clinical data model, which accounted for seven medical conditions that predict worse outcomes.
Researchers at Toronto General Hospital have identified a specific insulin signaling pathway that revs up the response of T cells in the immune system, enabling them to divide rapidly and secrete cytokines. This finding opens avenues for better regulating the immune system and potentially developing new therapies.
A study at Toronto General Hospital found that nearly half of patients who did not take opioids before surgery were able to wean off completely. The Transitional Pain Program uses non-opioid medications, psychological techniques, and exercise prescriptions to help patients manage pain. Patients who were on high doses of opioids before ...
A team of leukemia scientists has discovered how to predict healthy individuals at risk of developing acute myeloid leukemia (AML) by identifying genetic mutations in their blood. By analyzing data from a large population health study, the researchers found that people with early mutations are more likely to develop AML.
Researchers have found that participants over the age of 65 experience a slower progression of Alzheimer's disease when treated with Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS-f), regardless of when their device was turned on. This suggests that DBS could be a potential treatment for mild, late-onset Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers found that L-arginine supplementation increased blood vessel development in the placenta and reduced low birth weight/preterm birth and stillbirth. The study suggests that L-arginine may be a critical component in regulating blood vessel development, with implications for other conditions linked to poor birth outcomes.
Researchers at UHN's Krembil Research Institute identified LXB4, a unique lipid that protects neurons against glaucoma in preclinical models. This discovery provides hope for devising a new strategy to protect vision in glaucoma patients and may have implications for other neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers mapped genetic alterations in normal mammary duct cells, identifying early changes that precede tumour development. This study provides new insights into breast cancer biology and may lead to more precision in screening and prevention.
The Krembil Research Institute and University Health Network release new guidelines discouraging brain imaging as a test for chronic pain. Brain imaging is considered unreliable due to variability between people and within individuals, making it unsuitable as a 'lie detector' test.
Researchers mapped an acquired mutation altering DNA make-up in 50% of patient tumor samples, identifying a new target for therapy. The discovery highlights the power of mutations to influence epigenetics in cancer cells.
Researchers have identified a genetic rearrangement involving the NF2 gene that causes meningiomas in long-term childhood cancer survivors. The study suggests that cranial-spinal radiation increases the risk of developing aggressive and recurring brain tumors.
A study of post-surgical patients found that those who received psychological support showed significant reductions in opioid use, depression, and daily disruptions due to pain. Patients learned coping skills grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, promoting mindfulness and acceptance of difficult experiences.
Stem-cell researchers have identified two distinct populations of leukemia stem cells that can lead to relapse in AML. The study, published in Nature, provides new insights into the cell types fated to relapse and may help accelerate the development of targeted therapies.
A new minimally invasive system using radiofrequency energy has been shown to reliably create access for hemodialysis patients with minimal complications. The study found that 98% of arteriovenous fistulas were successfully created, and 87% were physiologically suitable for dialysis within three months.
A study published in Neurology found that omega-3 supplements derived from seal oil increased corneal nerve fibre length by 29% in patients with Type 1 diabetes. This increase is considered a biomarker for small nerve fibre regeneration and may suggest the potential of this supplement to have regenerative effects.
The University Health Network in Toronto has implemented a three-team MAiD model, which resulted in 74 inquiries, with 25 approvals and 19 patients receiving MAiD. The hospital's approach emphasizes patient assessment, education, and oversight to ensure high-quality care.
Research found that liver CD8+ T cells become highly activated and inflammatory under specific conditions, reprogramming themselves into disease-driving cells. The study sheds light on markers of activation and inflammation in these cells and the Interferon-1 pathway.
A pilot study of an interferon drug has shown promising results in treating Ebola patients, with a 67% increase in survival rates compared to those receiving only supportive care. The treatment also relieved clinical symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea earlier than those not treated with the drug.
A new standard of care has been established worldwide for treating prostate cancer, reducing treatment duration to four weeks without compromising outcomes. The trial found that this compressed regimen resulted in slightly fewer side effects and improved quality of life for participants.
A clinical trial shows that combining chemotherapy drug temozolomide with radiation therapy extends survival by two months in older patients with glioblastoma. The treatment also improves survival for 45% of participants, linked to a molecular marker indicating active DNA repair mechanisms.
Researchers have identified a protein biomarker, CD151, expressed on tumour cells of high-grade serous ovarian cancer, which is linked to poor prognosis. The study provides new information about possible targets for ovarian cancer treatment and has the potential to develop a clinical screening tool.
Researchers at Toronto Western Hospital's Canadian Concussion Centre discovered CTE in a brain without head trauma or concussion history. The finding suggests that the cause of CTE might be more complex than previously thought, with Dr. Lili-Naz Hazrati stating that there are more questions than answers about the definitive causes of CTE.
Scientists have identified a distinct cell population in tumours that inhibits the body's immune response to fight cancer. By targeting these cells, researchers hope to enhance the immune system's ability to attack cancer cells.
Researchers at the University Health Network have discovered a genetic fingerprint that explains why up to 30% of men with localized prostate cancer develop aggressive disease after radiotherapy or surgery. This finding could help clinicians personalize effective treatments from diagnosis, leading to improved cure rates.
Researchers at the University Health Network found that a single fecal transplant is not more effective than the standard of care in treating recurrent C. difficile infection. The study's results suggest that more research is needed to determine the effectiveness and long-term implications of fecal transplantation.
Researchers at the Krembil Research Institute have published a paper that challenges the prevailing view of vision recovery after retinal cell transplantation. They found that transplanted photoreceptor cells do not enter the recipient retina, contrary to previous interpretations.
Researchers at the McEwen Centre developed functional pacemaker cells from human stem cells, which regulate heart beats with electrical impulses. The cells were tested in rat hearts and shown to function as a biological pacemaker.
Researchers discovered three distinct subgroups of atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumours (ATRTs), a highly malignant type of brain cancer in children. The study identified promising drugs to target each subgroup, offering new hope for personalized treatment.
A large Canadian clinical trial found that a new treatment strategy for locally advanced squamous cell head and neck cancer did not show better results compared to the current standard of care. The study provided valuable data on quality of life and biospecimens from 320 patients, informing future research.
A new 17-gene signature derived from leukemia stem cells can predict AML patients' response to standard treatment, enabling clinicians to tailor treatment and improve patient care. The LSC17 score has been shown to accurately identify high-risk patients who are less likely to be cured by standard therapy.
A new method allows donor lungs to be preserved for up to 20 hours, enabling more flexible transplant timing and improving patient outcomes. This shift in paradigm increases the availability of healthy donor lungs for patients waiting for a life-saving transplant.
A research team at the Krembil Research Institute has discovered a genetic signaling pathway that controls blood vessel development in the brain can stop brain tumor formation. Blocking this pathway, Norrin/Frizzled4 (Fzd4), creates more opportunities to form pre-cancerous growths and speed up tumour initiation.
A research team at UHN has identified new mutations in genes associated with schwannoma development, providing insights into the growth drivers of these tumors. The study's findings have significant implications for personalized medicine and potentially change treatment approaches for some patients with treatment-refractory schwannomas.
Researchers from UHN describe the genomic landscape of schwannomas, identifying novel mutations and a fusion protein driving tumor development. The study provides insight into personalized medicine approaches for diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers discovered that functional regulatory components outside of genes contribute to breast cancer development. Epigenetic changes identified as key drivers of the disease.