Researchers at the University of Alberta have found evidence of abiotic nitrogen reduction, a reaction driven by minerals as catalyst, which likely produced necessary nutrients for life. This discovery sheds light on the faint young sun paradox and provides a key piece to understanding how life may have emerged on Earth.
Research reveals key biological differences between women and men with long COVID, including elevated blood levels of intestinal fatty acid binding protein and reduced testosterone levels in affected women. These findings suggest potential targets for treatment that could bring relief to the 3.5 million Canadians affected.
A new study from the University of Alberta found that endangered mountain caribou possess a unique gut microbiome in late winter, when they feed on tree lichens. This specialized diet and associated microbes could guide caribou recovery efforts and highlight the importance of maintaining oldgrowth forests to support their food supply.
A new species of fossil snake, Hibernophis breithaupti, has been discovered in Wyoming, shedding light on the origin and diversification of boas and pythons. The discovery provides important new information on the evolution of small burrowing boas, specifically rubber boas.
Researchers at the University of Alberta discovered a critical link between the heart and brain in KBG syndrome, a rare neurodevelopmental disorder. The study found that mutations in the ANKRD11 gene impact both brain development and heart defects.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have discovered a new class of antiviral drugs that stimulate interferon production to reverse the effect of SARS-CoV-2 on cells. The study shows that these drugs can significantly reduce the amount of virus found in the lungs and prevent severe symptoms.
A Canadian study found that 30% of parent caregivers have unmet emotional needs and 15% feel inadequately involved in their child's care. Providing regular updates and addressing parents' emotional needs can help ease pressures of ER crowding.
A recent study shows that U of A's Rural Integrated Community Clerkship program is a reliable predictor for students choosing a career in rural or family practice. The program has helped address Alberta's shortage of rural doctors by providing students with hands-on experience and adaptive expertise.
A University of Alberta-led international network is studying very rare adverse events after vaccination, using cutting-edge techniques and unprecedented data from around the world. The goal is to enhance vaccine safety assessment and inform health authorities on the most appropriate type of vaccine for specific outbreak settings.
A team of international researchers has reported the first high-resolution images and structural details of the human genetic element LINE-1, which is implicated in various diseases. The study provides a target for potential new treatments, particularly for cancer, autoimmune disorders, neurodegeneration, and even aging.
Researchers at the University of Alberta and Cornell University have developed a device that can secrete insulin under the skin, improving cell survival and diabetes reversal in mice. The innovative approach called SHEATH avoids immunosuppression, making transplants safer for patients with type 1 diabetes.
A recent study found that women-led studies have more female coauthors than men-led studies, closing the gender gap in ice core science. The research also shows that senior women play a crucial role in catalyzing women's participation in publishing.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have created a new process to produce insulin-producing pancreatic cells from patient stem cells, achieving a 90% success rate. The breakthrough could lead to injection-free glucose control in people with diabetes and eliminate the need for anti-rejection drugs.
University of Alberta researchers have identified taurine as a key player in predicting poor clinical outcomes and treating long COVID. A predictive test and proposed supplement trial aim to minimize symptoms and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers developed a new tool to evaluate clinical trial results, allowing for more complex research questions and faster treatment access. The 'Chauhan Weighted Trajectory Analysis' can assess multiple outcomes in one graph, capturing disease severity and treatment effectiveness.
A University of Alberta study of superdeep diamonds provides previously unknown information about the formation and transport of diamonds within Gondwana, a ancient supercontinent. The research reveals that diamonds were transported to the base of Gondwana by host rocks carrying subducted mantle material.
Researchers at U of A are developing an AI-powered system to analyze cardiac images, enabling clinicians to diagnose heart disease more accurately. The project aims to reduce healthcare costs and improve patient outcomes, with potential global implications.
A new study out of the University of Alberta found that high-intensity interval training poses little risk to expecting mothers and their babies. The research suggests that engaging in physical activity during pregnancy can reduce the risk of major complications by 40%.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have discovered a correlation between chemotherapy-induced changes to gut bacteria and unhealthy weight gain in breast cancer patients. The study found that these patients gained abdominal fat and experienced inflammation, with significant changes to their gut microbiome.
Researchers have shed light on the optimal use of intravenous fluids to treat sepsis, a life-threatening condition that affects nearly a third of ICU patients. The review provides critical insights into dosage and timing of fluids to improve treatment outcomes and reduce mortality.
Researchers found that combining radiation with a genetically engineered oncolytic vaccinia virus improved treatment outcomes for glioblastoma brain tumors in mice. The combination showed a 15% cure rate and 62% rejection of new cancer cells, outperforming radiation alone.
A University of Alberta study finds that maintaining tree diversity in Canada's forests can significantly increase carbon capture and improve soil fertility. This conservation strategy can help mitigate climate change by storing more carbon and nitrogen in the soil over decadal time scales.
Researchers used artificial intelligence to analyze electrocardiogram results from 1.6 million patients, predicting mortality risk with 85% accuracy. The study aims to improve individual care and create a learning health-care system that feeds data back into the healthcare system.
A new University of Alberta study found that untreated moderate fever helped fish clear their bodies of infection rapidly and repaired damaged tissue. The research suggests that waiting before reaching for medications may be beneficial for humans.
Researchers found no strong evidence that underground fungal networks, known as common mycorrhizal networks (CMNs), offer benefits to trees and their seedlings. While CMNs exist, there is limited understanding of their structure and function in the field, leading to questionable claims about resource transfer and seedling survival.
A University of Alberta researcher has found that fractalkine triggers the repair of brain damage caused by multiple sclerosis, leading to increased production of vital brain cells. This discovery could potentially halt or reverse MS symptoms by replacing damaged cells with new ones.
The University of Alberta and Amii are recruiting 20 new Canada CIFAR AI Chairs to focus on groundbreaking AI research in health, energy, and Indigenous initiatives. This initiative aims to accelerate opportunities for responsible commercialization of AI, driving future economic growth.
Researchers have uncovered a rare piece of evidence showing Microraptor, a small feathered dinosaur, ate mammals. The preserved gut contents contain the foot of a small mammal, providing conclusive proof of a diverse diet for this species.
A new hotline has shown promising results in preventing overdoses and saving lives by providing virtual supervision for people using substances alone. The National Overdose Response Service received over 2,100 calls from unique callers, with no reported deaths during a pilot period.
A new mechanism has been uncovered that enables cancer cells to move throughout the body, allowing them to spread and form metastases. This discovery provides a potential new target for stopping these deadly spreads, which are responsible for 90% of cancer deaths.
Researchers have uncovered a common ancestor among 600 disparate fungi, revealing a long-forgotten branch in the fungal family tree. The discovery sheds light on the evolutionary history of these unusual organisms and their unique characteristics.
Researchers found that certain types of dietary fiber cause inflammation in IBD patients, worsening symptoms. A stool test is being developed to predict individual responses to dietary fibers, enabling tailored recommendations.
Cell membranes facilitate viral infection by allowing spike proteins to bind and enter cells. The study identifies the role of cell membranes in SARS-CoV-2 variant infections, providing insights into potential therapeutic targets.
A study found that men in Alberta, Canada are not getting tested for diabetes often enough, particularly in their 40s. This could lead to serious complications like heart disease and cancer later in life. The researchers recommend that everyone over 40 get screened for diabetes every three years.
A University of Alberta study reveals that stressful childhood environments can lead to a desire for high-energy-dense foods throughout life, contributing to higher obesity rates. Adults raised in harsh socioeconomic conditions were more food-motivated and preferred energy-dense foods.
A study by University of Alberta researchers found that language related to depression on social media did not increase in response to COVID-19 waves, but rather decreased as people adapted. Instead, they found spikes in language related to the Black Lives Matter movement and other global events.
The Edmonton Protocol team has reported that islet transplantation is an effective therapy for patients with difficult-to-control Type 1 diabetes, with a high rate of graft survival and insulin independence. The procedure has been shown to stabilize blood sugar levels and improve quality of life for patients.
A University of Alberta research team has rewritten the biology of lichen, a textbook case of symbiosis. The study found that lichens do not use sugars produced by algae for growth, but instead store them to preserve cellular content when dry.
Canadian and German researchers have identified personalized prescriptions that combine drugs to treat obesity and Type 2 diabetes. The combination therapy shows higher effectiveness in some patients and fewer side effects compared to single drugs. Studies are now needed to understand why individuals respond differently to the treatment.
A University of Alberta researcher says cancer is not just a genetic disease, but also influenced by environmental and metabolic factors. This new perspective could lead to more effective treatments and prevention strategies.
A machine learning model has been trained to accurately identify individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by analyzing text data. The model achieved an 80% accuracy rate in distinguishing between those with and without PTSD. This breakthrough could lead to the development of a cost-effective screening tool for health prof...
A study of 806 patients with heart failure found that reducing sodium intake improved symptoms such as swelling, fatigue, and coughing. However, it had no effect on rates of death, hospitalization, or emergency department visits. The researchers recommend a lower sodium intake limit for heart failure patients.
A new study by University of Alberta immunologist Shokrollah Elahi reveals that killer T cells have low levels of protein CD73, compromising their ability to eliminate HIV-infected cells. Chronic inflammation also plays a role in reducing CD73 expression, leading to potential new treatments for both HIV and multiple sclerosis.
A University of Alberta study found that environmentally aware consumers are more inclined to buy insect- or algae-fed chicken if provided with information about its health and environmental benefits. Consumers who received nutrition facts on the packaging were more likely to purchase the alternative product, while those without this i...
A new study by University of Alberta researchers estimates that excessive sugar consumption in Canada results in $5 billion annual healthcare costs due to 16 chronic diseases. Limiting free sugar intake could reduce diabetes prevalence by 27% if Canadians follow the 10% recommendation, and 44.8% if they limit consumption to less than 5...
Researchers have discovered a genetic difference in the meniscus that makes about 50% of females more prone to developing knee osteoarthritis than males or other females. The study suggests potential for a blood test to identify high-risk individuals, allowing for early interventions and prevention strategies.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have developed a new cocktail of treatments that could benefit up to 45% of patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The treatment uses an approach called 'exon skipping' to produce the protein needed to rebuild muscle tissue, addressing limitations of existing exon-skipping molecules.
A new study found that extreme fire weather is being driven by a decrease in atmospheric humidity coupled with rising temperatures. This trend is linked to an increase in naturally occurring extreme fire events, spreading to new areas and burning more intensely than ever before.
A 100-million-year-old crab fossil discovered in amber is helping scientists understand the evolution of non-marine crabs. The fossil, named Cretapsara athanata, provides crucial evidence that these crustaceans colonized land around 125 million years ago, bridging a long-standing gap in the fossil record.
A University of Alberta study found that zebrafish exposed to cannabis compounds in early development exhibit reduced neural activity later in life. The study suggests that similar effects may occur in humans, particularly during pregnancy. Neural activity decreased by 60-70% in groups exposed to THC and CBD.