A University of Alberta researcher discovered female red squirrels adopt abandoned babies with common genes, ensuring the continuation of their gene pool. This behavior, initially thought to be unique to social animals, reveals a rare instance of altruism in solitary creatures like red squirrels.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have discovered a natural self-repair mechanism that kick-starts after spinal-cord injuries, offering promising new treatments. Serotonin receptors remain active after injury, but are permanently turned on, contributing to muscle spasms; blocking these receptors could help alleviate symptoms.
A University of Alberta researcher examines three social narratives that prevent people from acting on the effects of oil on the environment. These narratives, including strategic realism, eco-apocalypse, and technological utopianism, hinder effective action despite knowledge of the issue's impact.
A new University of Alberta study found no significant difference in arsenic levels between children playing on chromated copper arsenate-treated wood and other materials. The study suggests that contact with CCA treated wood is unlikely to contribute to overall arsenic exposure in children.
A Canadian study found that skin cancer rates in Alberta have decreased for men and stabilized for women over a 20-year period. The research suggests that strong skin cancer awareness campaigns may be contributing to this trend, which contrasts with the rising global incidence of skin cancer.
A naturally occurring micro-organism has been found to directly target the bacteria that causes a sometimes deadly intestinal disease. Thuricin CD, produced by Bacillus thuringiensis, is a promising specific antibiotic treatment for Clostridium difficile in both in vitro and animal studies.
A U Alberta-led team studied T cell activation using nanotechnology, revealing how CD45 molecule interacts with other molecules in the cell. This understanding could lead to controlling T cells and developing new treatments for autoimmune diseases.
The rise of female-driven movies marks a significant shift in Hollywood, with films like Precious and Sex and the City receiving critical acclaim. This change is attributed to a shift in identity from traditional 'chick flicks' to more topical and relevant stories for modern women.
Researchers found that moderate physical loading, such as carrying one's own body weight, may actually delay disc degeneration and reduce severe back symptoms. The study contradicts the long-held assumption that routine lifting is bad for your back.
Researchers have discovered an influenza detector gene called RIG-I in ducks that could prevent the transmission of the virus to humans. The duck's immune system contains the virus, reducing viral replication by half.
Researchers have found a link between obesity and cancer by studying a cell pathway that regulates cell growth. Amino acid nutrients, elevated in obese individuals, may hyper-activate this pathway, affecting human cells' response to stress and disease.
The global rush to develop modern financial institutions, including stock markets, has had a negative impact on the economy. In many countries, markets were created without a solid foundation, leading to disastrous outcomes.
A University of Alberta study found that pharmacist interventions led to a 200% increase in patients getting further assessment and diagnosis for osteoporosis. Pharmacists can help with education and screening, addressing the silent disease that often goes undiagnosed after age 50.
A University of Alberta researcher has identified a way to lower the amount of fat in the blood and improve glucose metabolism. The study found that decreasing the activity of an enzyme called triacylglycerol hydrolase (TGH) can also protect against diabetes and increase physical activity.
A recent study published in Learning and Instruction found that home literacy environments and motivation play a significant role in predicting children's initial literacy skills, which ultimately affect their future reading ability. Reading to kids regularly is essential for English-speaking children to acquire language skills.
Research by University of Alberta's Bill Hodgetts found that exercising in gyms often leads to increased volume levels, potentially causing hearing loss. The solution lies in using earphones with earplugs or sealant materials to reduce background noise and protect auditory health.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have identified a universal mechanism that ensures peroxisomes transfer into cells after division, potentially leading to prevention or treatment of deadly disorders. The discovery has implications for screening carriers and could help babies born with peroxisome disorders survive longer.
A negative physical education experience during childhood can have a lasting impact on a person's attitude towards physical activity. Research by University of Alberta professor Billy Strean highlights the importance of creating a fun and playful environment for young athletes.
Researchers have identified a protein mechanism that senses bicarbonate fluctuations and adjusts blood pH levels. The breakthrough discovery, led by the University of Alberta team, opens new avenues for regulating blood pH in the human body.
Researchers found that emotionally mature students experience positive benefits from sex, while immature students face negative emotions. The study highlights the importance of considering individual readiness and motivations before engaging in sexual activity.
Researchers used DNA samples from frozen dirt to revise the history of woolly mammoths and ancient horses in North America. The analysis shows that these animals survived until at least 10,000 years ago, contradicting previous extinction theories based on fossil bones.
University of Alberta graduate students re-examined a 76 million-year-old armadillo-like dinosaur and found that the original researcher, William Parks, was correct in his identification. The species was previously misidentified as Euoplocephalus in the 1970s.
Researchers at the University of Alberta designed materials that link mathematical concepts to real-world scenarios, such as disease transmission, to enhance learning. Students used these materials to calculate the West Nile virus's reproductive number, gaining a deeper understanding of math in science.
Researchers discuss consent, privacy and clinical translation issues in iPS cell study. The emergence of iPS cells adds new challenges to the legal and social debates in stem-cell science.
Researchers found high levels of Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds along the Athabasca River and its tributaries, with concentrations increasing near major oil sands up graders. The study challenges government and industry assertions that pollution is a naturally occurring seepage.
AIDS research reveals that Ugandan communities lack education on contraception, with only 8 out of 421 participants using dual protection methods. This is problematic due to misconceptions and incorrect use of condoms as sole form of contraception.
A recent Canadian study reveals that half of Canadians believe they consume too much salt, but only half are taking action to reduce their sodium intake. Despite having some knowledge about the health risks of excessive sodium consumption, many respondents lack awareness on how much salt is considered too much.
Researchers have discovered hidden glacial valleys in Alberta that contain valuable resources, including loose rock and natural gas, posing risks of accidents and environmental damage. The valleys were found using a combination of seismic and electrical mapping data, highlighting the importance of advanced underground mapping practices.
Astronomers have identified the youngest neutron star ever discovered, located 11,000 light years from Earth. The star was born in a violent supernova explosion 330 years ago and features a unique carbon atmosphere just 10 centimeters thick.
A three-year study by University of Alberta researchers found that aerobic exercise training significantly improved physical functioning and overall quality of life in patients with lymphoma. The study showed a 46.4% complete response rate in the exercise group, compared to 30.8% in the usual care group.
A team of University of Alberta researchers successfully synthesized a natural substance called Palmerolide A, which shows exceptional potential to specifically treat melanoma. The potency of palmerolide is exceptional and may prove to be more effective with less toxicity than current chemotherapy approaches.
A University of Alberta researcher has discovered 70 million year old evidence of dinosaur cannibalism in southern Alberta. The jawbone of a Gorgosaurus contained a tooth from another meat-eating dinosaur, suggesting a violent encounter between two dinosaurs.
A study found that 'stranger danger' fears in inner-city neighborhoods are deterring kids from using playgrounds and parks. The researchers identified three themes: neighborhood characteristics, family involvement, and availability of adult-supervised programs, highlighting the need for more safe spaces and supportive environments.
Research from the University of Alberta found that sold-out products create a sense of urgency, increasing consumer demand for similar items. Consumers infer that if a product is sold out, it must be good and therefore desirable.
Researcher Elena Nicoladis found that Germans use their thumb to begin counting, while Canadians use their index finger. This variation can lead to miscommunications and misunderstandings, particularly for non-native speakers.
A new study from the University of Alberta found significant differences in leisure experiences between two group homes. Women with intellectual disabilities who were given support and autonomy had more independent leisure activities, while those with staff-directed leisure had limited choices.
A study by University of Alberta researchers found that language commonly used in instant messaging has no effect on children's spelling abilities. In contrast, using language variations may require concentration and attention, suggesting its potential benefits in educational contexts.
A University of Alberta study found that bilingual children's lexical recall is slightly lower than unilingual peers, but this is not a concern for French Immersion programs. Bilinguals showed improved recognition and translation skills, and demonstrated creative thinking in coming up with words to convey their meaning.
A University of Alberta study reveals that parolees with a gambling habit often resort to criminal activities and substance abuse when released from prison. The research highlights the need for sufficient practical resources to help problem gambler offenders integrate successfully into the community.
Research teams need more focused investigation into Arctic effects of global warming, particularly in early spring and winter.
A team of researchers, led by University of Alberta biologist David Coltman, have been studying the personalities of bighorn mountain sheep. They found that bold individuals tend to have shorter lifespans, while those with more submissive personalities are more likely to produce multiple offspring.
A study using virtual reality and real-world hide-and-seek found that people tend to look closer to their starting location when searching for objects. When hiding objects, they disperse them over a wider area. This research could lead to more realistic game environments and advanced search-enhancing tools for law enforcement.
Research by University of Alberta psychologists Sheree Kwong See and Elena Nicoladis found that toddlers as young as three develop negative stereotypes about older adults due to limited interactions. Regular visits to grandparents or caregivers can positively impact these biases.
Researchers have discovered a natural food preservative in mango seeds, which can inhibit the growth of deadly bacteria like Listeria. This breakthrough could help prevent outbreaks and save lives, as well as reduce waste by recycling fruit kernels.
A recent study at the University of Alberta found that most pharmacy pamphlets fail to meet guidelines for accessibility, with only 23% meeting 9 out of 10 Canadian recommendations. The study highlights a need for improved accessibility and readability in pharmaceutical information.
Researchers discovered that positive expectations significantly impact recovery time for whiplash injuries. Those with optimistic outlooks recovered 3 times faster than those with negative expectations. The severity of the injury had no effect on recovery times.
A University of Alberta study shows that heart transplant recipients can significantly improve their physical fitness, including cardio-respiratory fitness, muscle mass, and maximal strength. However, exercise training did not improve heart or blood-vessel function.
A University of Alberta study found that morning people's brains are most excitable at 9am, while evening people's brains are most active at 9pm. This suggests different nervous-system functions and implications for human performance.
Mercury levels in the Mackenzie River delta have been dramatically increased, exceeding previous estimates by an entire year's worth of mercury. This is a significant concern for northern communities that rely heavily on Arctic fish species and Beluga whales as a food source.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have discovered how proteins recognize and repair damaged DNA. The proteins bend the DNA double helix to amplify damage recognition, enabling the next protein to cut out the damaged section. This process can be used to develop new cancer treatments and disease prevention strategies.