A University of Alberta study found that even in 1995, when the government was cutting welfare benefits, most Albertans were not supportive. By 2004, support decreased further. The study suggests that Premier Ralph Klein's government was out of step with public opinion on income support reform.
Research reveals that Japanese participants are more influenced by background figures' emotions when judging a person's feelings, while North Americans focus on the individual's facial expression. This difference is attributed to cultural differences in attention patterns and social practices.
A team of researchers identified a human gene called TRIM22 that can block HIV infection in cell culture by preventing virus assembly. The discovery shows the body has a natural defense mechanism against HIV, but research is needed to understand why it doesn't work in people infected with HIV.
A University of Alberta study found that beaver presence increases open water availability by up to nine times, providing habitat and resources for land animals, amphibians, and livestock. The study suggests climate models predict increased drought frequency and length, where beavers can play a crucial role in maintaining wetlands.
A University of Alberta study analyzing over 275,000 individuals found that different factors influence participation in physical activity. Walking was the most common form of exercise, with older adults more likely to participate.
A University of Alberta study recommends monitoring swine flu in workers on pig farms as part of pandemic preparedness due to potential adaptation into efficient human-to-human transmission. The strain was detected in several household members and pigs without direct contact with the child who initially contracted it.
Researchers have developed a shoebox-sized device with the same capability as a full lab, offering huge savings to healthcare systems and improving patient care. The device can perform various genetic tests, including cancer diagnosis and virus detection, at an affordable cost of $100 Cdn.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have discovered a way to reduce LDL, the so-called 'bad' cholesterol, in the blood by manipulating an enzyme. This finding could lead to new treatments for Type 2 diabetes and heart disease related to obesity.
A recent study published in the journal Brain highlights the benefits of rehabilitation training after a cervical spinal cord injury. Researchers found that intensive training can promote natural recovery processes, leading to improved motor function and adaptation strategies for individuals with paraplegia.
Researchers argue that female sex hormones play a critical role in mood disorders, and studies are needed to understand their effects. Hormonal fluctuations during times of menstruation or menopause may contribute to the increased vulnerability of women to poor mental health.
A large study found no differences in parenting practices between recently divorced and married parents, contrary to accepted wisdom. Researchers argue that existing strength-based programs can effectively support divorced parents by building on their existing strengths.
Physicists at the University of Alberta have made a major advance in understanding supersolidity by manipulating solid helium under extreme pressure and temperature conditions. They found that the material exhibits unusual behavior, becoming stiffer at lower temperatures.
A landmark public health study has found that people who had a low birth weight are more likely to experience depression and anxiety later in life. The study, which analyzed data from over 4,600 people born in Great Britain in 1946, suggests a dose-response relationship between birth weight and mental health outcomes.
A Canadian study reveals tobacco marketers are targeting teens near high schools by marketing in retail shops, often located near schools with high smoking prevalence. The study found that these stores offered lower prices, more promotions, and fewer health warnings, creating an environment that promotes student smoking.
A study published in Journal of Consumer Research found that men are more likely to enjoy melodramatic films if they know it's fictional. High-empathy individuals tend to dislike fact-based stories, while those with low empathy can appreciate fiction.
A new program called COGENT, developed at the University of Alberta, has been shown to improve reading and other cognitive skills in grade three students. In a one-year study, 73% of participants made significant gains in reading ability.
Physicians face challenges in managing and identifying obesity, with most lacking skills and knowledge to address the issue. A top researcher highlights the importance of training family physicians to provide optimal care to obese patients.
A study involving grade 12 students found that most teens associate Remembrance Day with World War I and II, but don't consider its relevance to contemporary events. However, the majority believe the day plays a significant role in shaping national identity.
A study by Jason Dyck at the University of Alberta found that a protein responsible for transporting fat into heart cells may be a key to preventing age-related decline in heart function. Genetically modified mice with this protein deficiency showed no accumulated fat in their hearts and outperformed normal aged mice on a treadmill test.
Researchers investigated whether individuals with intellectual disabilities who commit sexual offenses have poorer sexual knowledge than those who do not. The study found that Type I offenders, characterized by deviant ideas about sexuality, had more sexual knowledge than a matched group of non-offenders. In contrast, Type II offenders...
A Canadian study found that kids deemed unskilled by peers often experience sadness, isolation, and social rejection at school. Children perceived as athletic receive higher ratings from peers, lower loneliness levels, and better social acceptance.
A University of Alberta study found that farm children are less likely to develop asthma compared to those living in non-farm rural or urban environments. The two-year cumulative incidence of asthma was 2.3% among farm kids, significantly lower than other groups.
A new study at the University of Alberta has linked transitioning to university with increased symptoms of binge eating in female students. Students who felt dissatisfied with their bodies or lived away from home were three times more likely to experience these symptoms.
Researchers have found a 'whiff' of oxygen in Earth's atmosphere 50-100 million years before the Great Oxidation Event (GOE), suggesting a gradual buildup of oxygen. This discovery provides new insights into the origins of oxygen on Earth and challenges the long-held timeline of the GOE.
A new study found that children with language impairments struggle to recall story details, unlike their peers without impairments. Researchers emphasize the importance of engaging children in daily experiences to improve understanding and enjoyment of stories.
As personal genomics advances, researchers caution against mass adoption due to ethical, social, and clinical concerns. The integration of genome sequences into routine clinical care poses significant challenges for healthcare systems.
A groundbreaking Canada-US study proves a direct link between atmospheric mercury emissions and mercury in fish, with implications for global environmental protection. The research suggests that reducing mercury emissions can lead to lower levels of mercury in fish within a decade.
A new study by University of Alberta researcher Paul Joosse cautions against the ideological motivations behind 'ecoterrorism' in North America. The study suggests that individuals committing arson attacks may be acting for personal reasons, rather than environmental concerns, due to the lack of leaders in the Earth Liberation Front.
Researchers found that wolves target areas with accessible refuge for elk during winter months when fat reserves are low. Landscape features like proximity to roads and snowy areas play a significant role in wolf-elk interactions.
A team of researchers has created an innovative method for producing tiny conductive nano-wires on silicon chips using self-assembling molecules. The process can produce nano-wires that are 5,000 times longer than they are wide, meeting the need for connecting smaller transistors and electronic components.
Researchers have discovered a second prion protein called 'Shadoo' that coexists with the well-known PrP protein, potentially shedding light on brain function in mad cow disease. The study, published in the EMBO Journal, reveals an unexpected alteration in prion infections where Shadoo disappears as PrP accumulates.
A new study finds that climate change is isolating groups of alpine butterflies in the Canadian Rockies, leading to population decline and increased risk of local extinction. The expanding forests and reduced prescribed burns are limiting the butterflies' ability to fly and reproduce, threatening their survival.
A study by University of Alberta researchers suggests that all children adopted from outside North America should be screened for tuberculosis. The study found that 40% of foreign-born children under five years old with TB in Canada were international adoptees, highlighting the importance of systematic screening.
A new report from the University of Alberta finds that diet foods for children can lead to overeating and obesity. Children who consume low-calorie versions of high-calorie foods may develop a distorted connection between taste and calorie content, leading them to overeat as they grow up.
A systematic review of 46 randomized trials found that shorter, family-based heart health programs are just as effective as longer, specialist-led alternatives. These programs can improve life expectancy and reduce hospitalizations, making them a more efficient option for patients with less complex heart disease.
A recent study found ethnic differences in neonatal mortality and morbidity rates, with South Asian infants facing significantly higher risks. Small for gestational age was a significant factor only among Caucasian infants, while premature birth was a risk across all ethnic groups.
A study by the University of Alberta finds that adverse reactions to natural health products are being under-reported, with only 1.5% of pharmacists reporting suspected events to Health Canada. The lack of data on interactions makes it difficult to provide useful advice for managing adverse reactions.
Researchers from the University of Alberta have discovered that portions of Canada collided at least 500 million years earlier than thought. This finding has significant implications for our understanding of how North America's continental fragments assembled billions of years ago.
Researchers solved checkers by creating a computer program that cannot be beaten, using 500 billion positions and superior processing capabilities. The program, Chinook, may play to a draw but will never lose.
A study from the University of Alberta found that administering HBV vaccine intradermally to HIV-infected individuals who failed to respond initially shows promise, with 50% producing protective levels of anti-HBs. However, this approach is not recommended due to limited success rates.
A recent study by the University of Alberta reveals that some Arctic foxes engage in polyandry, where females have multiple male mates, and multiple paternity, leading to increased genetic variation. This finding challenges previous notions of monogamous mating habits in canid species.
A recent study published in the European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing reveals that women who have suffered heart attacks experience higher rates of lingering depressive symptoms compared to their male counterparts. Women scored lower in physical and social functioning after one year, with 14.3% experiencing worsening depression.
A recent study reveals that depression is common in early Parkinson's disease diagnosis, with 27% of subjects screening positive for depression. Untreated depression can significantly impact daily life activities and overall quality of life.
Ancient DNA from trees, plants, and insects in a boreal forest reveals temperatures were around 10C in summer and -17C in winter. The findings suggest the global ocean was one to two meters higher during that time compared to current levels.
Researchers from the University of Alberta have recorded alarming evidence that Arctic ponds are drying out rapidly, affecting waterfowl habitats and biodiversity hotspots. The study, published in PNAS, reveals a drastic shift in water levels and chemistry over 24 years, consistent with increased evaporation and warmer temperatures.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have discovered a central command system for pulmonary hypertension, a disease with no cure and high mortality rate. The team identified nuclear-factor-of-activated-T-lymphocytes (NFAT) as a potential controlling element in the cause of the disease.
A recent study analyzed 813 studies on meditation's impact on health issues like hypertension and stress. While some types of meditation show promise, the evidence is inconclusive due to poor methodological quality. Researchers call for more rigorous studies to determine meditation's effectiveness.
A University of Alberta study found that rural Albertans' strong work ethic and sense of place can influence their decision not to seek medical help for congestive heart failure. This can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment, with patients often waiting days or even weeks for symptoms to subside.
Researchers at University of Alberta developed a microfluidic chip for faster and cheaper FISH cancer diagnosis, enabling widespread use and personalized treatment strategies. The technology could significantly increase cancer detection speed and reduce costs from hundreds to tens of dollars.
A University of Alberta study finds Chinese and White immigrants have the highest adjusted homeownership rates, while Black immigrants face the lowest rates. The study suggests that differences in homeownership patterns are largely due to factors such as wealth, social networks, and knowledge of the real estate market.