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University of Alberta


Pregnant prehistoric fossil offers clues to past

Scientists have named a new species of ancient marine reptile, Maiaspondylus lindoei, and discovered pregnant embryos in its fossil, marking the most recent record of a live birth in an ichthyosaur. The findings provide valuable insights into the evolution and extinction of these aquatic animals.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalPalaeontology·DateSep 21, 2006

Forest fires a huge cost to health

A study by the University of Alberta found that forest fires can cause substantial increases in human health risks, resulting in mortality risk, restricted activity days, and acute respiratory symptoms. The study estimated economic losses of $9-12 million from a 2001 fire in Chisholm, Alberta.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalCanadian Journal of Forest Research·DateAug 10, 2006

Researchers aim to give nurses a lift

Researchers found that nurses experience debilitating low back pain, especially in orthopedic and ICU settings, with 65% of orthopedic nurses developing the condition. Providing access to mechanical lifting devices and redesigning hospital rooms could help prevent such injuries.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Advanced Nursing·DateJul 28, 2006

Kidney donors pay the price

A study by the University of Alberta and other institutions found that living kidney donors incur various costs, including travel and accommodation expenses, lost income, and physical limitations after surgery. These costs can range from $837 to $28,900 per donor and may lead to financial burdens and disincentives for potential donors.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalNephrology Dialysis Transplantation·DateJul 20, 2006

Researchers build sharpest tip

Scientists at the University of Alberta developed a unique coating process to make the sharpest tip known, opening doors to new possibilities in electron microscopy and nanotechnology. The sharp tips can withstand extreme temperatures and enable finer resolution in electron microscopes.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateJul 11, 2006

Medication use linked to farmers' injuries

A study by the University of Alberta found that older farmers who stop taking prescribed pain medications are at higher risk of injury. The research identified several reasons for this, including distraction caused by pain, withdrawal symptoms, and incontinence-related discomfort.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalAmerican Journal of Industrial Medicine·DateJul 7, 2006

Male sexual abuse survivors struggle in relations with health care providers -- study

Research reveals that male childhood sexual abuse survivors struggle to disclose their experiences due to societal perceptions of masculinity and vulnerability. Health care providers can improve sensitive practice by using 'malecentric communication' and increasing knowledge about the health effects of childhood sexual abuse.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalIssues in Mental Health Nursing·DateJun 23, 2006

Pollen proves beneficial for northern lakes

Research by Mark Graham found that pollen significantly enhances plankton growth in boreal lakes, supporting forage fish and potentially boosting sport fish populations. Climate change may impact this process, highlighting the importance of pollen in linking terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalLimnology and Oceanography·DateJun 12, 2006

Young adults happier than adolescents

A seven-year study tracked changes in psychological well-being among 18-25 year olds, finding that young adults experience improved mental health over time. The research also revealed that women close the gap with men in terms of depressive symptoms and self-esteem by age 25.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateMay 10, 2006

Fear of 'cooties' keeps shoppers from the till — study

A study found that consumers are less likely to buy a product if they believe it has been touched by someone else, with the value of the product being perceived as diminished. The researchers determined that disgust is the underlying reason for this phenomenon, and that its level increases with the perception of touch or use.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateMay 2, 2006

Educational goals higher for visible minority youth

Research found that 79% of visible-minority immigrant youth hope to earn a university degree, compared to 57% of Canadian-born non-visible minority students. The study also revealed that parents of visible-minority immigrant students have higher education levels and express more positive hopes for their children's educational attainment.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of International Migration and Integration / Revue de l integration et de la migration internationale·DateApr 4, 2006

Western prairies face impending water crisis

The western prairies in Canada are facing a dire water crisis due to climate change, drought, and human activity. The region's glaciers are dwindling, snowpacks are decreasing, and precipitation evaporation is increasing, exacerbating the issue.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 3, 2006

Computer scientist sorts out confusable drug names

A computer scientist has developed a system to analyze proposed drug names and rank them in terms of confusability, using techniques from linguistics and bioinformatics. The system, created in collaboration with the FDA, can identify sound-alike and look-alike drug names with great accuracy, reducing the risk of prescription errors.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalArtificial Intelligence in Medicine·DateMar 2, 2006

Falcon decoys and simulated rifle fire keep birds from oil

Researchers developed a radar-activated system that uses cannons and falcon decoys to deter birds from oil sands mining ponds, showing promise for reducing bird deaths. The system detects birds more effectively than traditional deterrents and can be used in conjunction with industry efforts to reclaim mines and reduce hazardous waste.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateMar 2, 2006

Prof makes case for 'precious' metals

Dr. Jeremy Richards proposes setting uniform royalty rates for metal producers to account for extraction costs, which could lead to increased revenue for governments and reduced environmental impact. He also envisions a system of product ownership and recycling to promote social equity and sustainable development.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·DateFeb 23, 2006

Doctors develop new measures for bone disease

Researchers at the University of Alberta have developed a guide for doctors to assess height loss and determine if it's related to vertebral fractures or osteoporosis. The guidelines suggest prescribing X-rays for patients who lose six centimeters in height, as this is associated with a 60% chance of vertebral fractures.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalOsteoporosis International·DateFeb 17, 2006

Pollution puts fat rats at heart attack risk

A study by University of Alberta researchers found that fine particulate matter from pollution causes cardiovascular problems in rats with obesity and insulin resistance. The findings suggest a significant public health risk for vulnerable populations, particularly those living near areas burning coal or diesel exhaust.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalToxicological Sciences·DateJan 30, 2006

Rewriting glacial history in Pacific North America

A recent study found that glaciers in Pacific North America underwent a regionally-extensive expansion during the first millennium AD, contradicting previous assumptions about past glacier activity. This discovery suggests that regional climate cycles have cycled from warmer to colder intervals several times over the last 10,000 years.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalGeology·DateJan 9, 2006

Immigrants losing homeownership advantage

Research by University of Alberta's Dr. Michael Haan found that immigrants' housing rates dropped in the last few years, while those born in the country increased their homeownership rates. The decline may be linked to diminished labour market fortunes, discrimination, and decreasing median wealth among immigrant groups.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalUrban Studies·DateNov 21, 2005

Bird calls may have meaning

A team of researchers found that black-capped chickadees respond differently to variations in bird calls, including changes in pitch, order, and rhythm. The birds' reactions suggest a functional aspect to their vocalizations, which may serve purposes such as attracting mates or warning others of potential threats.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalBehavioural Processes·DateNov 9, 2005