Researchers found major increases in chlorophyll a concentration in six lakes on Baffin Island, indicating dramatic changes in ecosystem function. This increase occurred approximately 150 years ago, coinciding with the start of the Industrial Revolution and increased human impact on global atmospheric chemistry.
A Canadian study explores how men cope with breast cancer diagnoses, revealing a wide range of reactions from shock to advocacy. Researchers aim to raise awareness and encourage male participation in clinical trials.
Beta-glucan, a soluble fiber found in oat kernels, has been shown to penetrate the skin naturally, promoting wound healing and reducing scarring. The compound works through the inter-cellular lipid matrix to enter lower levels of the skin, making it a potential alternative to Botox for non-invasive treatments.
A joint study by University of Alberta and Napier University of Scotland found bartending has the highest potential for injury in pubs, with workers at risk of back pain and shoulder strain. The study recommends changes such as reducing bar height, installing slip-free floors, and using dollys to move heavy loads to prevent injuries.
A two-year study compared HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients with community-acquired pneumonia, finding no significant differences in hospitalization length or mortality rate. Treatment of HIV improves patient health and reduces infections like bacterial pneumonia.
A three-year study found that people with knowledge of TB had better experiences with the disease, suggesting a need for community awareness efforts. Employing recovered patients, family members, and lay health communicators could help foster awareness and improve prevention.
Research by Dr. Dennis Foth and Dr. Gordon Thompson found that mental declines related to aging are not universal and can be improved with a lifetime of good mental habits. Activities such as reading, traveling, and learning new skills can help maintain cognitive abilities throughout life.
Researchers found that consumers tend to spend more money on brand-name items when someone they don't know is nearby. In contrast, consumers are more likely to buy cheaper items when no one is around. The study suggests that store owners can increase profits by optimizing product placement to minimize feelings of isolation or anxiety.
A study by Dr. Johanne Paradis found that immigrant children's English skills are comparable to those of monolingual children with speech language impairment, leading to potential misdiagnosis and unnecessary referrals to therapy services. This phenomenon is a concern for many countries, including Canada, the US, UK, and Australia.
Researchers discovered that children with Nonverbal Learning Disability (NLD) struggle to recognize faces, particularly immediately after seeing them. The study's findings open up new avenues for research into this condition, which affects less than 1% of the population.
A recent study found that HIV therapy success rates are similar between developed and non-developed countries, with a general success rate of 60% after 12-18 months on treatment. People in developing countries who received free ART drugs showed a 30% higher rate of success than those who had to pay for their medication.
Researchers found that wild-caught mountain chickadees differ from previous species tested by consistently ignoring angular features of their environment and following landmarks. This discovery suggests that animals may be predisposed to navigate by geometry, contradicting prior research.
Researchers have discovered that during early stages of heart failure, the heart uses too much fatty acid and not enough carbohydrate; later on, it doesn't use enough fat. This new knowledge can lead to better treatments, but the existing drugs don't remedy the inefficiency.
Research by Jason Walker found that women make more workplace adjustments than men, leading to scheduling conflicts and time pressures. Public and private sector policies can help maintain employees' ties to the paid labour market while allowing care for family members with chronic health problems.
A new open loop control system enables efficient energy conversion in low wind speeds, providing a viable alternative for remote locations. The device, designed by Dr. Andy Knight, is built with cheap and easy-to-find components and can produce electric energy from winds as low as 10 km/h.
Alpine meadows are shrinking in the Canadian Rockies, leading to reduced genetic diversity and increased vulnerability for butterfly species. Prescribed burning of forests may help increase meadow areas and protect these fragile ecosystems.
A study led by Dr. Michelle Graham highlights the need for higher rates of cardiac catheterization testing in Alberta and Canada. The research shows that many patients with high-risk blockages remain undetected, emphasizing the importance of increasing angiogram prescriptions to save lives.
A 12-week e-mail campaign increased physical activity levels and confidence in participating in physical activity. The study also found a significant reduction in body mass index (BMI) among those receiving the emails, while the control group experienced a slight increase.
Research suggests that saturated and trans fats activate a specific potassium channel in the pancreas, increasing blood sugar levels and insulin secretion. People with a specific genetic polymorphism, found in about 2 million Canadians, may be more susceptible to type 2 diabetes if they consume high-fat diets or are overweight.
A new study finds that post-surgical chemotherapy significantly improves five-year survival rates for patients with non-small cell lung cancer, reducing cancer recurrence by 49% compared to surgery alone. The treatment is inexpensive and has limited side effects, paving the way for a new standard of care.
Researchers have found evidence of a venom delivery apparatus in an extinct mammal, Bisonalveus browni, dating back 60 million years. The discovery suggests that mammals have evolved more flexible venom systems than previously thought.
Golfers who cope well under stress maintain a positive mindset, use self-talk, and focus on the next shot. Ineffective coping involves trying too hard, speeding up, or changing routines. Golfers at all levels need to practice mental skills to improve performance.
The researchers developed a nebulized and inhaled gene therapy that reverses PAH in rats by inhibiting Survivin, a protein driving excessive cell growth. The therapy improves heart function and survival rates, offering promising avenues for human PAH treatment.
Scientists have made a breakthrough in molecular electronics by controlling the conductivity of molecules on a single atom. This innovation allows for the creation of ultra-small and efficient devices, requiring less energy to power and producing less heat than conventional transistors.
A two-year study found that home-care patients are at a high rate of pneumonia, complications, including mortality rates 11% higher than other patients. Frailty and decreased immunity are major contributing factors.
A new study reveals Canada's inadequate caregiver support system, with only tax relief and short-term paid work leave available. The UK recently introduced a state pension for low-income caregivers, highlighting the need for immediate and long-term financial assistance.
Research by Mark Hebblewhite links positive NPO values with elk population declines due to severe weather and wolf predation. The Atlantic Ocean climate is driving ecosystem changes, including declines of up to 50% in the Canadian Rockies.
A study by the University of Alberta found that successful exercisers use plans and action, not pep talks, to maintain regular exercise. Boomer-age women tend to have higher activity levels, while older men are less active due to fear of injury or illness.
A study found that 35% of children using complementary alternative medicines (CAM) had lower vaccination rates, while 8.9% were unvaccinated for diseases like measles, mumps, and rubella. Parents' misconceptions about vaccine safety can lead to adverse events and harm their children.
A review of treatments for pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) in children reveals an acute need for more research into diagnosing the condition. The study found that only four per cent of blood clots in children presented without any risk factors, highlighting the importance of recognizing symptoms.
Researchers found that unattractive children were less likely to be buckled into grocery carts and given more freedom to wander. The study suggests a parent's instinctive Darwinian response drives this behavior, with attractive children receiving more attention and affection.
A new University of Alberta study confirms that pre-school children living in poverty do not benefit from welfare-to-work reforms. The study found that family environment scores for low-income families were worse than for non-poor families, and that low income still had an independent effect on the children's school readiness.
Regular cardiovascular follow-up visits with a specialist significantly improve outcomes for heart failure patients, reducing emergency room visits and mortality rates. Access to specialty care is particularly important for elderly and rural patients, who often face barriers to timely treatment.
Researchers have crystallized polynucleotide kinase (PNK), a key enzyme involved in DNA repair, opening up possibilities for developing drugs that inhibit cancer's ability to repair itself. The discovery builds on existing work and provides new targets for improving treatment effectiveness and preventing cancer growth.
A new study published in Clinical Biomechanics reveals that orthodontists are at risk of musculoskeletal disorders due to prolonged sitting and repetitive tasks, with males bearing heavier loads than females. The research highlights the need for better work layout and equipment design to mitigate this risk.
Research at the University of Alberta found a direct correlation between shorter index finger lengths and increased likelihood of physical aggression in men. Finger length was not correlated with verbal aggression, but rather with physically aggressive behavior.
A recent study of 1,323 women reveals a significant gap in osteoporosis treatment based on fracture history. Women with past fractures are at a higher risk of future osteoporosis, emphasizing the importance of considering fracture history in treatment decisions.
Bidding frenzy, a mental state characterized by high arousal and competition, causes consumers to value auctioned products more highly. The study found that English auctions, where bidders compete directly, lead to higher values due to dynamic interaction with publicly available high bids.
A new study published in the Journal of Cardiac Surgery found that older patients who receive a heart transplant fare just as well as younger counterparts, even many years after surgery. The study showed no statistically significant differences between heart transplant recipients aged over 60 and those under 60.
A study of 25 northern British Columbia women reveals three key coping mechanisms: becoming hardy, making the best of the North and supplementing it. These strategies involve self-reliance, spiritual beliefs, outdoor activities and social support networks.
A study of over 1,100 children in Alberta found that those who entered Grade 1 at an older age scored better on tests measuring self-esteem years later. This is due to the relative age effect, where older children generally enjoy more success in competitive programs.
Researchers found that dreams up to a week after a memorable emotional event often reflect problem resolution and positive emotions. This suggests that dreams can serve as a treatment for working through personal difficulties.
A recent study by the University of Alberta found that melatonin supplements have little to no benefit for individuals suffering from sleep disorders or experiencing jet lag. While some people may fall asleep sooner with melatonin supplementation, its effects on overall sleep quality are minimal.
A new microchip has been invented at the University of Alberta, promising to revolutionize small devices with low power needs. The chip uses analog decoding technology to consume extremely low levels of power, making it ideal for applications like implantable health care devices and ultra-high-speed communications systems.
A survey of student nurses found limited exposure to poverty and its complexities. Researchers recommend practical placements and community initiatives to improve understanding and address poverty's influence on health.
Researchers argue that female condoms are a vital method of protection against HIV/AIDS but have been dismissed due to cost and esthetics. Advocates need to reposition the product as an empowering way to approach reproductive health, emphasizing its benefits in reducing transmission of AIDS.
A study by Dr. Shrawan Kumar helps clarify the definition of whiplash by measuring neck muscle responses to low-velocity impacts. Turning the head reduces the risk of soft tissue injury, according to the research.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have discovered that certain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as celecoxib, can inhibit bicarbonate transporters, compromising the body's ability to balance pH in cells. This can negatively impact recovery from heart attacks.
A study found that people with type 2 diabetes are not being optimally managed for their cardiovascular risk. Fewer than 25% of patients were on medication needed to control high cholesterol and less than 50% received treatment for high blood pressure.
A study published in Clinical Genetics found that genetic testing for a rare cancer syndrome saved $16,900 per year for 54 family members. The test also identified two asymptomatic family members who underwent prophylactic surgery to significantly decrease their risk of cancer.