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University of Alberta


Findings challenge Darwinian theory

A study by Dr. Richard Palmer challenges the classical Darwinian theory, suggesting that environment plays a crucial role in creating differences and variations in species. The research found that variations without genetic basis are common and important for evolution, especially in asymmetric forms.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalScience·DateOct 28, 2004

More focus needed to prevent farm injuries, study says

A recent study published in Pediatrics highlights the need to prevent injuries to children on farms, which have an increased risk of serious and fatal injury compared to children in general. The authors recommend developing effective programs to address this issue, including education, regulations, and technological improvements.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateOct 25, 2004

Discovery of new shrimp species adds to unique family

Dr. Arthur Anker's research on alpheidae, a diverse family of snapping shrimp, has led to the discovery of two new species: Automate hayashii from Hokkaido, Japan, and Bermudacaris australiensis off Western Australia. These finds expand our understanding of this unique family's range and ecological diversity.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Natural History·DateAug 25, 2004

Scientists prove time flies when you're busy

Researchers at the University of Alberta have discovered that attention plays a significant role in prospective time estimations, with estimates decreasing as task difficulty increases. The study, published in Brain and Cognition, provides insight into how our brains process time when we're engaged or distracted.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalBrain and Cognition·DateAug 6, 2004

Men may be best left alone for therapy

Research suggests that men tend to have poorer outcomes in short-term group therapy for complicated grief, with symptoms improving less among males than females. The study's findings emphasize the importance of considering patient gender when selecting treatment options.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalPsychotherapy Research·DateJul 23, 2004

West Nile takes its toll on rare bird

The West Nile virus has a devastating impact on small populations of sage-grouse, with a 25% decrease in late summer survival rates. The bird species lacks resistance to the virus, making it essential to improve habitats and implement effective mosquito control measures.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalEcology Letters·DateJul 20, 2004

Climate may play role in lynx's hunting ability

Researchers found that different snow conditions affect the dynamics of the Canadian lynx. The study showed that surface hardness, determined by warm winter spells, influences how deep the lynx sinks in the snow, impacting its ability to prey on snow hares.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 5, 2004

Danger spots identified for threatened grizzly bear

The study identifies areas with high mortality rates among grizzly bears, primarily caused by human activities such as forestry, oil and gas, and mining. The researchers recommend limiting human access to critical habitat sites and increasing education programs to mitigate the impact on the species.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalBiological Conservation·DateMay 25, 2004

Students fashion space suits for Mars

Three undergraduate students at the University of Alberta designed a space suit for Mars that balances radiation protection, mobility, and cost efficiency. The suit incorporates new polymeric materials, such as Demron, and innovative designs like ball bearings and compression rings to address the unique challenges of Martian exploration.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Materials Engineering and Performance·DateMay 21, 2004

Female gluttony blamed on male tick

Female ticks require six to 10 days to engorge fully, a process stimulated by an engorgement factor protein in male seminal fluid. Researchers have identified this protein and developed a vaccine candidate to protect cattle against tick-borne diseases.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 5, 2004

Researchers develop electronic nose for multimedia

Researchers at the University of Alberta have developed an electronic nose that can recognize and capture ten different smell groupings, including fruits, coffees, gases, and spices. The device connects to a PC and uses inexpensive electronic parts to solve the complex challenge of capturing smells.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalIEEE Transactions on Consumer Electronics·DateMar 31, 2004

Injuries to children show definite patterns

A new study reveals that children under 10 are at risk for sustaining multiple injuries, with boys being 10% more likely to seek medical attention than girls. The study also found that certain ages are more susceptible to specific types of injuries, such as burns and poisoning between the ages of one and three.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMar 30, 2004

Bigger isn't always better--especially if you're a rodent

Researchers investigated how small mammals use crossing structures built across the Trans-Canada Highway, finding that small covered culverts offer protection from other animals and are a cost-effective mitigation strategy. The study's findings have already influenced road construction plans, highlighting the importance of conservation...

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateMar 15, 2004

Depression can lead to back pain

A new study published in the journal Pain found that people with depression are four times more likely to develop intense or disabling neck and low back pain. Researchers hope to uncover why these conditions are commonly linked, exploring coping methods to break a vicious cycle.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalPain·DateFeb 26, 2004

The poetics of babytalk

Babytalk plays a crucial role in infants' development of temporal arts, such as literature and music. Depriving babies of poetic elements like alliteration and assonance may hinder their ability to appreciate these arts later on. Researchers argue that babytalk is more significant than previously thought.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalHuman Nature·DateFeb 4, 2004

Researchers create lung cancer 'cluster bombs'

A team of researchers has developed a novel lung cancer treatment using nanoparticle cluster bombs, which have shown promise in treating cancerous lung cells. The new delivery system could potentially be used to target cancer cells while leaving healthy cells alone.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalInternational Journal of Pharmaceutics·DateJan 29, 2004

Natural selection in a nutshell

Researchers found that genes influence offspring growth, while quality of care from mothers is the primary factor. The study suggests that there are both "super moms" and "dud moms", with success determined by environmental conditions like food supply.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society of London·DateNov 12, 2003

Sex in the soil

The nematode worm can alter its sex based on the perceived food availability, affecting the sex ratio. The research helps understand how animals adapt to variable environments and why sex exists.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalScience·DateNov 6, 2003

Let water power your cell phone?

University of Alberta engineers have created a new source of clean, non-polluting electric power using tap water and microchannels. The technology has vast potential for powering small devices and could rival wind and solar power in the future.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Micromechanics and Microengineering·DateOct 19, 2003

Drugs that treat back pain also improve productivity

A study by the University of Alberta has found that giving people drugs to treat back pain can improve performance. The research team led by Dr. Saifee Rashiq ran a randomized controlled trial where participants were injected with a strong narcotic painkiller and completed the Sorensen test, showing a significant increase in functional...

Peering inside a blood vessel

Dr. Alan Wilman is developing a new MRI technique that provides highly detailed images of blood vessels, allowing doctors to diagnose conditions like heart attacks and strokes earlier. His goal is to create a safer and cheaper alternative that can help prevent deaths by aiding in early diagnosis.

Workplace violence in hospitals

One in five nurses experience multiple types of violence in a single shift period. The Broken Windows theory suggests that tolerating minor acts of aggression among hospital staff creates an environment conducive to more severe violence. Researchers aim to address this issue with a visible response to incidents.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalHealth Policy·DateFeb 28, 2003