A recent study by Dr. Douglas Wahlsten found that environmental influences significantly impact experiment outcomes in mice, including motor coordination and psychological learning tasks. The study suggests that even small factors like odors and experimenter conduct can have a profound effect on behavior.
University of Alberta researchers are working on a project to remotely scan and analyze core samples, allowing geologists to determine the type and quality of rock without physically inspecting them. This technology has the potential to improve mine safety, accuracy, and production by reducing the need for human intervention.
Researchers found that North American red squirrels are adapting to warmer temperatures by advancing their breeding cycle by 18 days over 10 years. The team used quantitative genetics to separate individual plasticity from genetic adaptation, revealing a long-term trend of phenotypic plasticity.
A University of Alberta scientist warns that polar bears are in danger of extinction due to the rapid melting of Arctic ice. The world's largest terrestrial carnivores rely on sea ice for survival, and climate change is accelerating its disappearance.
A study by Dr. David Cumming found significant variation in dilation and curretage (D&C) procedures across Alberta, with some regions experiencing a fivefold increase in rates. Less invasive therapies can accomplish the same goals as D&C, making it an unnecessary procedure for many women, according to the study's findings.
Physicist Bryan Caron and his team have achieved a world record-breaking data transfer rate, equivalent to transferring a full compact disk in under eight seconds. The team created a dedicated 'light path' spanning 12,000 km, bypassing the public Internet to establish a new transatlantic superhighway for researchers.
Women with heavy menstrual periods experience significant economic loss due to missed work and lower health ratings. The study estimates that women who miss work because of heavy periods lose approximately $1692 a year.
A recent study by Dr. Gus Thompson found that Canadians, particularly Albertans, attribute schizophrenia to genetic factors and biochemical imbalances. Although stigma remains, the study shows a positive shift in perceptions towards mental illness over the past few decades.
Researchers used bat hibernation physiology to predict climate change effects, finding that warmer winters will allow little brown bats to expand their northern ranges. The study's findings highlight the importance of basic physiological processes in understanding ecosystem changes.
Biochemistry assistant professor Mark Glover has recreated the three-dimensional structure of a critical portion of the BRCA1 protein, a breakthrough that could lead to early detection and genetic screening for breast cancer. The findings may also provide new insights into how the protein prevents cells from becoming cancerous.
Research suggests that lifetime physical activity can significantly reduce breast cancer risk, particularly among women engaging in moderate-intensity occupational and household activities. The study found that vigorous activity had little impact on risk reduction, highlighting the importance of frequency and duration of total activity.
Researchers have developed a mouse model that can be infected with the hepatitis C virus, allowing them to test new therapies and study viral replication. This breakthrough could lead to the development of a cure for the disease, which affects an estimated 175 million people worldwide.
A new study published in Fertility and Sterility suggests that most infertile men cope with their situation well, with no significant differences among three groups of men. The researchers found that fertile men reported higher stress levels compared to those with low or no sperm count or unexplained infertility.
A study surveyed over 300 women aged 70+ about fitness activities, finding they generally recognize health benefits but experience strong, anxiety-driven fears of risks. The researcher recommends specialty programs addressing specific needs, improving perceptions of exercise as a viable disease risk reduction strategy.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have developed a novel drug delivery system that targets bones directly, potentially treating osteoporosis more effectively. The system uses growth factors to stimulate bone cells and retains the drug in the targeted area, reducing side effects.
Researchers at the University of Alberta created an artificial eye that can rotate in synchronicity with its 'good partner', using a tiny electrical motor and infrared detectors. The implant aims to alleviate psychological and physical symptoms associated with missing eyes, giving patients more confidence after radical facial surgery.
A University of Alberta researcher found that childhood trauma has risen markedly faster for girls than boys, leading to increased rates of depression and potentially unhealthy adulthood. The study's findings suggest a link between childhood trauma and later difficulties, including psychiatric symptoms and social problem behavior.
A new telehealth technology called I-SITE is being used to fight a growing epidemic of diabetic blindness in First Nation Canadian communities. The system has successfully diagnosed and treated diabetic retinopathy, saving eyesight in patients who would otherwise have gone blind.
Damage to nerves caused by injury can lead to slow and poor recovery. However, a new study suggests that electrical stimulation can enhance nerve regeneration, allowing for faster healing in just two to three weeks. Researchers hope to test this method on people with nerve damage.
Researchers will study the Chipewyan (or Dene Suline) language in the Cold Lake First Nations community as part of the three-year Daghida Project. The goal is to help start an immersion program for children and revive the language, which has been largely lost among younger generations.
A recent study by the University of Alberta found that non-paid elderly caregivers in Canada are saving taxpayers over $5 billion each year. However, these caregivers often pay a significant personal cost, including reduced social connections, physical health issues, and financial struggles. To address this issue, researchers recommend...
The UofA research team is working to prevent rejection of transplanted islet cells, allowing diabetics to become insulin-free. Researchers are also developing procedures for transplanting islet cells before physical complications set in.