A machine learning breakthrough enables fast and accurate measurement of metabolic profiles from biofluid samples, revolutionizing predictive medical screening. This technology accelerates the development of diagnostic tests for various diseases, potentially years before symptoms appear.
A University of Alberta study found that prenatal exercise lowers the risk of Caesarean sections and larger-than-average babies. Women who exercised had a 31% lower risk of giving birth to an oversized baby without increasing the risk of smaller or earlier births.
A new University of Alberta study reveals that older workers (65+ years old) are more susceptible to severe injuries but less likely to receive modified work duties or rehabilitation. Researchers call for a revised approach to assess and treat injured workers, prioritizing their return to work.
Researchers observed a rapid gas-filled cavity forming within the synovial fluid, causing the distinctive popping sound when cracking knuckles. The findings may lead to new research into the therapeutic benefits and harm of joint cracking, shedding light on potential long-term effects.
A new study by University of Alberta researchers found that media coverage of stem cell therapies often presents unrealistic timelines and overhypes the field. The study examined 307 news reports between 2010 and 2013, revealing that 69% predicted therapies would be available within 5-10 years or sooner.
Researchers found abnormal development of grey matter in Broca's area, the region responsible for speech, persisting into adulthood in children who stutter. The study used MRI imaging to examine brain development in both children and adults, finding a steady decline in cortical thickness not observed in people who stutter.
A new species of long-necked dinosaur, Qijianglong, has been discovered in China with a remarkably lightweight neck and surprisingly stiff joints. The findings suggest that long-necked dinosaurs diversified uniquely in Asia during Jurassic times.
Fossilized remains of ancient snakes dating back 140-167 million years old have been discovered, revealing a complex evolutionary history and challenging current understanding of snake origins. The study suggests that the evolution of characteristic snake features occurred earlier than previously thought.
Researchers have developed a new method for detecting and imaging protein-protein interactions in live cells using color changes, enabling immediate visualization of biochemical events. The FPX technique converts biochemical processes into dramatic green to red color changes.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have solved heads-up limit Texas hold'em poker, a challenge problem for artificial intelligence going back over 40 years. The breakthrough is attributed to general algorithmic advances that make game-theoretic reasoning more tractable.
A University of Alberta economics professor has discovered a link between contraband cigarette use and illicit drug use among Canadian teens. Contraband smokers are more than double as likely to use illicit drugs compared to non-contraband smokers, according to the study.
Researchers found lower concentrations of lead and other heavy metals in moss samples from the oil sands area, contrary to current scientific knowledge. The study, published in Environmental Science and Technology, suggests that other factors may be affecting lead pollution levels.
Textile scientist Rachel McQueen's research found that antimicrobial fabrics were less effective at preventing bacteria and odours when tested on humans compared to lab experiments. The silver-chloride titanium dioxide compound, marketed for its ability to prevent odour, failed to eliminate bacteria in human testing.
A new armoured dinosaur, Ziapelta sanjuanensis, discovered in New Mexico shares similarities with ankylosaurid dinosaurs found in Alberta. The species boasts unique features, such as tall spikes on its cervical half ring and distinctive scales on its snout.
A new solar-powered treatment process can accelerate oil sands tailings reclamation by up to 84% and reduce costs. The technology has the potential to also treat municipal wastewater and could make it safer for rivers.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have developed a compound that targets a specific enzyme overexpressed in certain cancers. The enzyme inhibitor shows promise in turning glioblastoma cancer stem cells into normal cells and stopping their growth.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have developed a non-metallic metamaterial that enables the compression and containment of light in smaller cables. This breakthrough could lead to radical increases in computing speeds and reduced energy use by electronic devices.
Scientists are developing new technologies at the atomic scale to create ultra-low-power electronics. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize the electronic industry, enabling smaller, more efficient devices that can be powered by longer-lasting batteries.
A pilot study found that self-administered hand shiatsu pressure techniques can help participants with chronic lower-back pain fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. The study's findings suggest that this low-cost alternative may be a valuable tool in addressing the sleep deprivation that often exacerbates chronic pain.
Researchers have uncovered evidence of ancient protocontinental crust in four-billion-year-old rocks from the Acasta Gneiss Complex. The study suggests that processes similar to those occurring in present-day Iceland may have formed the Earth's first continents.
A University of Alberta researcher has developed a paper-based diagnostic tool to detect deadly food-borne pathogens such as E. coli. The device, slightly larger than a postage stamp, is designed to be extremely portable and self-contained, allowing for daily testing on farms in developing countries.
A University of Alberta study found that negative emotions experienced as young adults can persistently affect couple relationships well into middle age. Recognizing the importance of early mental health is crucial to future happiness and may help prevent social costs like divorce and domestic violence.
An eight-kilometre-wide crater was formed in southern Alberta, producing a massive explosion that destroyed present-day Calgary, according to researchers. The impact site, dated within the last 70 million years, had devastating consequences for life in the area, with global implications.
A University of Alberta team developed a computer program to analyze chemical data from arson scenes, reducing the need for human analysis and speeding up investigations. The program can classify debris in seconds, helping investigators pinpoint the cause of fires more quickly.
A recent study found that a large majority of Albertans, 63%, support mental health screening during pregnancy. The survey also showed that 72.7% of women of child-bearing age favour postpartum screening, which jumped to 88.5% among this demographic.
A study of 181 children with obesity aged eight to 17 years old found that up to a third could be classified as 'metabolically healthy,' meaning they're not at risk of developing insulin resistance or other obesity-related diseases. Lifestyle behaviors such as physical activity and diet played a crucial role in their health status.
The Alberta Diabetes Institute has launched a new $600,000 partnership to advance early-stage technologies for Type I and II diabetes. The three-year fund will support novel discovery research with high commercialization potential.
A University of Alberta team has discovered a water-rich mineral called ringwoodite, containing 1.5% water by weight, deep beneath the Earth's crust. This finding confirms scientific theories about massive volumes of water trapped between 410-660 km below the surface.
A systematic review of 49 studies found that patients with heart failure and their families often lack basic knowledge about the condition, leading to confusion, delays in seeking help, and uncertainty about long-term care. This lack of understanding can decimate quality of life and is a major reason seniors end up in emergency rooms.
New research warns Canadians about the deadly risks of designer drug use, citing 10 new drugs per year and toxic contaminants like PMA. Experts call for education to help people understand the health risks, emphasizing that there is no safe dose of ecstasy.
A study by University of Alberta researcher Matt Johnson found a small but important link between parent-adolescent relationship quality and intimate relationships 15 years later. Good parent-teen relationships can lead to higher quality romantic relationships, while negative experiences may repeat themselves in current partnerships.
Scientists have discovered a natural protective response in brain cells that can minimize the production of diseased prion proteins, potentially helping to prevent or delay neurological diseases such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. The study also found that this mechanism may be relevant to other neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
Researchers developed a web-based tool using machine learning to analyze injury records from Alberta's workers' compensation database. The tool recommends an appropriate course of rehabilitation, outperforming clinicians in early testing.
A U of A research team has identified a giant cosmic accelerator above the Earth, accelerating particles to near-light speeds within the Van Allen radiation belt. The discovery could improve space weather forecasts and protect man-made systems from damage.
A University of Alberta study links rainfall to survival of wild birds in Canada, citing a long-term decline in reproduction for Arctic peregrines. The study found that over one-third of chick deaths were caused by rain, leading to hypothermia and drowning.
A computer algorithm predicts breast cancer type with 93% accuracy by identifying three genes involved in estrogen signaling. The technique has the potential to replace traditional lab tests, potentially becoming more affordable and accessible in the future.
Researchers using a particle detector made of ice at the South Pole have found evidence of high-energy neutrinos originating from outside the solar system. This discovery has significant implications for neutrino astronomy and could lead to a better understanding of cosmic sources.
A new study from the University of Alberta has identified key tree chemical compounds that play critical roles in the beetle's pheromone production and attraction. The research reveals that adding a volatile tree chemical to bait can increase beetle capture rates, providing hope for quicker monitoring and early detection of infestations.
A 10-year study found that warmer temperatures and forest disturbances helped grizzlies build more body fat, increasing their chances of successful reproduction. This 'silver spoon effect' benefits bears born into favourable conditions, giving them a head-start in life.
A study by University of Alberta researcher Deryk Beal found that children who stutter have less grey matter in brain regions responsible for speech production. This discovery highlights the importance of early treatment approaches like those pioneered by the Institute for Stuttering Treatment and Research.
A University of Alberta research team found that inhaled corticosteroid use was associated with a 90% increase in risk for repeat pneumonia episodes among elderly patients. The study, published in Clinical Infectious Diseases, suggests health professionals should exercise caution when prescribing the drugs to high-risk patients.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have identified over 3,000 chemicals in human urine, expanding the list from just 50-100 previously known compounds. This discovery is expected to revolutionize medical testing, enabling fast, cheap, and painless tests using urine instead of blood or tissue biopsies.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have developed a new method for creating inexpensive and easily manufactured nanoparticle-based solar cells using phosphorus and zinc. The team's innovative approach could make solar power more accessible to off-grid communities and reduce costs by up to half.
Researchers found that people tend to reject damaged or imperfect recyclables, citing them as useless. To combat this, consumers and manufacturers can take steps to override these tendencies by changing packaging and product design.
University of Alberta researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding prion protein interactions, paving the way for designing molecules that can block prion infection. The discovery opens up possibilities for treating human victims and preventing livestock diseases such as BSE.
Talking on a cellphone while driving raises the risk of collision by four to six times. Physicians can educate patients through open dialogue about the hazards of talking while behind the wheel, and offer advice such as turning off cellphones or pulling over to make important calls.
A study of 172 expectant mothers found that those who gained excessive weight during the first half of pregnancy gave birth to heavier and longer babies with more body fat. Healthy eating and exercise during pregnancy have long-lasting benefits for both mother and child.
A University of Alberta study found that new moms are weaning their infants early and only 54% were exclusively breastfeeding three months after giving birth. The study suggests addressing concerns and misconceptions about breastfeeding is crucial for promoting long-term breastfeeding.
A 700,000-year-old horse fossil found in the Yukon permafrost has provided new insight into equine evolution, revealing a genome that falls within a line of modern horses and Przewalski's Horses. The study also showed episodes of severe demographic fluctuations in horse populations linked to major climatic changes.
A new study by University of Alberta researcher Johanna Darrah found that babies' rolling abilities have not been impaired by the 'back to sleep' campaign. The study of 725 Canadian infants aged one week to eight months confirms that gross motor skills emerge in the same order and at the same ages as 20 years ago.