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University of Alberta


Judging the role of religion in law

A University of Alberta researcher says that when it comes to deciding on issues from human rights to balancing conflicting rights, cooler, secular heads should prevail. The emergence of Western democratic states gave rise to a separation of church and state, which guarantees freedom of religion and conscience for all.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalConstitutional Forum / Forum constitutionnel·DateAug 2, 2012

Spouses of breast cancer survivors hold on to hope

Spouses of breast cancer patients struggle to find hope and balance in their lives, with many turning to exercise, music, and hobbies to cope. The study suggests that men need specific support and resources tailored to their needs, such as online guides and practical advice, to help manage stress and improve quality of life.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalOncology Nursing Forum·DateAug 1, 2012

Firms with political ties may be bad investment

Research suggests that firms with political connections often hold excess cash, which may be used to support politicians' agendas rather than maximize profit. Poor corporate governance and lack of transparency are also common in these firms, leading to a deadlock between minority shareholders and large shareholders.

Helping Alzheimer's patients stay independent

Researchers found that caregivers who believe people with Alzheimer's disease are at risk for injury and accept help more likely rely on dependency support rather than promoting independence. Caregivers can learn to gauge individual abilities through observation, breaking down tasks into manageable activities.

Kids who cook hungrier for healthy food choices

A survey of Grade 5 students in Alberta found that kids who help with meal preparation are more likely to eat healthier foods and have better diets. Children who cooked showed a greater preference for both fruits and vegetables, and were more confident about making healthier food choices.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalPublic Health Nutrition·DateJun 26, 2012

Palliative care resource helps ease changes

The Changes Toolkit helps palliative care patients and their care providers navigate physical, emotional, and relationship changes with a self-administered interactive resource. The toolkit provides a foundation for conversations about health, goals of care, and living wills, aiming to ensure better outcomes for patients and families.

Nano nod for lab on a chip

The Domino technology, developed at the University of Alberta, enables fast and accurate genetic testing using a miniaturized plastic chip. The innovation has the potential to transform point-of-care medicine, making it possible to screen large populations in a short time.

Researcher explores the 'word of mouth' paradox

Sarah Moore's research finds that analyzing emotional experiences reduces emotions, while analyzing practical experiences amplifies them. For positive experiences, it's best to relive the emotion without rationalizing, while cognitive experiences benefit from analysis and reflection.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateApr 16, 2012

Mustard -- not just for hotdogs anymore, research shows

Researchers discovered a compound in mustard seed meal with antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, and Listeria monocytogenes. The isolated sinapic acid lends a useful function to the previously economic value-less defatted seed meal, enabling its use as a natural food preservative.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalEuropean Food Research and Technology·DateMar 27, 2012

Ozone treated water v. lethal microbial material

A University of Alberta research team discovered that ozone-treated water can eradicate infectious proteins from cattle brain matter, providing a potential solution for decontaminating wastewater and sterilizing neurosurgical equipment. This breakthrough technique offers improved prion removal methods in meat processing plants and surg...

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateMar 2, 2012

T. Rex's killer smile revealed

A University of Alberta paleontologist has discovered that Tyrannosaurus rex had the greatest variation in tooth morphology or structure among all tyrannosaurids. The varying edges enabled strong teeth to cut through flesh and bone, while the placement and angle directed food into its mouth.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalCanadian Journal of Earth Sciences·DateFeb 28, 2012

Kids show cultural gender bias

Children as young as preschool age tend to categorize objects as masculine, reflecting cultural and linguistic biases. The study found that bilingual children showed a different perspective on objects when speaking French, likely due to the language's structure and not necessarily their factual knowledge of biology.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Cross-Cultural Psychology·DateFeb 9, 2012

ONline-learning must synch or sink, researcher says

A University of Alberta researcher found that online undergraduate classes using text-based formats lack reflective engagement and facilitate communication lacking in joy, passion, flavour and urgency. Kanuka recommends integrating audio-visual technologies to better support students and create a more engaging community of learners.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Computing in Higher Education·DateJan 27, 2012

Control gene for developmental timing discovered

University of Alberta researchers identified a key regulator controlling the speed of development in fruit flies. Blocking this regulator sped up development, leading to faster maturation. The study defines a novel mechanism for regulating steroid hormone pulses, crucial for human health and disease.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 28, 2011

Expert calls for change in trans fat labelling

A University of Alberta nutrition expert recommends re-evaluating trans fat labelling due to evidence suggesting natural trans fats have positive health effects. Natural trans fats found in dairy and beef products are not detrimental to health and may even reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalAdvances in Nutrition·DateSep 7, 2011

Student complaints of lackluster learning? The key to quelling boredom is within, grasshopper

According to University of Alberta researcher Lia Daniels, students can overcome boredom by using internal strategies such as re-appraising, critiquing, or evading their classes. The re-appraisers are the most resourceful group, while criticsizers may bring about effective change with the right communication from teachers. Parents and ...

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalLearning and Individual Differences·DateSep 1, 2011