Researchers at UCalgary's Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases have unlocked new insights into the regulation of immunity against chronic infectious diseases. The study found that immune responses thought to be non-protective are actually essential in regulating excessive inflammation, which can facilitate infection.
A new study reveals significant increases in premenopausal breast cancer rates globally, particularly in higher-income nations like Canada. The study also finds that postmenopausal breast cancer is increasing more rapidly in lower-income countries, often due to adopting Western lifestyles and lack of early screening.
A UCalgary research study found that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can detect risk of heart failure and death in those with dilated cardiomyopathy. The study confirms about 40% of patients with DCM have scarring patterns on their heart muscle, associated with higher risk of future cardiac events.
Researchers at UCalgary have made a breakthrough discovery that could lead to the development of treatments for Fragile X syndrome, a genetic cause of Autism Spectrum Disorder. By replacing the missing FMRP protein in the brain, scientists hope to reduce hyperactivity and improve cognitive function.
A new drug nerinetide has shown promising results in preserving brain cells for a time after stroke. The study found that combining nerinetide with endovascular therapy improved patient outcomes as compared to those who received only the clot-busting drug alteplase.
A study by Dr. Raylene Reimer found that low-calorie sweeteners increased body fat and disrupted gut microbiota in offspring, even when consumed during pregnancy or breastfeeding. The findings suggest a potential link between artificial sweeteners and obesity risk in early life.
A study at the University of Calgary found that deep brain stimulation, targeting a specific region of the brain, reduced depressive symptoms in 50% of participants. Younger patients showed better improvement than older ones, with 30% experiencing complete recovery.
A University of Calgary study reveals that short-term radon test kits can be inaccurate up to 99% of the time, highlighting the need for long-term testing kits. The research also sheds light on factors influencing radon levels in Canadian homes, with implications for reducing environmentally-caused cancer.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Calgary has found that individuals with spinal cord injuries experience fatigue more than people without, with a nine times greater risk. The study also revealed that sleep-related breathing problems are associated with reduced brain health and increased risk of stroke in this population.
A University of Calgary-led study found that MRI scans can significantly improve the diagnosis of minor strokes and transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). In 30% of cases, the MRI scan led to a change in diagnosis. The study's findings suggest that MRI scans are essential for patients with non-traditional symptoms, reducing unnecessary med...
Researchers at UCalgary and Stanford University have discovered a long-range circuit in the brain that carries pain signals and is altered during chronic pain states. This understanding may lead to new drug therapies and targeted brain stimulation treatments to address chronic nerve pain.
Researchers discovered a dose-related decrease in bone density with high doses of vitamin D, contrary to initial predictions. Vitamin D supplementation above recommended levels (400-2000 IU daily) was not associated with an increase in bone density or strength.
Researchers from the University of Calgary have discovered a molecule that can prevent white blood cells from binding to tissues in the lungs, stopping inflammation and potential organ damage. This breakthrough could lead to treatments for conditions like sepsis, acute lung injury, and cancer metastasis.
Researchers at UCalgary have identified a new cell population in pericardial fluid that helps heal injured hearts in mice and humans. This discovery could lead to new treatments for patients with damaged hearts.
A Canadian study found women experiencing minor strokes or TIAs are 10% more likely to receive non-stroke diagnoses. Researchers highlight the importance of recognizing atypical symptoms and accurate diagnosis for prevention and treatment.
A new study led by UCalgary researcher finds that early caffeine treatment has no long-term negative effects on neurodevelopment, but is associated with better cognitive scores. The therapy also reduces the risk of cerebral palsy and hearing impairment in premature babies.
A UCalgary research team analyzed publicly accessible health and genomics data to identify a gene signature that can help determine which cancer patients will benefit from immunotherapy. This discovery has the potential to improve treatment outcomes for these patients.
A recent Canadian study found that probiotics do not help reduce symptoms of gastroenteritis in children, contradicting previous smaller trials. The research recruited almost 900 children and tested two commercially available brands of probiotics.
Researchers at UCalgary's Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute and Hotchkiss Brain Institute discovered the nervous system plays a critical role in asthma attacks. By targeting treatment at the carotid bodies, they found that blocking receptors during an asthma attack can eliminate symptoms.
Researchers created a way to measure different types of fear of falling (FOF) in Parkinson's patients, highlighting the importance of cognitive function. The study aims to improve treatment and quality of life for patients with FOF.
Researchers found that clots have different compositions and administering tPA can be as effective as thrombectomy given sufficient time. The study involved nearly 600 patients across five countries and provided definitive evidence on the value of giving patients tPA.
Researchers at UCalgary discovered the key target of a toxin that worsens sepsis caused by Staphylococcus aureus. The findings suggest an antibody targeting this toxin could prevent platelet aggregation and organ failure, offering new hope for patients in intensive care.
Researchers at UCalgary have discovered that the antidepressant mirtazapine may be an effective treatment for PBC, a rare and incurable liver disease. The study found that patients taking mirtazapine showed improved health outcomes compared to those without depression.
Researchers challenge conventional thinking about MS root cause and develop new treatment approach by protecting myelin from immune attack. The study provides compelling evidence that MS could begin with myelin damage, opening new lines of thinking for this disease.
Researchers at the University of Calgary have shed new light on the identity of brain stem cells that exhibit neural stem cell function. The study found that ependymal cells do not become neural stem cells when activated by injury, but rather regulate their function.
UCalgary researchers develop a new method to discover drugs for treating epilepsy, leveraging the ketogenic diet's effect on energy production. A promising new use is found for vorinostat, a cancer treatment drug, reducing seizures in zebrafish and mouse models by 60%.
Researchers have discovered that immune cells cause dangerous blood vessel blockage in response to fungal infections, leading to new therapeutic targets. The study's findings could lead to the development of treatments that prevent this blockage without inhibiting the immune system.
Researchers at UCalgary have developed a portable brain imaging system that uses light to detect and monitor damage in the brain from concussion. The device measures communication in the brain by measuring oxygen levels, revealing patterns of blood flow and oxygen levels that change after concussion.
Sand flies infect about one million people each year with the parasite Leishmania, causing chronic disease Leishmaniasis. Researchers at University of Calgary's high-containment lab are studying transmission of the disease and immune system's response to it by raising sand flies.
Researchers at the University of Calgary discovered that stress transmitted from others can change the brain in mice, altering CRH neurons that control the brain's response to stress. In females, these effects are reversed after a social interaction, while males do not exhibit this reversal.
Researchers mapped gene expression levels to understand how mutations affect traits, finding non-linear relationships that aren't proportional to the level of mutation. This discovery helps improve prediction accuracy for diseases like cleft lip and palate.
A clinical trial shows FMT capsules are 96-per-cent effective in treating C. difficile infections, similar to colonoscopy. The pill-based treatment is non-invasive, inexpensive, and has no risks associated with sedation.
A recent study published in Cell reveals a new mechanism in the gut microbiome that regulates pro- and anti-inflammatory cells, potentially preventing inflammatory bowel disease. The research also suggests that changes in the gut microbiome can increase the risk of other autoimmune disorders.
Research predicts increased inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) rates in developing countries as they adopt Western lifestyles and become more industrialized. IBD incidence is expected to rise dramatically, posing a global health challenge.
Researchers have discovered a new immunotherapy combination that effectively kills cancer cells, with promising results for treating aggressive breast and rare pediatric muscle cancer. The combination uses existing cancer drugs in a whole new way to stimulate the immune system.
A new fossil discovery challenges our understanding of the early evolution of tetrapods, revealing a fish-like creature with a snake-like exterior. The Lethiscus stocki fossil shows immediate and dramatic evolutionary experimentation, dropping its position on the 'family tree' and impacting evolutionary biology.
A daily fiber supplement has been shown to decrease body fat and improve intestinal bacteria profiles in children with overweight or obesity. The study found a 19% reduction in triglycerides and significant weight gain reductions compared to a placebo group.
A Canadian clinical trial has discovered that minocycline, a common acne medication, can slow the progress of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis in people experiencing their first symptoms. The treatment offers a safe and affordable alternative to current therapies, which can cost up to $40,000 per year.
A new species of giant bird-like dinosaur, Beibeilong, has been discovered in Henan, China. The fossilized remains include large eggs weighing up to five kilograms and an embryo found inside, revealing a previously unknown species of oviraptorosaur.
Researchers at the University of Calgary have published a new international consensus statement on concussion in sport, which includes new guidelines for detecting, assessing, treating, and preventing sport-related concussions. The statement emphasizes the importance of recognizing and removing athletes from the sporting environment if...
A recent study conducted by the University of Calgary found that radon gas levels in over 2,300 Calgary and area homes exceeded Health Canada's acceptable limits. The results show that there is no unaffected neighborhood, and homeowners who remediated their homes saw a reduction in radon levels to safe ranges.
Researchers have identified a potential therapeutic target for managing opioid withdrawal by discovering that an existing anti-gout medication can alleviate withdrawal symptoms in opioid-dependent rodents. The study's findings suggest that this treatment could provide relief for individuals struggling with opioid addiction, and the res...
A new technology, developed by University of Calgary researchers, enables recording brain cell activity for weeks with higher resolution than conventional methods. This allows researchers to investigate neurological diseases and cognitive functions like learning and memory in animal models.
Researchers discover a cellular mechanism by which brain deactivates and then gradually reactivates neurons in the temporal association cortex. This discovery challenges the idea that all neurons are present and fully active from birth.
A new study by University of Calgary researchers finds that adolescents who attend religious services are less likely to view pornography. The study, which surveyed over 3,000 teenagers and their parents, suggests that religious attendance acts as a social control factor that discourages porn usage among young people.
A recent study discovered that macrophages in abdominal cavities surrounding organs like the liver and heart can initiate immediate and rapid repair after damage. The study found that these immune cells patrol within the cavity and adhere to damaged areas for quick healing, suggesting a new approach to tissue repair.
Researchers discovered that a special type of dietary fibre, known as prebiotic, can impact the mother's gut microbiota and reduce obesity risk in moms and their babies. The study found that mothers who took a prebiotic supplement had lower body fat and healthier gut bacteria, which were then transferred to their babies.
Researchers at the University of Calgary have discovered a novel mechanism to stop autoimmune diseases without compromising immunity. A new class of drugs harnesses this mechanism to treat various autoimmune diseases, offering a highly specific treatment approach.
University of Calgary scientists have characterized a novel gene that encodes the gateway enzyme in the formation of morphine. This discovery could lead to the development of alternative painkillers, such as codeine and oxycodone.
Researchers have found that climate change is causing widespread declines of pollinators across continents, affecting critical roles played by bumble bees as wild pollinators. The study reveals that bumble bee species are being compressed into their northernmost ranges, leading to alarming effects on ecosystems.