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University of Calgary


Quantum copies do new tricks

Researchers at the University of Calgary have made a significant breakthrough in quantum copying, demonstrating that original states can be perfectly recovered from imperfect copies. This achievement has far-reaching implications for quantum technology, including potential applications in precision measurement and sample analysis.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 22, 2012

Solving the mystery of blood clotting

Scientists have determined the molecular 3D structure of a protein in blood platelets and a receptor that controls blood clot formation. This discovery helps understand the body's response to superbugs and potentially leads to new treatments.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 19, 2012

Earth's massive extinction: The story gets worse

Researchers have discovered that massive volcanic eruptions in the late Permian period likely caused the extinction of nearly all marine species and a majority of land life. Mercury levels were found to be significantly higher than today's human-caused emissions, contributing to the loss of 95% of life in the sea.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalGeology·DateJan 5, 2012

Some answers about orthotics

A recent study published in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research found that over-the-counter orthotics can significantly reduce plantar fascia strain, with an average reduction of 34% in 17 out of 20 subjects. This could lead to improved treatment options for people suffering from plantar fasciitis.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalJournal of Foot and Ankle Research·DateOct 31, 2011

Limits for mountain trail use identified

Research found that wolves and elk avoided high-quality habitat near trails with human activity above two persons per hour, suggesting a refuge zone for elk from predators. Thresholds of human activity on trails lead to wildlife disturbance and ecological change, according to the study.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalEcology and Society·DateSep 22, 2011

Competitive Scrabble makes you smarter

Researchers found that competitive Scrabble players can develop visual word recognition ability in adulthood, recognizing English words up to 20% faster than non-players. They also showed less reliance on the word's meaning and more on its visual appearance, allowing for efficient recognition of letter sequences.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalMemory & Cognition·DateAug 17, 2011

Domed dinosaur king of the head butt

Researchers analyzed the heads of pachycephalosaur dinosaurs and compared them to modern animals that engage in head butting. They found that the bony anatomy of pachycephalosaur domes is better at protecting the brain than in any modern head-butting animal.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 28, 2011

Building a better math teacher

A math education professor argues that advanced courses in mathematics do little to contribute to effective teaching, and instead suggests that teachers focus on developing a deeper understanding of mathematics with their students. This approach can help prevent student frustration and prepare them for a knowledge-based economy.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalScience·DateJun 23, 2011

Upping the anti

Researchers have successfully stored antimatter atoms for over 16 minutes, a significant milestone in understanding this elusive substance. The breakthrough allows scientists to test hypotheses about antimatter's behavior and its potential impact on our understanding of the universe.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalNature Physics·DateJun 5, 2011

Big city holds empty promise for bats

Researchers at the University of Calgary discovered that urban life is far from ideal for Prairie bats, contrary to expectations. Despite the presence of roosts and food sources in cities, bat populations exhibit poor body condition, reproductive rates, and juvenile survival.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 31, 2011

When it comes to warm-up, less is more

A recent study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that shorter warm-ups can result in less muscle fatigue and improved peak power output. The study suggested that sprint athletes may benefit from adopting a shorter and less strenuous warm-up for better performance.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateMay 27, 2011

Gambling problem exposed as access grows

A new study by University of Calgary researcher Dr. David Hodgins highlights the growing issue of problem gambling as access to online gambling increases. Problem gamblers often co-occur with other mental health and substance-abuse disorders, and treatment effectiveness is variable.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 18, 2011

Beware of predatory male black bears

Research reveals that lone male black bears are the primary cause of fatal attacks on humans, with a significant increase in attacks linked to human population growth. The study also found that familiarization with humans and previous bear encounters do not necessarily lead to increased attack rates.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalJournal of Wildlife Management·DateMay 11, 2011

iPhone can diagnose stroke: Study

Researchers developed an iPhone application that can diagnose stroke with high accuracy, using noncontrast computed tomography (NCCT) and CT angiogram head scans. The technology allows doctors to analyze images in real-time from anywhere, providing critical access to specialists.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateMay 8, 2011

Diamonds shine in quantum networks

Researchers at the University of Calgary have successfully created a node in a quantum network using impurities in diamonds. Impurities in diamonds can be used to store information encoded onto their quantum state, which can be controlled and read out using light.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalNature Photonics·DateApr 26, 2011

Breast cancer prognosis goes high tech

Researchers at the University of Calgary developed a new digital tool using fractal dimension analysis to assess breast cancer tumours. The method provides an objective and reproducible measure of tissue abnormality and aggressiveness, promising more accurate risk assessment and therapeutic decisions.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalJournal of Translational Medicine·DateApr 15, 2011

Even Canadian rocks are different

A new study published in Geology reveals that rock formations along the Canadian-US border date back to 120 million years ago. The research suggests that ancient rivers flowing through western North America were separated by the modern-day border.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalGeology·DateMar 28, 2011

Humans give prey the edge in food web

A new study by University of Calgary researchers shows that human activity displaces predators more than prey in the food chain. By limiting human use of roads and trails to less than 18 people a day, the negative impact on wildlife food webs can be reduced.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 3, 2011

Scientists identify new marker for heart disease

A new study by Dr. Todd Anderson at the University of Calgary's Libin Cardiovascular Institute has identified endothelial dysfunction as a predictive marker for coronary heart disease. By detecting this marker in patients, doctors may be able to intervene early to prevent the progression of heart disease.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalCirculation·DateFeb 22, 2011

Researchers bust bat rabies stereotype

A study by University of Calgary researchers confirms bats are not as disease-ridden as thought, with only one percent of bats infected with rabies regardless of species or location. The study's findings challenge previous estimates and highlight the importance of bats' ecosystem services.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalJournal of Wildlife Diseases·DateJan 31, 2011

Quantum quirk contained

Researchers at the University of Calgary have made a significant breakthrough in creating quantum networks by storing information in entangled photons. This achievement brings the field closer to reality and has the potential to enable building quantum networks in a few years.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalNature·DateJan 12, 2011