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University of Calgary


Researchers trap antimatter atoms

A team of researchers from the University of Calgary has successfully trapped atomic antimatter, a significant breakthrough in understanding fundamental physics. The discovery opens up new possibilities for studying antimatter and its properties.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalNature·DateNov 17, 2010

Getting a grip on CO2 capture

Canadian researchers have made a breakthrough in CO2 capture by identifying the exact sites where CO2 is held in a capture material. This discovery enables scientists to design better materials to capture more CO2, potentially mitigating greenhouse gas emissions from coal-burning flue stacks or unconventional natural gas reservoirs.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalScience·DateOct 28, 2010

Images shed new light on inflammation

Researchers at the University of Calgary have discovered that damaged tissue can release signals that attract white blood cells, leading to inappropriate inflammation. The team used innovative imaging techniques to observe this process in real-time, shedding light on potential new treatments for inflammatory diseases.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalScience·DateOct 15, 2010

Neurochip technology developed by Canadian team

A team of Canadian scientists has developed a new neurochip technology that can track subtle changes in brain activity at the level of ion channels and synaptic potentials. This breakthrough allows for the analysis of several brain cells networking and performing automatic, large-scale drug screening for various brain dysfunctions.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalBiomedical Microdevices·DateAug 10, 2010

Gender-bending fish on the rise in southern Alberta

A study by University of Calgary researchers reveals a significant increase in female fish population and feminization of males in two Southern Alberta rivers. The presence of man-made and naturally occurring chemicals, such as synthetic estrogens and bisphenol A, is linked to the sex ratio imbalance.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateJul 29, 2010

New vitamin D guidelines

The new guidelines update Osteoporosis Canada's recommendations on vitamin D intake for Canadians, citing the need for more research into optimal doses and safe upper limits. The recommended daily supplements range from 400-1000 IU for adults under 50, with higher doses required for those over 50.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJul 13, 2010

New discovery in nerve regrowth

Researchers discovered a way to boost nerve growth in peripheral nervous system, offering potential treatments for diabetes and traumatic injuries. Blocking PTEN molecular brake increased nerve outgrowth, providing hope for recovery from nerve damage

Toddler foods too sweet

A recent study by University of Calgary professor Charlene Elliott found that 53% of baby and toddler foods have excessive sugar content, with over half meeting the criteria for poor nutritional quality. The study also revealed a 'halo effect' in adult perceptions of these products, highlighting the need to carefully examine ingredient...

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalJournal of Public Health·DateJun 28, 2010

Raising the bar for biomolecular modeling

Researchers found that amino acid residues form a barrier to help electron transfer by keeping water molecules away from the bridge, reducing the rate of transfer. This discovery provides fundamental insight into biochemical reactions and has potential applications in genetically modified organisms.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 14, 2010

Danger in the Internet cafe?

University of Calgary researchers warn of a new computer security threat called Typhoid adware, which can infect laptops in public places like internet cafes. The adware displays advertisements on infected computers without the user's knowledge.

Chemist stitches up speedier chemical reactions

Warren Piers, a University of Calgary chemist, has developed a faster catalyst for olefin metathesis reactions. This breakthrough enables more efficient production of chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and biofuels while reducing energy costs and waste. The discovery opens up new applications and markets.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMay 9, 2010

Vancouver Island has one of the highest rates of Cryptococcus infection in the world

Vancouver Island has an unusually high rate of Cryptococcus infection, a rare but deadly disease caused by inhaling toxic fungus from fir trees. Researchers at the University of Calgary have found that a class of approved therapeutic drugs could prevent brain infection by stopping the fungus from crossing the blood-brain barrier.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 4, 2010

Scientists probe Earth's core

Researchers at the University of Calgary have made a groundbreaking discovery about the Earth's core by analyzing seismic wave speed. The study reveals that the outer core is well mixed and lacks stratification, providing new insights into the planet's magnetic field and formation.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalPhysics of The Earth and Planetary Interiors·DateApr 28, 2010

Unlocking the opium poppy's biggest secret

Researchers have discovered the unique genes responsible for codeine and morphine production in the opium poppy, opening doors to alternative methods of producing these painkillers. The findings could lead to more efficient and cost-effective synthesis of pharmaceuticals using microorganisms.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMar 14, 2010

Vigilance needed in nanotechnology

Researchers have developed a methodology to measure nanoparticles in chicken embryos, shedding light on their potential effects on human health. The study's findings will inform regulatory approaches and help make nanotechnology more sustainable.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalChemical Physics Letters·DateMar 3, 2010

Physicists play Lego with photons

Researchers at the University of Calgary have successfully stacked up to two photons on top of one another using quantum entanglement, enabling the creation of various quantum states of light. This achievement brings physicists closer to developing new capabilities in measurement instruments, computers, and secure communication systems.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalNature Photonics·DateFeb 14, 2010

Exploring the Stone Age pantry

Researchers have discovered that early Homo sapiens consumed wild sorghum and other pre-domesticated cereals around 100,000 years ago. This finding broadens our understanding of human evolution by showcasing the importance of dietary transformation through cereal consumption.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalScience·DateDec 17, 2009

Flips, flops and cartwheels

Researchers discover gecko tails have intricate movement patterns after shedding, including flips up to 3cm in height. The isolated tail serves as a vehicle for studying spinal cord function and nerve-muscle coordination.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalBiology Letters·DateSep 8, 2009

Tourette syndrome misconceptions only one battle for patients

Research published in the Journal of Developmental and Behavioural Pediatrics found that nearly 90% of Tourette syndrome cases exist in conjunction with another disorder, most frequently ADHD. Perinatal factors such as low birth weight, prematurity, and maternal smoking increase the risk of co-occurring ADHD in children with Tourette.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalJournal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics·DateApr 15, 2009

Hippo ancestry disputed

Researchers dispute a recent study that creates a different family tree for the hippo, arguing that it ignores important DNA data. Hippos are closest living relatives of whales, according to most DNA evidence from the last 12-13 years.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalNature·DateMar 18, 2009

Mini dinosaurs prowled North America

Researchers have discovered a new species of carnivorous dinosaur, Hesperonychus elizabethae, in North America. The miniature predator, weighing around two kilograms and standing 50 centimeters tall, was likely to hunt insects and small mammals.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 2009

Muscling in on type 2 diabetes

A new study suggests that high levels of myostatin produced by muscle tissue in extremely obese individuals may contribute to the development of insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes. Muscle loss is a key indicator of this transition, and understanding its role in metabolism is crucial for finding effective treatments.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalDiabetes·DateFeb 26, 2009

Mountain caribou's ancient ancestry revealed

A study by University of Calgary researchers found that mountain caribou populations are remnants of a blending between two major subspecies of caribou during the last ice age. The analysis of DNA and tracking data showed that they are hybrids with genetic expressions of migratory behavior.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateJan 28, 2009

Early childhood diet may influence future health

A new study published in the Journal of Physiology found that an early childhood diet may have a profound influence on adult obesity and diabetes. The research, led by Dr. Raylene Reimer, suggests that the composition of an infant's diet can alter the expression of genes involved in metabolism and weight regulation.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateJan 14, 2009

'Seeing' the quantum world

A four-minute animated movie created by University of Calgary's Barry Sanders explains the nature of quantum computing, its power and underlying science. The animation uses state-of-the-art techniques to convey quantum concepts in an accurate and exciting way.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateDec 17, 2008

Flora not flourishing in world's hotspots

Researchers at the University of Calgary found that tropical regions have higher risks of plant extinction than previously thought. The study analyzed worldwide databases and discovered that factors like latitude are more important in determining the number of threatened species than human activities.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 9, 2008

Predicting boom and bust ecologies

A University of Calgary researcher has uncovered fundamental rules governing population cycles in natural systems, shedding light on the balancing act between stability and dramatic swings. The study reveals how food availability affects juvenile growth in populations, explaining different types of cycles in predator-prey systems.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalNature·DateOct 29, 2008