How buckyballs hurt cells
A new study predicts that buckyballs can easily absorb into animal cells, providing a possible explanation for their toxicity. The molecules were found to dissolve in cell membranes, pass into cells, and cause damage.
University of Calgary
A missing link settles debate over the origin of frogs and salamanders
The Gerobatrachus fossil provides key evidence for the evolution of modern amphibians from one ancient group, resolving a long-standing controversy. It suggests that frogs and salamanders separated around 240-275 million years ago, contrary to previous estimates.
Sea salt worsens coastal air pollution: study
A new study finds that sea salt and urban/shipping pollution combine to create a highly toxic mixture of ground-level ozone and pollutants in coastal areas. Researchers detected unusually high levels of nitryl chloride, a key contributor to air pollution, where these two pollutants meet in the southeastern US.
Corn's roots dig deeper into South America
Researchers have discovered evidence of maize consumption in tropical Ecuador dating back over 5,000 years. The findings suggest that corn was a vital food crop for villages in the region, contradicting previous theories that it was only used for ritual purposes.
Physics breakthrough much ado about 'nothing'
Researchers at the University of Calgary have successfully stored and retrieved a special type of vacuum, known as a squeezed vacuum, using rubidium atoms. This breakthrough has significant implications for quantum computing and information exchange, enabling the creation of ultra-secure codes for transmitting sensitive information.
New U of C research examines commonly used toxin
A new study by the University of Calgary's Faculty of Kinesiology found that Botulinium type-A toxin (BTX-A) can easily spread to surrounding muscles after injection. This challenges the widely-held belief that BTX-A remains localized to the targeted muscle site.
Big Mac: The whole world on your plate
Researchers examined over 7,000 plant species in the human diet, finding that humans consume a remarkably high number of plant families. A study of a McDonald's Big Mac meal revealed approximately 20 different species and ingredients originating from around the world.
Rounding up gases, nano-style
Researchers have created a novel process for catching gas from the environment and holding it indefinitely in molecular-sized containers, promising improvements to greenhouse gas management and fuel cell development. The 'molecular nanovalves' system is highly controllable and recyclable, allowing for safe and efficient storage of gases.
Sticky questions tackled in gecko research
A University of Calgary biologist has made a groundbreaking discovery about geckos' ability to stick to surfaces using their unique toe pads. By studying the microscopic level of setae structures on gecko feet, researchers found that friction plays a crucial role in geckos' adhesion system.
Making gas out of crude oil
A team of scientists has identified a biological process that breaks down crude oil into methane, offering a more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly way to produce natural gas. This breakthrough could increase oil sands production by recovering clean-burning methane directly from deeply buried deposits.
'Hellish' hot springs yield greenhouse gas-eating bug
Scientists have discovered a new species of bacteria that consumes methane, a potent greenhouse gas, in the geothermal field Hell's Gate in New Zealand. The 'methanotrophic' bacterium is hardy and can thrive in acidic environments, making it a promising candidate for reducing methane emissions from various sources.
Nature surrenders flowery secrets to international team
A team of international scientists has described the rules that govern how plants arrange flowers into branching structures, known as 'inflorescences'. The new unifying theory provides an explanation for the diversity of inflorescences in nature, including regional variations and developmental patterns.
A steady, high-fat diet is bad, but the news gets worse
Researchers at the University of Calgary found that a single high-fat meal can make people more prone to physical harm from stress. The study, published in the Journal of Nutrition, compared the stress responses of students who consumed a fast-food breakfast versus those who ate a low-fat breakfast.
Pregnancy hormone key to repairing nerve cell damage
Researchers discover that pregnancy-related hormone prolactin encourages spontaneous production of myelin, a fatty substance coating nerve cells, potentially leading to treatment for MS. Prolactin therapy aims to promote repair and improve symptoms in people with MS.
Practice of farming reaches back farther than thought
Ancient people in Panama processed domesticated plants like maize, manioc, and arrowroot at least 7,800 years ago, revealing an earlier practice of farming than previously thought. This discovery confirms the importance of starch grain analysis as a method for studying human subsistence practices in tropical forests.
Red hot chili pepper research spices up historical record
Researchers have traced the earliest known evidence for chili pepper domestication to sites in Ecuador dating back 6,100 years. The analysis of starch microfossils reveals that common varieties of chili peppers were widely used in a region extending from the Bahamas to southern Peru.
Researchers unearth 4,300-year-old chimpanzee technology
Archaeologists have uncovered stone 'hammers' dating back 4,300 years in the Taï rainforest, used by chimpanzees to crack nuts. The discovery confirms that some of humanity's behavioral hallmarks were inherited from a common ancestor with great apes.
Northern lights research enters final frontier
A team of Canadian scientists will gather detailed information about the northern lights using a network of Ground-Based Observatories and NASA satellites. The THEMIS mission aims to pinpoint the cause of brilliant explosions in the auroral displays.
We're sorry this is late; we really meant to post it sooner
Research by Dr. Piers Steel reveals that perfectionism is not the root cause of procrastination, but rather a lack of confidence and expectancy. The study estimates that 15-20% of the population are procrastinators, with costs extending beyond poor work performance to financial and health implications. Steel's Temporal Motivational The...
Keep your eyes on the puck
Researchers at the University of Calgary discovered that elite goalies should focus their gaze directly on the puck to make a save. This 'Quiet Eye' phenomenon allows goalies to successfully block shots over 75% of the time.
Ancient birds flew on all-fours
A new research by University of Calgary paleontologist Nick Longrich challenges the traditional idea that birds began flying by taking off from the ground. Instead, it suggests that the earliest known ancestor of modern-day birds took to the skies using primitive feathered wings on their arms and legs.
Bison hunters more advanced than thought: archaeologist
A University of Calgary archaeologist has proposed a new theory suggesting the First Nations of the Canadian Plains developed complex tribal social structures around 2,500 to 2,000 years ago. This finding contradicts the long-held view that European arrival and horse domestication led to the adoption of large tribes.
New weapons needed for the war on junk email
Researchers create new spam that tricks users into clicking on links or downloading attachments. The next generation of spam could be camouflaged as email from colleagues, friends, and even mimic patterns used by them.
Glimpse to past adds weight to global warming forecasts
A team of researchers recreated climatic conditions 130,000 years ago using a climate model, which showed that it can accurately simulate extreme conditions similar to those caused by man-made carbon dioxide emissions. This study provides more confidence in the reliability of future climate change projections.
Diabetes research yielding breakthrough success
A University of Calgary bioengineering team has successfully grown insulin-producing cells in a lab, which could lead to the production of human tissue for transplantation. The breakthrough brings the team one step closer to addressing the serious condition that requires multiple daily insulin injections.
Selection tool could revolutionize hiring, online dating
A new selection tool using 'synthetic validity' could revolutionize hiring by streamlining processes, saving businesses billions of dollars annually. This system has also been applied to online dating, aiming to create more precise matches with better long-term results.
SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalInternational Journal of Selection and Assessment·DateMar 6, 2006
Pleasing plant shapes explained by new computer model
Researchers created a three-dimensional simulation of plant growth, simulating cell division and auxin concentrations to reveal the molecular mechanism behind phyllotaxis. The model enhances biological experiments and promises accurate models for other organisms' development from primordial stem cells.
Jungle discovery opens new chapter in Maya history
Researchers uncover the earliest known portrait of a Maya woman on a stone monument, suggesting women held positions of authority in early Maya history. The discovery, made at the Naachtun site in Guatemala, dates back to the 4th century AD and provides new insights into the role of women in ancient Maya politics.
Improved cancer treatments aim of new biology research program
A new $8.9 million research program will utilize powerful computing resources to study the systems regulating cell growth and division, potentially leading to new cancer treatments. Dr. Stuart Kauffman, a renowned theoretical biologist, will lead the program at the University of Calgary.
The circadian clock: Understanding nature's timepiece
Researchers have discovered that the human circadian clock is organized in a complex network of groups performing different functions, contrary to previous beliefs. This new understanding has significant implications for health, safety, and economic benefits, particularly in addressing jet lag and sleep-related issues.
Regardless of race, pain feels pretty much the same
A recent study published in The Journal of Pain found that women are more sensitive to pain than men, while African-Americans and Whites report similar levels of pain when using standardized rating scales. Researchers tested 135 participants aged 25-45 and used modified rating scales to account for cultural differences.
Canadian-led team hopes to unlock mysteries of Cameroon's granite strongholds
A Canadian-led team will excavate the Strongholds of Cameroon, a group of ancient stone-built structures in northern Cameroon. The four-month project aims to uncover information on how to excavate the larger sites without jeopardizing their structural integrity.