Researchers have identified a new indicator of obesity risk in children by studying circadian rhythm-related genes. The study, published in the journal Nutrients, found that certain gene variations may increase caloric intake or from specific macronutrients.
A University of Guelph researcher has discovered a common skincare ingredient that may target acute myeloid leukemia by blocking the fat-to-fuel process in cancer cells. The compound inhibits ABCD1 protein production, causing leukemia cells to die while healthy cells adapt and survive.
Researchers at the University of Guelph developed a faster way to identify potential drug targets against Candida albicans using CRISPR interference. The new system reduced the time from laboratory discoveries to clinical applications by years, focusing on hundreds or thousands of genes simultaneously.
A naturally occurring fatty acid called geranylgeranoic acid (GGA) has been discovered to disrupt the ability of MRSA bacteria to stick to human molecules and detect their environment, making it harder for them to cause disease. Researchers tested GGA in mice and found it prevented skin lesions and reduced infection severity.
Researchers analyzed tumour samples from almost 500 domestic cats across five countries, identifying specific driver genes that lead to cancer development. The study found similarities between cat and human cancers, including a common driver gene associated with worse prognosis in humans.
A new study reveals that Asian honeybees use distinct signals to alert nestmates of giant hornet attacks, employing a sophisticated communication system. The research found that these signals are designed to get the attention of colony members and convey a sense of urgency.
A study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B found that intelligent bird species such as parrots and great apes are at risk of poor welfare in captivity. The researchers recommend providing naturalistic diets, enrichment items, and stimulating environments to improve care and reduce psychological problems.
Researchers found that captive-raised monarchs can establish proper orientation using their sense of flight direction after being exposed to sunlight and natural cues. The process takes between 24-48 hours, allowing them to fly in the correct direction once released into the wild.
University of Guelph researchers have discovered how entangled proteins in brain cells enable Parkinson's disease to spread. Misfolded alpha-synuclein aggregates spread to other parts of the brain, impairing areas responsible for motor function and cognition.
A new international study found that pet owners who follow gluten-free, organic or grain-free diets are likely to look for similar characteristics in their dog's food. The study also found that dog owners in Germany preferred grain-free dog food at a rate of 30%.
A University of Guelph study identifies a compound in avocados that targets an enzyme critical for cancer cell growth, offering a potential route to better leukemia treatment. The compound, derived from avocado, has been shown to inhibit the enzyme VLCAD involved in leukemia cell metabolism.
A recent University of Guelph study found that early cannabis use may be linked to an increased risk of developing heart disease. The research, which analyzed data from 35 young subjects aged 19-30, revealed subtle but potentially important changes in heart and artery function among cannabis users.
A University of Guelph study found female hoary squash bees exposed to imidacloprid dug 85% fewer nests and collected less pollen. The pesticide significantly reduces offspring production, threatening the future of these vital pollinators.
Researchers found that honeybees in Vietnam collect and apply spots of animal dung around hive entrances to deter deadly nest raids by Asian hornets. This finding is also the first to document the use of tools by honeybees.
Cats that eat one meal a day are more satisfied, with higher post-meal levels of appetite-regulating hormones. This feeding schedule also promotes lean body mass by increasing blood amino acids.
Researchers at University of Guelph discover that e-cigarette vapour is more rewarding for adolescents, even with shorter exposures, compared to adults. The findings may help explain why e-cigarettes are popular among adolescents and contribute to their continued use.
A University of Guelph study finds that sweetened coolers with high-fructose corn syrup can promote harmful alcohol consumption among teenagers. The researchers suggest that these beverages act as a gateway to introduce young people to alcohol, increasing the likelihood of binge drinking.
Research at the University of Guelph found that parents under stress are less likely to monitor and limit their children's screen time. Mothers who reported high levels of parenting stress were more likely to use devices in front of their kids, while fathers experiencing similar stress were more likely to enforce rules.
Research suggests that if physical distancing measures are relaxed too much or too quickly, hospitals may be overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients and experience exponential growth in deaths. The study found that increasing contacts above 50% of pre-pandemic levels would lead to a spike in hospitalizations and deaths.
Researchers at the University of Guelph used advanced cloning techniques to produce 1,000 plants from just two seeds, offering a new method for conserving endangered plant species. The CPR method preserves genetic material and can produce large quantities of plants in a controlled environment.
A recent study by University of Guelph researchers found that logging in Ontario's boreal stands is threatening the population of endangered woodland caribou. The team analyzed video collars attached to 30 caribou, as well as GPS-tracking radio collars on wolves and caribou, to monitor their movements and find evidence of predation.
A new study models the potential for growing major food crops in newly suitable regions due to climate change. The researchers found that Earth's agricultural landmass could increase by one-third, including vast new farming prospects in Canada and Russia's north.
A new University of Guelph study finds that BPS can hinder heart function, especially in females, with effects occurring within minutes of exposure. The study's findings raise concerns about the safety of BPS as a replacement for BPA and suggest banning it from consumer products.
University of Guelph researchers have developed a new tool for studying nuclear waste storage using antimatter. This breakthrough may help in designing safer underground vaults for permanent storage of radioactive waste. The study also reveals intriguing properties of clays that could be useful in other industries.
University of Guelph researchers have discovered that cortisol, a key stress hormone, accumulates in fish scales slowly and remains there for weeks. This allows scientists to gauge long-term stress levels without invasive blood tests.
Researchers from the University of Guelph have found that some individuals excel at deciphering subtle differences in cat facial expressions to gauge their emotions. Women and those with veterinary experience were particularly skilled at recognizing these cues, even among those without a strong attachment to cats.
Soil nitrogen levels drive plant growth for food production and ecosystem health. The global field study provides a more detailed baseline of worldwide nitrogen levels, improving understanding of natural cycles and the effects of over-fertilization.
A University of Guelph study found that fruit flies' aggression depends on their previous interactions, not just who they're interacting with. The study showed that males in certain social groups became more aggressive after one-on-one encounters.
A University of Guelph study reveals that fruit flies' aggression is shaped by past interactions, not just who they interact with. The findings suggest that aggression is a complex trait influenced by social experiences, and its effects can last for up to three days.
Researchers found that stressed horses blink less and twitch their upper eyelids more, providing a simple indicator of agitation. The study used non-invasive measurements to test the significance of eyelid twitches as an indicator of stress.
Researchers have discovered that avocatin B, found only in avocados, counters incomplete oxidation in skeletal muscle and the pancreas, reducing insulin resistance. The study found significant weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity in mice fed with a high-fat diet supplemented with AvoB.
A study at the University of Guelph found that dog owners frequently make errors when measuring out dry dog food, with significant variations in portion sizes. The researchers recommend using a kitchen scale to ensure precise measurements and prevent under- or over-nourishment.
Researchers found that 36% of squash bees are chronically exposed to lethal doses of clothianidin in soil, exceeding the acceptable threshold of 5%. This risk is applicable to many other wild bee species in Canada, highlighting the need for new approaches to protect pollinators and crops simultaneously.
A new study found that frequent and large wildfires are releasing stored carbon in boreal forests, transforming them into a source of carbon instead of a sink. This shift has significant implications for global climate change and greenhouse gas levels.
Researchers uncover how cannabis creates potent pain-relieving molecules, targeting inflammation and offering a non-psychoactive alternative to opioids. The discovery enables the development of naturally derived pain treatments with potentially significant benefits for chronic pain sufferers.
U of Guelph researchers found that alligators' hearts become bigger and stronger when exposed to low oxygen during early development, unlike many other animals. This discovery has significant potential to benefit humans, particularly those with weakened hearts.
Researchers analyzed data on over 19 million cats to understand typical weight gain and loss patterns. The study found most cats continue to put on weight as they age, with average weights peaking between 6-10 years old.
A radio-tracking study by University of Guelph biologists found that wind and temperature are more important influences than precipitation on daytime insect migration. The study revealed that insects can fly faster as it warms up, but flight is impeded when it gets too hot.
A new University of Guelph study found that posting even one subtle negative comment on social media can hinder health professionals' credibility with clients. The researchers tested factors including ambiguous workday comments and found that a single such comment was enough to lower perceived professionalism by 11 points.
New research suggests that most of Earth's heavy elements, including gold and platinum, were spewed from collapsars, a rare type of star explosion. This finding challenges the widely held belief that these elements come from collisions between neutron stars or black holes.
Researchers at the University of Guelph discovered that meat-eating pitcher plants in Algonquin Park wetlands consume not just bugs but also young salamanders. The plants' digestive enzymes break down prey, which may help them obtain essential nutrients like nitrogen from poor bog soil.
A University of Guelph study found that including social processes in climate models can alter predictions and may hold the key to reducing global warming. Researchers developed a new model that accounts for social learning, finding that higher rates of social learning are needed to meet the 1.5-degree target.
Researchers discovered subtle changes in female hearts during perimenopause, indicating stress at this early stage. Estrogen-mimicking drugs can still be beneficial for protecting hearts, but timing is crucial to maximize effectiveness.
A new report highlights the urgent need for monitoring and modeling of Arctic permafrost due to rapid collapse, which can lead to catastrophic consequences such as subsidence, flooding, and landslides. The researchers estimate that this abrupt thaw could double the climate feedback associated with permafrost thawing.
A University of Guelph study found that neonicotinoid pesticides, like clothianidin, can reduce honey bees' grooming behaviour when infected with varroa mites. This makes bees more susceptible to disease and death. The research highlights the importance of reducing stressors on bee colonies.
A University of Guelph study found that the circadian mechanism affects cognition and mood in heart failure patients, suggesting ways to prevent and treat both conditions. The research may lead to new strategies to improve patients' quality of life.
Hagfish hearts can pump for 36 hours without oxygen, a phenomenon that could inspire new strategies for protecting the human heart during anoxia. Researchers found that glycerol enhances heart contraction during anoxia, raising questions about its role in hagfish physiology.
A University of Guelph study found that warmer temperatures are causing fish to forage in deeper water, leading to a climate-induced reorganization of food webs. The research tracked lake trout movement and feeding habits across hundreds of lakes in northwestern Ontario.
A survey of 3,673 dog and cat owners found that 35% of pet owners who feed their animals conventional diets are interested in switching to a plant-based diet. Many respondents also reported already feeding their pets plant-based diets, with 27% of vegans having made the switch.
A team of researchers from University of Guelph tracked the annual migration of blackpoll warblers, one of the fastest declining songbirds in North America. The birds migrate up to 20,000 kilometers between their breeding grounds in the central and western boreal forest and their winter home in the Amazon Basin.