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University of Guelph


Bored? Researchers shed light on why

A new study defines boredom as a mental state fueled by attention failures, leading to frustration and potential dangers such as accidents, impulse control issues, and mortality. The researchers aim to stimulate further research to understand and address the issue.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateSep 28, 2012

Study: DNA barcoding can ID natural health products

A new study by University of Guelph researchers has found that DNA barcoding can accurately identify natural health products with up to 88% effectiveness. This technique uses short genetic sequences to compare specimens to reference databases, making it an efficient tool for authenticating products.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalFood Research International·DateSep 19, 2012

Scientists clone 'survivor' elm trees

Researchers at the University of Guelph have cloned American elm trees that survived Dutch elm disease epidemics, offering a potential model for preserving endangered plant species. The breakthrough could help reintroduce disease-resistant trees and conserve thousands of other endangered species.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalCanadian Journal of Forest Research·DateMar 29, 2012

Just like teens, parents get personal on Facebook

A new study by University of Guelph researchers found that parents are just as likely as their teenagers to disclose personal information on Facebook. The study also revealed that both parents and teens share and show more about themselves than they might in other social settings, driven by psychological factors.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateJul 11, 2011

Prof to use DNA technology to prevent habitat loss

A University of Guelph professor will use DNA technology to monitor and protect Wood Buffalo National Park, a world heritage site threatened by climate change and industrial development. The project aims to develop a DNA-based early-warning system to identify critical environmental stresses and measure ecological risk.

'Spicing' up your love life possible, study finds

A new scientific review of natural aphrodisiacs found that panax ginseng, saffron, and yohimbine improved human sexual function. The study also found that muira puama, maca root, and chocolate report increased sexual desire in people. However, their effects on sexual arousal and satisfaction are not supported.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalFood Research International·DateMar 28, 2011

Road may disrupt migration, ruin Serengeti, study finds

A new study by University of Guelph professor John Fryxell predicts that building a road through the park would cause a 35% reduction in wildebeest herds, as well as direct and indirect effects on other species and ecosystems. Fragmenting the landscape disrupts movement patterns and forage resources, threatening key ecological processes.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 31, 2011

U of G research reveals how monarchs fly away home

New research reveals that some North American monarchs born in the Midwest and Great Lakes fly directly east over the Appalachians and settle along the eastern seaboard. The study suggests that the viability of east coast populations is highly dependent upon productivity on the other side of the mountains.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalBiology Letters·DateJul 26, 2010

Squirrels show softer side by adopting orphans, study finds

Red squirrels have been found to adopt orphaned pups from related individuals, challenging the assumption that such behavior is common only among extended family groups. Over two decades of study, researchers observed only five cases of adoption out of thousands of litters born, highlighting the rarity of this altruistic behavior.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 1, 2010