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University of Montreal


Scientists capture single cancer molecules at work

Researchers have visualized telomerase molecules in living cells using advanced microscopy techniques, revealing that they cluster on specific telomeres and elongate them during cell division. This breakthrough provides new insights into the regulation of telomerase activity, a key factor in cancer development.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalMolecular Cell·DateDec 8, 2011

Petroleum-eating mushrooms

Researchers B. Franz Lang and Mohamed Hijri have identified mushroom species that can consume petroleum, offering a breakthrough in soil decontamination. The discovery is based on phytoremediation principles, where microorganisms play a key role in degrading contaminants.

New hope for young leukemia patients?

A study published in Blood has identified a potential marker, PD-1, that is more frequently found in young leukemia patients who experience relapses. This discovery could lead to the development of simple tests to predict relapse, reducing the risk for these vulnerable individuals.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalBlood·DateNov 17, 2011

New computer program promises to save the whales

Researchers at the University of Montreal developed a computer program to evaluate tradeoffs between marine mammal conservation, whale watching, and marine transportation. The model simulates the comings and goings of five whale species and three types of boats, allowing regulators to make data-driven decisions to reduce collisions and...

Molecular mechanisms offer hope for new pain treatments

Geneticists at the University of Montreal have discovered a key gene involved in pain perception, which could lead to new pain relief drugs. The study identified a genetic mutation that causes hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type II, a severe disorder characterized by degeneration of sensory neurons.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateAug 4, 2011

New genetic clues for schizophrenia

Researchers found that de novo mutations, genetic errors present in patients but not their parents, are more common in schizophrenic patients. This discovery may help define how the disease results from these mutations and develop new treatments.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNature Genetics·DateJul 10, 2011

Drug may help overwrite bad memories

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that metyrapone, a stress hormone-reducing drug, can impair memory recall of negative events by manipulating cortisol levels close to formation. This could lead to a better understanding of how to treat post-traumatic stress disorder

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMay 25, 2011

Intellectual disability is frequently caused by non-hereditary genetic problems

Researchers identified mutations in genes associated with brain activity that frequently cause intellectual disability. These de novo mutations disrupt nerve cell communication, affecting at least two-thirds of cases. The study provides new insights into the genetic origins of intellectual disability and may lead to improved diagnostics.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateApr 18, 2011

Young asthmatics are leaving emergency rooms missing critical documentation

A study published in American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that a written action plan attached to the drug prescription improves asthma control in preschool-aged children. The provision of the plan significantly improved patient adherence to prescribed medications and physicians' recommendations.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMar 25, 2011

Steroids to treat asthma: How safe are they?

A new study from the University of Montreal found that a short burst of oral steroids may temporarily depress the immune system in children with asthma, leading to reduced antibody production. However, this effect is considered transient and rare, occurring only when exposed to new antigens during an asthma attack.

Research shows good cop beats bad cop

A University of Montreal study found that playing on a criminal's guilt can yield more effective confessions than coercive methods. The research analyzed the conditions under which prisoners confessed to their crimes, highlighting the importance of police evidence and the interrogator's attitude.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalJustice Quarterly·DateFeb 1, 2011

Montrealers are feeding fish Prozac

Research by Dr. Sébastien Sauvé and André Lajeunesse found that antidepressants accumulate in fish tissues, affecting brain activity and potentially causing long-term harm to the Saint Lawrence River's ecosystem. The study's findings highlight the need for further research into the impact of chemical pollution on aquatic organisms.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalChemosphere·DateJan 21, 2011

Insomnia after myocardial infarction

A new study published in Sleep reveals that myocardial infarction can cause paradoxical sleep phase disruption and reduced cholinergic neurons, leading to insomnia. The research highlights the critical role of rapid treatment and preventive measures to mitigate post-infarction complications.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalSLEEP·DateDec 1, 2010

Alternative therapies may leave asthmatics gasping

A recent study from Université de Montréal found that using alternative therapies for asthma can result in a two-fold higher rate of poor asthma control in children. The study assessed over 2000 families with children and found that use of alternative therapy was associated with reduced effectiveness of conventional asthma treatment.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalCanadian Respiratory Journal·DateNov 30, 2010

Will this be the end of hamburger disease?

A recent study published in Environmental Microbiology and Nature Reviews Microbiology reveals that E.coli O157:H7 can thrive in cow intestines due to its ability to scavenge ethanolamine, a nutrient not found by other bacteria. This breakthrough could lead to non-medical methods to eradicate the bug, reducing food contamination and hu...

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalEnvironmental Microbiology·DateNov 25, 2010