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University of Montreal


Dealt a bad hand: Pathological gamblers are also at risk for mental health disorders

A recent study by University of Montreal researchers found that pathological gamblers are three times more likely to commit suicide than non-gamblers due to co-occurring personality disorders. The study also showed that these individuals rarely seek health professional help, exacerbating their financial and emotional problems.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalPsychology of Addictive Behaviors·DateNov 23, 2010

Children's best friend

A new Université de Montreal study found that trained service dogs can significantly reduce stress hormone levels in autistic children, from an average of 33 problematic behaviors to just 25. The dogs also improved socialization skills and overall well-being for the children.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalPsychoneuroendocrinology·DateOct 19, 2010

Is your job making you fat?

A study from the Université de Montréal found that office workers have become less active over the last three decades, contributing to the rise in obesity. The researchers suggest integrating sport, work, and transportation to combat inactivity and promote exercise.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateOct 5, 2010

Smoking increases depressive symptoms in teens

A recent study published in Addictive Behaviors found that smoking may increase depressive symptoms in some adolescents who use cigarettes as a mood enhancer. The long-term Nicotine Dependence in Teens (NDIT) study, conducted by researchers at the University of Toronto and Montreal, involved over 662 high school teenagers.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalAddictive Behaviors·DateAug 27, 2010

Cashew seed extract an effective anti-diabetic

A new study published in Molecular Nutrition and Food Research journal reveals that cashew seed extract can improve the body's response to insulin, potentially treating diabetes. The investigation found that only cashew seed extract significantly stimulated blood sugar absorption by muscle cells.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalMolecular Nutrition & Food Research·DateJul 14, 2010

Hat-trick for University of Montreal scientists

University of Montreal researchers have won major prizes at the 2010 Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada Awards. Professor Gilles Brassard received the Gerhard Herzberg Gold Medal for his work on quantum cryptography, while a team led by René Doyon captured the first-ever image of an exoplanet system.

Pesticide exposure may contribute to ADHD

A recent study published in Pediatrics found a connection between exposure to organophosphate pesticides and symptoms of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children. The research, which focused on 1,139 children from the general U.S. population, measured pesticide levels in their urine and found that exposure to common ...

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMay 17, 2010

Study reveals a mechanism for mate selection

Researchers from Université de Montrêl have discovered a molecular switch that enables yeast to make critical decisions about its fate, including choosing a suitable mate. This study provides valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying sexual mate selection and has potential applications in understanding human development and disease

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNature·DateApr 18, 2010

Scientists find gene linked to schizophrenia

A new study by Université de Montréal scientists finds that mutations in the SHANK3 gene are linked to schizophrenia, a chronic psychiatric disorder. The research also provides clues about the causes of this complex disorder, suggesting a molecular genetic link between schizophrenia and autism.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 12, 2010

Exploration in toddlers activated by fathers

A new study published in Early Child Development and Care reveals that fathers tend to give toddlers more leeway, allowing them to actively explore their environments. This 'activation theory' suggests that father-child interaction plays a crucial role in shaping a child's development.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalEarly Child Development and Care·DateMar 30, 2010

Men and women respond differently to stress

A University of Montreal study found that men and women respond differently to stress, with high blood pressure and heart rate in women who are more defensive. Older men with low defensive reactions have higher cardiovascular rates. The study suggests that socialization and maintaining self-esteem contribute to these responses.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalPsychophysiology·DateMar 23, 2010

How to fortify the immunity of HIV patients

Researchers at Universite de Montreal and VGTI have discovered a new mechanism by which HIV infects immune cells, characterizing the role of two molecules PD-1 and IL-10 in this process. The study suggests that blocking these interactions may restore the immune response in HIV-infected patients.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 7, 2010

Thicker brains fend off pain

Researchers found that practicing Zen meditation can thicken certain areas of the brain, leading to lower pain sensitivity. The study suggests that meditative practices could be beneficial for managing chronic pain and age-related grey matter reductions.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalEmotion·DateFeb 24, 2010

Disclosing sexual abuse is critical

Two studies published in 2009 found that half of survivors wait up to five years before disclosing abuse, with 25% never revealing the secret. The research also showed a sharp contrast between genders, with women more likely to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder and male victims more likely to become adult victims of physical o...

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalThe Canadian Journal of Psychiatry·DateJan 19, 2010