Add BrightSurf on Google Email

University of Montreal


Climate change unlikely to drive sugar maples north

A recent study published in the Journal of Ecology found that climate change is unlikely to force a northern migration of sugar maples due to soil composition constraints. The research, conducted by Alexis Carteron and colleagues, found that boreal forest soil negatively affects sugar maple survival rates and growth.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalJournal of Ecology·DateJan 12, 2020

Double-checking the science

A new study reveals that ocean acidification has no direct impact on the behavior of coral reef fish, contradicting previous high-profile studies. The exhaustive analysis, led by Université de Montréal researchers, found consistently normal behaviors in fish under predicted end-of-21st-century CO2 levels.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNature·DateJan 8, 2020

Gone fishin' -- for proteins

Researchers used a new microscopic 'fishing' technique to snag thousands of proteins key to the cell skeleton. The team identified hundreds of individual proteins with yet-to-be-defined roles, including a protein called SLK that forges the link between RhoA and ERM.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateDec 23, 2019

Turning to genetics to treat little hearts

A team of researchers has identified the ADAMTS19 gene as a key player in aortic valve disease, a common congenital condition affecting two percent of the population. The study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms behind the disease and could lead to more effective treatments.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNature Genetics·DateDec 16, 2019

When space travel is a blur

Researchers at Université de Montrêl are working on a new way to measure the mechanics of the human eye to protect astronauts from adverse impacts of space travel on their vision. The team has developed a non-invasive technology that can identify astronauts at risk of developing ocular damage before they go into space.

Is it autism? The line is getting increasingly blurry

A study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that differences between people with autism and the general population are shrinking over time. The researchers believe that changes in diagnostic criteria, such as a shift from lack of interest in others to simply having fewer friends, are contributing to the apparent increase in prevalence

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateAug 21, 2019

Hit your head, lose your sense of smell

A study published in Brain Injury found that patients with mild concussions experienced reduced sense of smell within 24 hours of their accident, which returned to normal after six months. However, anxiety persisted for a year after the injury, affecting approximately 65% of concussed patients.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalBrain Injury·DateJul 23, 2019

Sticking to sports can help kids adjust

Children who engage in organized physical activity at a young age are less likely to experience emotional difficulties by 12, according to a new study. The research suggests that consistent participation in sports can promote global development and socio-emotional benefits.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalPediatric Research·DateJun 4, 2019

Trace metal exposure among pregnant women living near fracking wells in Canada

A pilot study found pregnant women living near fracking wells in northeastern British Columbia had higher concentrations of barium, aluminium, strontium and manganese in their hair and urine compared to the general population. The study suggests that exposure to these metals could be linked to health risks for mothers and children.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalJournal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology·DateMay 23, 2019

Detecting bacteria in space

Scientists have pioneered a new genomic methodology to identify and map bacterial species on the International Space Station, aiming to safeguard astronauts' health. The approach has applications in environmental management and healthcare, and will enable researchers to explore new microbiome environments.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalEnvironmental Microbiology·DateMay 22, 2019

A promising new treatment for infants with Noonan syndrome

Researchers at Université de Montréal found that MEK inhibitor trametinib can reverse hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and valvular obstruction in patients with RIT1-associated NS. Dramatic improvement was seen in two infants treated with the drug, suggesting a new treatment option for life-threatening heart disease.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateApr 30, 2019

A television in the bedroom?

A study published in Pediatric Research found that having a TV in the bedroom at age 4 is associated with later physical, mental, and social problems. Children who spent more time watching TV in their room had higher body mass indexes, unhealthy eating habits, lower sociability, and increased emotional distress.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalPediatric Research·DateMar 7, 2019

Being fair: The benefits of early child education

A new study published in Nature Communications found that children from low-income families who received early intensive education tend to exhibit high levels of fairness in their decision-making processes decades later. They are more sensitive to inequality and prioritize long-term benefits over short-term gains, suggesting a lasting ...

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 20, 2018

Treating the 'bubble babies'

An international study published in Blood highlights the urgent need for better treatment strategies for patients with severe combined immune deficiency (SCID). The study found that survival rates were higher after cell transplants from matched sibling donors and that young age and absence of active infection were key factors for impro...

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalBlood·DateNov 15, 2018

Montreal researchers explain how your muscles form

Researchers at the University of Montreal have discovered two proteins essential to the development of skeletal muscle. The study, published in Nature Communications, sheds light on the 'dance' of muscle cell movement and how cells fuse together to form a single large cell, leading to improved understanding of rare muscular diseases.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 12, 2018

Music improves social communication in autistic children

Researchers found that music-based therapy improved autistic children's social communication skills and family quality of life. The study also showed increased brain connectivity between auditory and motor regions, potentially explaining the benefits. Music intervention was effective even after only eight to 12 weekly sessions.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateNov 5, 2018

Teen cannabis use is not without risk to cognitive development

A recent study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that adolescent cannabis use is associated with impairments in learning, memory, attention, and decision-making, as well as lower academic performance. The research team followed a large sample of high school students over four years to investigate the complex relatio...

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateOct 3, 2018

Witnessing violence in high school as bad as being bullied

A longitudinal study by researchers found that witnessing school violence in Grade 8 increases the risk of psycho-social and academic impairment in Grade 10. The study also revealed that bystander effects were similar to being victimized, with minor forms of violence predicting increases in social anxiety and depressive symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateSep 17, 2018

Asthma and flu: a double whammy

A new study suggests that vaccinating asthmatic children against the flu could significantly reduce their risk of needing hospitalization for an asthma attack. The study found that kids with influenza or parainfluenza had a 37-per-cent or more chance of not responding to treatment, compared to 13 per cent for children without a virus.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJun 4, 2018

Cannabis: It matters how young you start

A new study by Université de Montréal researchers found that boys who start smoking marijuana at the start of their teens are 68% more likely to have a drug abuse problem by age 28, compared to those who start between 15 and 17. The study also found that frequent cannabis use increases the risk of addiction.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalThe Canadian Journal of Psychiatry·DateMay 18, 2018

Stay safe, take the bus

A Montreal study reveals that bus travel is significantly safer than car travel, with four times fewer injuries for passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians. The study's findings suggest that permanent speed-reducing structures and public transit are key to reducing road injuries.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalJournal of Urban Health·DateMay 8, 2018

Mercury rising: Are the fish we eat toxic?

A study by Université de Montréal researchers found that 38% of countries' populations are exposed to methylmercury levels higher than safe for foetal development, with high-risk areas including the Maldives and South Korea. Industrial fishing has increased mercury exposure, especially in coastal and island nations.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 3, 2018