Researchers analyzed ancient tools, ornaments, and human remains to find that early Homo sapiens adapted to climate change by staying interconnected. The study found that a vast social network helped these ancestors survive a volcanic eruption 40,000 years ago and potentially inform our response to modern global warming.
Researchers from Université de Montréal and CHU Sainte-Justine have made a major breakthrough in understanding Rasmussen's encephalitis, a rare inflammatory brain disease. Humanized mice studies have confirmed the disease is autoimmune, enabling precise diagnoses and personalized treatment.
An international team of neuroscientists has discovered a basic molecular mechanism that better understands Lou Gehrig's disease, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), by investigating how cells change. This research could lead to new therapies for the debilitating disease.
A recent study published in Science Immunology highlights a crucial immune cell type involved in healthy weight gain, removing excess fat and regulating blood sugar levels. The discovery offers new insights into the complications of obesity and potential therapeutic strategies to mitigate its effects.
Researchers found that toddlers who watched more TV had poorer eating habits and lower school performance in adolescence. They also reported consuming more junk food, sugary drinks, and snacks, leading to a higher risk of obesity and related health issues.
Research shows that men with higher levels of education are more likely to support their partners' reproductive and maternal health, including the use of modern contraceptives and regular prenatal care. Women with better-educated partners are up to 55% more likely to deliver their baby in a hospital staffed by professionals.
Researchers at the University of Montreal have identified a key molecule, Pax7, which acts like a pioneer factor to open specific parts of the genome. This discovery provides insight into mechanisms of genome access and has significant implications for our understanding of cell diversification and disease prevention.
A Montreal team of researchers has discovered a new approach to combat tuberculosis by reprogramming immune cells. By training stem cells in the bone marrow, macrophages can be generated to kill TB-causing bacteria. The findings offer promising results for developing an effective vaccine against TB.
A recent study published in The Astronomical Journal found that exoplanets orbiting the same star are often similar in size and have regular orbital spacing. This pattern could suggest that most planetary systems have a different formation history than our solar system.
Research on 555 sets of twins found that aggression in children is influenced by both genetics and the environment. At age 6, genetic factors contribute equally to proactive and reactive aggression, while environmental factors take over after age 12.
A study published in The Journal of Pediatrics found that sexually abused girls receive more medical diagnoses for urinary and genital health problems compared to their peers. Researchers also discovered no significant difference in the number of diagnoses for sexually transmitted infections between girls and boys.
A Canadian study found that children who regularly eat meals with their family experience long-term physical and mental health benefits. Family meals are associated with better fitness, lower soft-drink consumption, and improved social skills.
Researchers found that playing 3D video games like Super Mario 64 increased gray matter volume in the hippocampus and cerebellum of older adults. This led to improved short-term memory and cognitive function. The study suggests that learning new things, such as through video games or piano lessons, can reverse age-related brain atrophy.
A team of scientists at Université de Montréal developed a novel strategy to block the transfer of antibiotic-resistant genes by binding molecules that target the TraE protein. This approach has the potential to reduce the spread of resistance genes, preserving the potency of antibiotics and improving human health.
A pilot study in northeastern British Columbia detected high concentrations of muconic acid, a degradation product of benzene, in the urine of pregnant women. The median concentration was approximately 3.5 times higher than in the general Canadian population, raising concerns about the health impacts of living near fracking sites.
A recent study identified 8 new genes involved in epileptic encephalopathy, a severe form of epilepsy combining with intellectual disability. Whole-genome sequencing revealed de novo mutations as the main cause of this type of epilepsy.
A recent study discovered that a bone hormone called osteocalcin regulates appetite and energy expenditure. Researchers found that removing an enzyme responsible for activating osteocalcin reduced mice's appetite and increased blood glucose levels.
A new study found that sustained cannabis use is associated with an increase in violent behavior in young people after discharge from a psychiatric hospital. Chronic cannabis use also leads to deficits in the prefrontal cortex, a part of the brain that inhibits impulsive behavior.
A comprehensive study of legislative elections in 91 democracies found that half experienced substantial voter decline. Factors contributing to low turnout differ by country and regime change context. The study suggests exposure to democratic practice is not the main reason for decreased participation.
A study published in Party Politics found that 97% of voters were glad they participated, while 60% of non-voters regretted not voting. People who feel morally duty-bound to vote and those interested in politics are more likely to be satisfied with their decision.
A team of researchers at the University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre has discovered a molecule that stimulates HIV replication in CD4 T cells located in the gut. They have also started testing medications to block this replication and decrease inflammation of the intestinal mucosa, which could lead to a functional cure for HIV.
A national survey of Canadians over 65 years old found that two-thirds take more than five prescription drugs daily, and many worry about their medication regimen. The survey also revealed that only 7% of seniors are aware of the term 'deprescribing', highlighting a need for education and awareness.
A joint Canada-France study reveals evidence of wildfires in the French Alps during an ice age 20,000 years ago. The presence of tree charcoal and macro-remains confirms that fires occurred in high mountain areas with no vegetation to burn, challenging long-held assumptions about climate and forest ecology.
A new study suggests that habitual players of action video games have less grey matter in their hippocampus, a major part of the brain associated with spatial memory and remembering past experiences. The study found that gaming can lead to changes in the brain that increase the risk of developing brain illnesses and diseases.
Researchers have discovered a key new mechanism regulating T-cell response to foreign antigens and cancer. LFA-1 on T-cells mediates adhesion to cancer cells, enabling immune-cell rejection of cancer.
A six-nation study published in Scientific Reports reveals that modern diesel cars generally emit less pollution than gasoline-powered cars. Diesel's cleaner reputation is due to its lower invisible pollution, which outweighs the more visible emissions from gasoline vehicles.
A Canadian study found that frequent marijuana use during adolescence is associated with an increased risk of recurrent psychotic-like experiences. The study suggests that emerging symptoms of depression are a key factor in this relationship, and highlights the need for targeted prevention programs to delay or prevent marijuana use amo...
The spruce budworm's massive defoliation can lead to devastating consequences for the forest industry, causing an estimated $3 billion to $4 billion in losses over the next 30 years in New Brunswick alone. Defoliation increases the risk of natural fires igniting eight to 10 years after a budworm outbreak.
A team of chemists from Italy and Canada has developed a molecular slingshot made of DNA that can deliver drugs to precise locations in the human body. The device uses a synthetic DNA strand with anchoring moieties that bind to target antibodies, releasing a loaded drug upon recognition.
Researchers found that SLAMF7 is essential for immune cells to target cancer cells, leading to a potential breakthrough in precision medicine. The discovery could help predict which patients will respond to CD47 inhibitors and improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy.
Researchers found that adolescents exposed to severe stressors are more likely to drop out of high school. Stressors can come from family members, conflicts with peers, work issues, health problems, and legal issues, often occurring away from school.
A new study has identified an early vulnerability brain marker for psychosis in late adolescence, which can be detected through exaggerated emotional responses to non-threatening cues. This finding could lead to the development of new intervention strategies for at-risk youth.
A Canadian research team studied the ethics codes of the Canadian Medical Association and the Department of National Defence. They found that dual loyalty between medical and military professions can coexist with the principle of 'do no harm'. The researchers interviewed over 50 military health professionals, who face complex challenge...
Researchers at HEC Montréal found that cooperative civil society organizations can increase government payoffs, as they become more efficient and allocate time to productive activities. This surprising finding suggests that corruption can be a net positive for governments.
Researchers have discovered a repeating one-per-cent spike in the light of Iota Orionis, a binary star system with a mass 35 times that of the Sun. The unusual variation is caused by the gravitational interaction between the two stars, triggering quakes that allow astronomers to probe the star's inner workings.
A new study examines marine pebble tools from an Upper Paleolithic burial site in Italy and finds that flat, oblong pebbles were brought up from the beach, used as spatulas to apply ochre paste, then broken and discarded. The intent may have been to 'kill' the tools, thereby discharging their symbolic power.
Researchers discovered 83 genetic variations affecting adult height by more than 2 centimeters, influencing bone and cartilage development. The study's findings may help identify genetic variations that influence common diseases and develop personalized treatments.
A new study found that delaying marijuana use until age 17 is associated with better brain function and fewer cognitive declines. Adolescents who started using cannabis earlier showed poorer verbal skills and vocabulary, as well as difficulties with problem-solving and daily adaptation.
A new study from the University of Montreal found that antidepressants prescribed to pregnant women may increase the chance of having a baby with birth defects. The risk is significant enough to merit caution in their use, especially considering the marginal effectiveness of these medications.
Researchers have revised the earliest known human settlement in North America to 24,000 years ago based on new radiocarbon dating from the Bluefish Caves in Yukon. The findings confirm the 'Beringian standstill hypothesis' suggesting that humans inhabited Eastern Beringia during the last ice age.
A new study found that diverse shrublands in South-Western Australia thrive due to beneficial root-associated organisms. The research suggests that these microorganisms equalize growth differences between plant species, allowing for long-term coexistence in highly competitive environments.
A new study published in Brain and Cognition found that musicians have faster reaction times to sensory stimuli than non-musicians. The research suggests that long-term musical training can reduce simple non-musical auditory, tactile, and multisensory reaction times.
Catherine Girard, a Canadian researcher, studied the diet and health of the local Inuit population in Resolute Bay. Her findings, published in mSphere, mark the first time that Inuit microbiome has been described, revealing a surprisingly similar gut microbiome compared to Montreal residents.
Research finds bilingual brains are more efficient, recruiting fewer regions and specialized areas to process information. Bilinguals show improved focus and interference control, benefiting daily life and potentially staving off signs of aging.
Dr. Jean-Sébastien Delisle's research uncovers the unexpected role of Neuropilin-1 and dendritic cell maturation in the immune response to infection and disease. His discovery is timely, helping improve cancer treatment and potentially enhancing responses in unfavourable conditions.
A study by University of Montreal researchers found that social status affects the immune system, leading to different responses to infection. Low-social status macaques showed a stronger pro-inflammatory response, while high-social status individuals had a stronger antiviral response.
A Viewpoint article published in JAMA outlines a compelling rationale for stratifying medical research data by sex, gender or both. The Sex and Gender Equity in Research (SAGER) guidelines aim to improve reporting standards, ensuring robust raw data for meta-analyses and better health outcomes.
A new study by Professor Linda Pagani and colleagues found that children exposed to tobacco smoke in early childhood are more likely to develop antisocial behavior, conduct problems, and drop out of school at age 12. The study controlled for other factors to isolate the impact of early household smoke exposure.
Research by Dr. Przemyslaw Sapieha and colleagues suggests that a diet rich in fat can alter the gut microbiome, leading to inflammation and increased risk of wet AMD, a blinding form of age-related macular degeneration. The study provides new insights into the role of gut microbes in disease prevention.
A University of Montreal professor studied reactions to virtual reality and an immersive projection system, finding that viewers preferred the shared experience without headsets.