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University of Montreal


Blocking a gene reduces fat

Researchers at the University of Montreal successfully block apoC-III gene expression, demonstrating significant decreases in triglyceride levels. This breakthrough could lead to precise interventions for severe hypertriglyceridemia, reducing cardiovascular risks.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 29, 2015

This is your brain on fried eggs

High-fat feeding, especially saturated fats, can cause impairments in critical motivation brain pathways, according to a new study published in Neuropsychopharmacology. The research found that rats fed with palm oil had blunted dopamine function, leading the brain to compensate by heightening reward-seeking behavior.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateJul 14, 2015

New cell division mechanism discovered

A team of Canadian and British researchers has made a breakthrough discovery about the cell division mechanism, finding that chromosomes emit signals to influence microtubule action. This signaling pathway is crucial for the segregation of chromosomes during cytokinesis, a critical step in cell division.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNature·DateJul 13, 2015

What effect does marijuana really have on weight gain?

A new study by University of Montreal researchers found that long-term cannabis use is associated with weight gain, but this effect varies depending on factors such as gender and level of use. The study also showed that concomitant cigarette smoking can alter the relationship between cannabis use and weight gain.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalPharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior·DateJun 29, 2015

Sleep quality influences the cognitive performance of autistic and neurotypical children

Research at the University of Montreal found that one night of poor sleep significantly decreases performance on intelligence tests in both autistic and neurotypical children. The study observed disruptions in protective brain waves during sleep, known as 'sleep spindles', which were associated with lower results on verbal IQ tests.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalInternational Journal of Psychophysiology·DateMay 28, 2015

New risk factor for pregnancies

A new study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that women born preterm have a significantly higher risk of giving birth to preterm children. Researchers analyzed data from over 7,400 Quebec women born preterm and compared it to women born at term, revealing a 13% difference in preterm delivery rates.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateMay 19, 2015

Damming and damning hemorrhagic diseases

Scientists at the University of Montreal discover that a protein in the Rift Valley fever virus mimics human DNA repair factors, making it vulnerable to drug therapy. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for deadly tropical infections such as Ebola.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 10, 2015

Researchers 'un-can' the HIV virus

A new approach to fighting HIV has been discovered by researchers at the University of Montreal, who identified a way to use a tiny molecule to 'open up' the virus and expose its vulnerable parts. This breakthrough could lead to the design of a vaccine to prevent transmission and potentially one day eradicate the virus.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 4, 2015

Discovery of a gene responsible for familial scoliosis

A variation in the POC5 gene was found to be associated with familial scoliosis in a large French family study. The gene encodes for a centrosomal protein involved in microtubule-organising centres and cellular polarity, leading to rotational deformations similar to those observed in scoliosis patients.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 2, 2015

Autonomous tots have higher cognitive skills

A study by researchers at the University of Montreal found that children whose mothers consistently supported their autonomy had higher executive functioning skills. The mother's ability to teach problem-solving skills and take her child's perspective was crucial in shaping the child's cognitive abilities.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalJournal of Child and Family Studies·DateJan 13, 2015

Severely mentally ill criminals: Who goes to prison and who goes to psych institutions?

Researchers found higher levels of education among those declared not criminally responsible for a crime and hospitalized. Additionally, incarcerated individuals with severe mental disorders had a greater history of suicide attempts and psychopathic traits, emphasizing the need for shared care models between legal and healthcare systems.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalIssues in Mental Health Nursing·DateDec 16, 2014