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University of Montreal


Mother Teresa: Anything but a saint…

Mother Teresa's image was constructed through a media relations campaign, with facts such as her dubious care for the sick, questionable political contacts, and suspicious management of funds uncovered. Despite these issues, she built an image of holiness through mass media promotion, including a eulogistic film and numerous awards.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalStudies in Religion/Sciences Religieuses·DateMar 1, 2013

Detecting cocaine 'naturally'

A team of researchers has adapted natural mechanisms to detect specific molecules like cocaine more accurately and quickly. The new biosensor responds optimally even with a large concentration window, paving the way for applications in cancer-targeting drugs and administration.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 12, 2013

Jocks beat bookworms on brain test

A study by Professor Jocelyn Faubert found that professional athletes, including soccer players and hockey players, performed better on a brain test than non-athlete university students. The researchers used the Neurotracker machine to evaluate skills such as tracking fast-moving objects and perceiving depth.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 31, 2013

Bullying by childhood peers leaves a trace that can change the expression of a gene linked to mood

A study by Isabelle Ouellet-Morin found that bullying by peers alters the structure surrounding a gene involved in mood regulation, making victims more vulnerable to mental health problems. The research suggests that victimization experiences in childhood can change not only stress response but also gene functioning related to mood.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateDec 17, 2012

Sport makes middle-aged people smarter

A Montreal Heart Institute study found that middle-aged people with increased cardiovascular risk showed significant improvements in cognitive functions after four months of high-intensity interval training. The participants' waist circumference and trunk fat mass decreased, while their VO2max and insulin sensitivity increased.

Researchers find genetic cause for body tremors

Researchers at the University of Montreal have identified a genetic cause for Essential Tremor (ET), a common movement disorder characterized by involuntary shaking. The study's findings provide new insights into the disease mechanism and may lead to improved diagnosis and treatment options for affected individuals.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateAug 2, 2012

TV habits predict kids' waist size and sporting ability

A study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity found that TV habits at age 2-4 predict waist size by grade 4 and sports ability by age 10. Excessive screen time is associated with increased waist circumference and decreased athletic performance, highlighting the need for policies targeting ...

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·DateJul 15, 2012

Researchers watch tiny living machines self-assemble

University of Montreal researchers developed a strategy to monitor protein assembly by integrating fluorescent probes throughout the linear protein chain. This approach enables capturing snapshots of protein shape at each stage of assembly, shedding light on how proteins self-assemble into working nanomachines.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJun 10, 2012

Discovery of a gene that causes Joubert Syndrome

Researchers identified C5ORF42 as the gene causing Joubert Syndrome in French Canadian families in the Lower St. Lawrence region of Quebec. The study, published in The American Journal of Human Genetics, provides a genetic basis for the syndrome and allows family members to assess their children's genetic risks with a simple DNA test.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateMay 10, 2012

Reducing hospital admissions for asthmatics

A new study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine found that early administration of systemic corticosteroids can reduce hospital admissions for children with moderate or severe asthma attacks. By prioritizing treatment within 75 minutes of triage, patients are more likely to avoid admission and stay reduced by almost 45 minutes.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateApr 4, 2012

When we test, do we stress?

A recent study by Sonia Lupien's team at the Centre for Studies on Human Stress found that testing older adults in unfamiliar and stressful environments can significantly reduce their memory performance. The researchers tested older adults under conditions similar to those in which cognitive examinations take place, and found that stre...

Older men's hidden health concerns

A large cross-sectional survey of 2325 Canadian men aged 55-97 years old found that mobility impairments, memory loss, and medication side effects were top health concerns. However, only a minority reported receiving adequate counseling on these issues, highlighting important gaps in healthcare.

Teenagers are more vulnerable to sport concussions

Research by Université de Montrêl neuropsychologist Dave Ellemberg shows that adolescents are more sensitive to the effects of a sport-related concussion than adults or children. The study found that a first concussion can result in six months to a year of neurophysiological side effects for adolescents, adults, and children alike.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalBrain Injury·DateFeb 28, 2012