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University of Ottawa


Ants break a basic rule of biology to help them adapt to new environments

A new study reveals that ants can decouple antennae size from body size as they develop into different social castes, showing how social signals and hormones shape traits for specialized colony roles. The discovery offers a new view of how evolution can loosen biological constraints and produce new combinations of traits.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateOct 22, 2026

Building brain-inspired semiconductor chips for smarter, greener data centres

Researchers from the University of Ottawa and collaborators developed brain-inspired computing systems, promising a fundamentally different way to process information. These emerging technologies will lead to physical devices that are dramatically more energy-efficient, faster, and adaptive, enabling greener technology and smarter wear...

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 21, 2026

New drug-delivery method offers promise in fight against neurodegenerative diseases

Researchers have developed a new method to deliver disease-fighting antibodies directly to the brain, using extracellular vesicles to bypass the blood-brain barrier. This approach shows potential in treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and ALS, by improving the elimination of pathological proteins.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 15, 2026

Mowing less, spraying smarter gives pollinators a boost

A new study found that reducing mowing and herbicide use along rural roadsides leads to a significant increase in pollinator numbers and species diversity. The research, led by the University of Ottawa, found that low-intensity roadsides averaged 27 species per site, compared to 22 on conventionally managed roadsides.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalInsect Conservation and Diversity·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 2, 2026

Heatwave effects can linger overnight in older adults, uOttawa study finds

A new study from the University of Ottawa found that older adults may not fully recover from heatwave effects overnight, even with cooling, and may require longer recovery periods. The study involved 18 adults between 67-84 years old, who were monitored in a climate-controlled chamber during a simulated multi-day heatwave.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 30, 2026

New study sheds light on how motor control develops

Researchers at the University of Ottawa have identified key neural changes behind motor control in zebrafish, which could provide insights into human movement development. By studying electrical currents in nerve cells, the team found that changes in these currents shape the refinement of movement in growing zebrafish, allowing them to...

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalJNeurosci·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 1, 2026

New uOttawa study suggests gene linked to Parkinson's disease holds clues to battling deadly bacterial infections

Researchers have discovered a gene linked to Parkinson's disease may also strengthen the body's ability to fight dangerous infections. The study found that a well-studied mutation in the LRRK2 gene increases the production of reactive oxygen species, making immune cells more effective at eliminating intracellular bacteria.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalCellular and Molecular Immunology·TypeImaging analysis·DateAug 19, 2026

Doctor-patient common tongue associated with better long-term survival for Canada’s Francophone, minority populations: University of Ottawa study

A retrospective cohort study found that language-concordant physician care significantly reduces all-cause mortality in both Francophone and Allophone patients. The study suggests prioritizing patient-physician linguistic matching and evidence-based interpretation services to improve long-term survival in Canada's increasingly linguist...

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 21, 2026

University of Ottawa-led study uncovers hidden network fueling brain cancer's aggressive growth; discovery could help dismantle treatment resistance

A University of Ottawa-led study has discovered a hidden network driving glioblastoma's aggressive growth, highlighting a promising target for next-generation therapies. The research reveals that a protein called OSMR plays a critical role in tumor progression and supports the survival of brain tumour stem cells.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalSignal Transduction and Targeted Therapy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 9, 2026

The secret to keeping ticks at bay this summer: Woodchips

Researchers found that treating woodland trails with woodchips and insecticide significantly reduced the density of blacklegged ticks, a primary vector of Lyme disease. The study demonstrated that both deltamethrin-treated and untreated woodchip interventions can effectively reduce tick populations in recreational contexts.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalTicks and Tick-borne Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateMay 21, 2026

Researchers uncover hormonal chain reaction that may shed light on the causes of reproductive disorders

A new role for reproductive hormone secretoneurin has been discovered, showing it stimulates the growth and activity of neurons controlling reproduction through a previously unknown delivery mechanism: exosomes. This finding may shed light on the causes of reproductive disorders such as hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and Kallmann syndrome.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 22, 2026

Can we trust the science shaping our lives?

A recent study by University of Ottawa professor Abel Brodeur found that 85 percent of social-science papers are computationally reproducible, suggesting improved norms for data sharing and code disclosure. This encouraging result aims to advance science and improve public trust in research.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 16, 2026

Should emojis be used in workplace communications?

A new study by the University of Ottawa found that emojis can negatively affect perceptions of competence and appropriateness in professional settings. The researchers discovered that using positive emojis with negative messages can create a sense of dishonesty, while negative emojis can lower overall competence perception.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalCollabra·TypeSurvey·DateApr 8, 2026

Subaquatic Sovereigns: New research shows how Bumble Bee Queens can survive underwater for a week

Researchers discovered that bumble bee queens can survive submersion for over a week by combining underwater gas exchange with anaerobic metabolism. After eight days, their metabolic rate spikes before returning to normal levels, allowing them to survive extreme conditions.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2026

University of Ottawa Heart Institute, the University of Ottawa and McGill University launch ARCHIMEDES to advance health research in Canada

The University of Ottawa Heart Institute, McGill University, and the University of Ottawa have launched ARCHIMEDES, a national health data platform providing Canadian researchers with secure access to diverse health data. The platform enables collaboration, supports advanced analyses, including AI algorithms, and prioritizes public trust.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 5, 2026

Smarter tissue and organ repair thanks to made in Ottawa next-gen hydrogel

Researchers from the University of Ottawa have developed a groundbreaking biomaterial that combines strength, adaptability, and biological compatibility for soft tissue repair. The hydrogel is made from synthetic peptides and can be precisely tailored through chemical design, making it an attractive alternative to existing biomaterials.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2026

Hybrid health care key to alleviating dwindling primary services in Ontario’s underserved communities

A new University of Ottawa study highlights the positive impact of a hybrid approach combining virtual and in-person care, improving access to primary care in rural regions. The hybrid model has been found to be effective in recruiting providers in underserved areas and providing equitable care access for patients.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalBMC Health Services Research·TypeSurvey·DateDec 18, 2025

First line of treatment for depression should be a tailored exercise plan

A new editorial urges psychiatrists to prescribe exercise as a core part of depression treatment plans, following the FITT principle to meet individual patient needs. The research is clear: physical activity helps with depressive symptoms, yet it's rare for psychiatrists to prescribe it alongside medication or therapy.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 9, 2025

Uncovering what makes cells picky (self)eaters: uOttawa team maps pathways that determine cellular recycling outputs

A team of researchers from the University of Ottawa has developed a new workflow to study autophagy, a fundamental cellular mechanism that preserves cell health by recycling and degrading worn-out components. The study reveals novel signaling mechanisms regulating autophagy in response to numerous disease-related stress conditions.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 4, 2025

Not just a messenger: Developing nano-sized delivery agents that also provide therapeutic treatment

Researchers at the University of Ottawa have made a breakthrough in developing nanoparticles that not only deliver drugs but also contribute to treatment. Their proof-of-concept study shows that particles can be armed with therapeutic potential, revolutionizing the field of nanomedicine.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalACS Applied Nano Materials·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 22, 2025