Researchers discovered that naked mole-rats rapidly decrease uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) in brown adipose tissue to conserve energy in hypoxia. This mechanism may hold secrets for humans to survive and thrive in low-oxygen environments, particularly in relation to diseases like stroke and chronic pulmonary disorders.
A recent study published by the University of Ottawa found that over 1 in 20 Canadian children do not eat lunch on school days, with older kids and those from food-insecure households being the most affected. The study also reveals that children living in food-insecure households are twice as likely to miss lunch compared to their peers.
A new study published in The New England Journal of Medicine has found no correlation between COVID-19 vaccinations and risk of first-trimester miscarriages. Vaccination during pregnancy is safe and provides protection to the newborn infant against COVID-19 infection.
The University of Ottawa has launched the Interdisciplinary Centre for Black Health (ICBH), a leading research center examining biological, social, economic, and cultural determinants of Black health. The ICBH aims to identify priorities in research on physical and mental health disparities among Canada's Black communities.
Researchers used zebrafish to study spinal cord development and its role in controlling new movements, discovering patterns of neural activity that can be applied to human locomotor activities like walking and swimming. The study aims to improve treatments for movement disorders by identifying target neurons for restoration.
A study of 604 Canadian teens found that high grades lead to higher perfectionism, which can result in anxiety, depression, and decreased motivation. Experts call for parents and educators to foster environments of self-acceptance and acknowledge successes, rather than pushing for perfection.
Researchers used isotope mapping to track monarch butterfly migration routes and identify their natal origins. The study, led by a University of Ottawa student, revealed that monarchs from the eastern US likely originated in Texas, providing valuable insights into population decline.
An international study found Canadians have the highest relative risk of respiratory mortality resulting from wildfire pollution. Exposure to fine particulate matter from wildfires increased risks of all causes, cardiovascular, and respiratory mortality, with about 0.4 percent of total mortality attributable to wildfire smoke.
A pan-Canadian randomized controlled trial is using digital communication to target common reasons for vaccine hesitancy, including age, language, and education level. Family physicians will receive tailored information to share with patients through email and text message, aiming to improve vaccine uptake.
Researchers identify commercialized Membrane Distillation as a green solution for clean, drinkable water. The technique overcomes Reverse Osmosis limitations and provides safe drinking water while managing brines, keeping the environment safe.
A new species of butterfly has been discovered in Canada, the European Common Blue, which could become widespread due to its preference for urban areas. The study found that the butterfly can reach extremely high densities relative to native butterflies and is a low-moderate disperser.
Researchers are investigating social factors that protect or increase Indigenous peoples' vulnerability to COVID-19 and VOCs. Eight projects, funded by CoVaRR-Net, aim to create a Canadian Wastewater Surveillance Database to track variant spread and vaccine effectiveness.
A new study from the University of Ottawa found that Ontario high school students are more likely to drive after consuming cannabis than alcohol, with 10% reporting driving within an hour of cannabis use. The study suggests that educating adolescents about cannabis risks may be effective in reducing dangerous driving behaviors.
The University of Ottawa has been awarded four new Canada Research Chairs in artificial intelligence, health, and law. Carole Yauk's research addresses toxicological risk assessment of environmental chemicals, while Emmanuelle Bernheim focuses on improving access to justice for those with mental health issues.
Researchers from uOttawa propose a new optical element called spaceplate, which simulates light spreading in a small device, enabling the miniaturization of optical systems. This technology has potential applications in fields like healthcare, where thin cameras or endoscopes could be used to visualize internal organs.
A population-based study published in JAMA found no association between maternal influenza vaccination during pregnancy and adverse early childhood health outcomes. The study followed over 28,000 children from birth to 3 ½ years old, indicating that flu vaccination during pregnancy does not increase the risk of immune-related or non-im...
A study found that women in family-owned businesses are often discouraged from developing leadership skills and pursuing entrepreneurial careers. The research revealed that 78% of sons pursued entrepreneurial careers, while only 7% of daughters gained an entrepreneurial education or started a business.
A team of researchers at the University of Ottawa has developed a new pathway to transform CO2 gas into solid carbon forms that emit light, creating a low-energy alternative. The breakthrough uses visible light to initiate dissociation in carbon dioxide molecules on a nanostructured silver surface.
Researchers are studying the effectiveness and safety of COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy, using data from Ontario's vaccination registry and province-wide birth registry. The study aims to inform decision-making for ongoing COVID-19 vaccine administration programs in Canada.
A study by the University of Ottawa found nearly two-thirds of Black individuals in Canada suffer from severe depressive symptoms. Women are disproportionately affected, with those who experience racial discrimination also showing higher rates.
Researchers analyze soldiers' isotopes to determine geographical origin, finding 3 Breton soldiers and 28 French soldiers. The study provides unique insights into alliances and recruitment strategies in wars.
Scientists have found that the parkin protein acts as a powerful antioxidant and storage site for dopamine radicals in brain cells. This discovery may lead to new treatments for early-onset Parkinson's disease by delivering antioxidants or a healthy copy of the parkin gene.
A study by a University of Ottawa medical student found that video games can improve surgical skills, particularly in robotic surgery and laparoscopic procedures. Games like Super Monkey Ball and Half Life were associated with improvements in time to completion, economy of motion, and overall performance.
The University of Ottawa has been awarded $9 million to create a national network for tracking COVID-19 variants. The Coronavirus Variants Rapid Response Network (CoVaRR-Net) will enable real-time assessment of the immune response to virus variants and their resistance to existing vaccines.
A University of Ottawa research team has developed a new, more sustainable and safer way to prepare large quantities of an essential ingredient used in SARS-CoV-2 test kits. This technology can now produce multi-kilograms of the material per month, addressing its global shortage.
University of Ottawa researchers discovered a shortage in noradrenaline released to the motor cortex from the locus coeruleus, leading to delayed motor learning in autistic children. This delay can cause social isolation and may be overlooked due to its similarity to social deficits.
Researchers at the University of Ottawa have debunked the myth that metals are useless in photonics with their findings, recently published in Nature Communications. They demonstrated ultra-high-Q resonances in a metasurface comprised of metal nanoparticles embedded inside a flat glass substrate, showing metals can be useful in photonics.
A new study published in Language and Literacy explores the value of bilingual children's books in French immersion classrooms. Bilingual books are seen as an effective tool for second language learning, with students noting benefits such as learning French vocabulary and developing English knowledge. The study suggests that incorporat...
The University of Ottawa is expanding its Windsor campus to meet the demand for francophone teachers in Ontario. The new campus will double capacity and offer programs for primary/junior and junior/intermediate students, aiming to address the shortage of qualified educators.
A $3.5 million study led by uOttawa and Bruyère Research Institute aims to understand how various immunity factors react to COVID-19 and vaccines in long-term care residents. The team will analyze blood samples from over 3,500 residents and 2,500 workers across Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia.
A University of Ottawa study found that using negative emojis in text messages produces a negative perception of the sender regardless of their true intent. This can lead to being labelled as a 'downer' and affects how warm or cold the receiver finds the message.
A recent study published in PLOS Pathogens identified a key pathway that Ebola uses to gain entry into human cells. The researchers found that a specific FDA-approved drug can prevent the virus from using this pathway, potentially leading to new treatment options for Ebola patients.
Researchers found that plants influence the relative abundance of thousands of nuclear genomes in their symbiotic microbe partners. This cooperation maximizes growth benefits for both fungi and plant partners.
The uOttawa team has made significant advancements in organic thin-film transistors, which can be used to create flexible wearable electronics that monitor athletes' physical health in real-time. The technology also has potential applications in artificial skin for robots and sensors for athletic clothing.
A recent analysis by University of Ottawa faculty members finds legal justification for mandating SARS-CoV-2 vaccination for health care workers in public and private settings. The study highlights the importance of exemptions for individuals with underlying health issues or other reasons to ensure the protection of government mandates...
Researchers developed ice recrystallization inhibitors to halt ice growth in frozen samples, improving cell recovery and function. The technology prevents cellular damage caused by ice crystals, allowing for more efficient storage and transport of biological materials.
A uOttawa study finds that mindfulness can significantly impact the brain of women suffering from neuropathic pain related to breast cancer treatment. The research shows major reductions in brain activity and a significant improvement in brain health as well as pain perception.
Researchers at the University of Ottawa have identified the molecular defects associated with LIC Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that causes mortality in young children. The study found that small mutations in the NSMCE3 gene affect the Smc5/6 complex's ability to compact DNA, leading to severe defects in DNA repair.
Researchers have found a specific Alzheimer's treatment effective in male mice but not female mice, highlighting the need for sex-specific design in clinical trials. The study suggests that drugs may work differently in males and females, leading to potentially ineffective treatments for women.
A study published in Science found that the perirhinal cortex accumulates information from multiple senses and sends it back to the rest of the cortex, enabling coordinated learning. Without this connection, animals struggle to retain information, resembling patients with anterograde amnesia like H.M.
The University of Ottawa has earned 10 Canada Research Chairs covering various subjects, including stress impacts on brain functions, Indigenous traditional cultural memories, and emerging computing technologies. The chairs will support innovative research approaches to advance knowledge and solve global challenges.
Researchers found a significant increase in depression, anxiety, PTSD, and psychological distress among COVID-19 affected populations. Healthcare workers experienced higher rates of insomnia without corresponding increases in other symptoms, posing long-term mental health concerns.
A new study from the University of Ottawa found that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected sleep habits in half of surveyed Canadians, leading to increased stress and anxiety. The study highlights the need for accessible interventions to address sleep problems during this unprecedented time.
A new study led by the University of Ottawa found that chronic sleep disruption during adolescence can lead to depression in both males and females. Adolescent females were particularly vulnerable to stress hormone release and activation of stress-sensitive brain cells, suggesting a higher risk of mood disorder development.
Researchers at uOttawa and The Ottawa Hospital will use the funding to manufacture innovative treatments and vaccines for COVID-19. They plan to produce a cell-based therapy, antibody-based treatments, and home-grown COVID-19 vaccines.
Researchers at uOttawa have created a new method to measure the temporal evolution of electric fields with optical frequencies, facilitating direct measurement and leading to breakthroughs in high-speed electronics. The new approach uses ambient air, simplifying the process and opening up possibilities for petahertz electronics.
uOttawa researchers, in collaboration with Israeli scientists, have created optical framed knots that can be used to distribute secret cryptographic keys. These knots provide a platform for topological quantum computations and can be used to encrypt information.
Six University of Ottawa-affiliated projects have received $1 million in CIHR funding to study the impact of COVID-19 on mental health and substance use. Researchers will assess workforce capacity, measure stress among frontline cleaners, and develop holistic support for vulnerable populations.
The Global Pandemic App Watch tracks the uptake of COVID-19 contact-tracing and exposure-notification apps worldwide. The website offers maps and country pages detailing app adoption, voluntariness, and privacy concerns, shedding light on the socio-ethical dimensions of these technologies.
A uOttawa-led research project aims to examine how primary care providers can offer better healthcare for people living with serious mental illness. The study will analyze the primary health care experience of this population group and identify ways to improve the system.